Biosis Pty Ltd Ballarat Resource Group 506 Macarthur Street Phone: 03 5331 7000 ACN 006 175 097 Ballarat VIC 3350 Fax: 03 5331 7033 ABN 65 006 175 097 Email: [email protected]biosis.com.au Lakes Entrance – Amendment C112 East Gippsland Planning Scheme Paynter Dixon Land - Native Vegetation Statement of Expert Evidence John Douglas Miller Biosis Pty. Ltd. 506 Macarthur Street Ballarat, Victoria 3350 Date of statement: 10/10/2013 1.1 Name and address of the expert John Douglas Miller Biosis Pty. Ltd. 56 Macarthur Street Ballarat 3350 (03) 5331 7000 (office) 0427 871 714 (mobile) [email protected]1.2 Qualifications and experience I am employed by Biosis Pty. Ltd (formerly known as Biosis Research Pty. Ltd.) as a principal botanist within the Ballarat Resource Group. I hold a Masters of Applied Science Degree (University of Ballarat). I have been working as an ecologist for over 35 years. 1.3 Area of expertise I have extensive knowledge and understanding of environmental issues and conservation management with skills in project management, plant identification, monitoring, habitat hectare assessments, condition assessment, mapping, analysis of biodiversity data and targeted searching for rare and threatened species in a wide range of environments. I have excellent plant identification skills and have worked in a range of vegetation communities across Victoria and Western New South Wales. I have extensive experience as a Consultant in natural resource management projects involving stakeholder consultation and interactions between managing authorities. My curriculum vitae is provided in Appendix 1.
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Lakes Entrance – Amendment C112 East Gippsland Planning ... · Detailed flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment: Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria. The original vegetation
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E – Endangered; V – Vulnerable; D – Depleted; LC – Least Concern
Figure 2: Areas of proposed vegetation loss and retention, Ostlers Road, Lakes EntranceBiosis Research Pty. Ltd.38 Bertie Street(PO Box 489)Port MelbourneVICTORIA 3207
DATE: 25 November 2009Checked by: JMLocation: P:\MRG 8300s\8343\Mapping\8343 Figure 2.wor
Flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria
B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Acknowledgements & Abbreviations III
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Biosis Research acknowledges the contribution of the following people and organisations in undertaking this study:
Paynter Dixon • Brent Thompson Department of Sustainability and Environment • Vanessa Stubbs for access to ecological databases
(Atlas of Victorian Wildlife, Flora Information System) • Carmel Henderson (Bairnsdale) for information relating to bioregional status
and EVC occurrence within the study area East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority • Ken Judd Biosis Research Pty. Ltd. • Paul Young and Sally Mitchell for mapping • Victoria Allen for database searches.
ABBREVIATIONS AVW Atlas of Victorian Wildlife (DSE 2007) BA Birds Australia CAMBA China – Australia Migratory Bird Agreement DEWHA Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts DSE Department of Sustainability & Environment EPBC Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 EVC Ecological vegetation class FFG Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Vic.) FIS Flora Information System (DSE 2007) IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature JAMBA Japan – Australia Migratory Bird Agreement sp. Species (one species) spp. Species (more than one species) Biosis Research Pty. Ltd. has completed this assessment in accordance with the relevant federal, state and local legislation and current industry best practice. The company accepts no liability for any damages or loss incurred as a result of reliance placed upon the report content or for any purpose other than that for which it was intended.
Flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria
B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Contents IV
CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ......................................................................................................... III ABBREVIATIONS ..................................................................................................................... III CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................... IV SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................. 6 1.0 INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Project Background................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Objectives................................................................................................................... 1 1.3 Study Area .................................................................................................................. 1
2.0 METHODS ................................................................................................................... 3 2.1 Classification.............................................................................................................. 3 2.2 Literature and Database Review............................................................................... 3 2.3 Site Visits and consultation...................................................................................... 3 2.3.1 Assessment and consultation process ........................................................................ 3 2.3.2 Vegetation Quality Assessment for Net Gain .............................................................. 4 2.4 Qualifications ............................................................................................................. 4 2.5 Defining Significant Species and Communities ..................................................... 5
4.0 ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE ................................................................................ 15 4.1 Significance of the study area................................................................................ 15 4.2 Significant Flora Species ........................................................................................ 15 4.2.1 National significance .................................................................................................. 15 4.2.2 State significance....................................................................................................... 16 4.2.3 Regional significance ................................................................................................. 16 4.3 Significant Vegetation Communities ..................................................................... 16 4.4 Significant Terrestrial Fauna Species.................................................................... 16 4.4.1 National significance .................................................................................................. 17 4.4.2 State significance....................................................................................................... 17 4.4.3 Regional Significance ................................................................................................ 19
5.0 BIODIVERSITY LEGISLATION AND GOVERNMENT POLICY .............................. 20 5.1 Commonwealth ........................................................................................................ 20 5.1.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 ............................. 20
Flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria
B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Contents V
5.2 State .......................................................................................................................... 22 5.2.1 Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 ....................................................................... 22 5.2.2 Planning and Environment Act 1987 ......................................................................... 22 5.2.3 Native Vegetation Management Framework ............................................................. 23 5.2.4 Wildlife Act 1975 and associated Regulations........................................................... 24 5.2.5 East Gippsland CMA Native Vegetation Plan............................................................ 24 5.3 Local.......................................................................................................................... 25 5.3.1 Local Government Planning Scheme (East Gippsland Shire)................................... 25
6.0 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND NET GAIN IMPLICATIONS ................. 26 6.1 Proposed Development Layout .............................................................................. 26 6.2 Net Gain Implications .............................................................................................. 26 6.2.1 Net Gain Principles .................................................................................................... 26 6.2.2 Assessing loss of native vegetation........................................................................... 27 6.2.3 Net Gains available on-site ........................................................................................ 28 6.2.4 Offset Management Plan ........................................................................................... 30
1 Location of the study area ...................................................................................... 66 2 Ecological features of the study area .................................................................... 67
Flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria
B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Summary 6
SUMMARY Biosis Research Pty. Ltd. was commissioned by Paynter Dixon to undertake a flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of an area of land on the corner of Ostlers Road and Colquhoun Road, Lakes Entrance, proposed for residential development. The site is located in a rural area approximately three kilometres north of the Lakes Entrance town centre.
Flora and Fauna
The original vegetation of approximately half of the study area has been almost entirely cleared, however remnants of four Ecological Vegetation Classes remain on the site: Limestone Box forest, Lowland Forest, Swamp Scrub and Lowland Herb-rich Forest.
The areas that support native vegetation are in generally good condition, although there are few large trees as a result of harvesting for firewood and other purposes.
Four fauna habitat types occur within the study area: forest, swamp scrub, dam and pasture.
No flora or fauna of national conservation significance were recorded within the study area and it is unlikely that any of the predicted species would occur. One flora species of state conservation significance, Coast Grey-box, was recorded.
Government legislation and policy
Development of the site is unlikely to trigger the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
The removal of native vegetation will require a permit from East Gippsland Shire Council under the Victorian Planning and Environment Act 1987 and referral to the Department of Sustainability and Environment will be required.
Removal of native vegetation is subject to state and local planning controls including the Native Vegetation Framework (Net Gain policy).
Under the current development proposal layout (as per Drawing supplied by Collie Pty Ltd in November 2009), 8.22 hectares of native vegetation is proposed to be cleared, which is equivalent to 4.53 habitat hectares, plus the loss of a single scattered Large Old Tree.
All of the required offsets, except for 0.51 habitat hectares of Lowland Forest EVC, could be achieved on-site through the appropriate management of the retained vegetation. It may also be possible, through the realignment or
Flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria
B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Summary 7
modification of some internal roads, to achieve all of the required offsets on-site.
It is assumed that, as Lowland Forest is Least Concern within the Bioregion, that any off-site offsets would be available and the offsets would be achievable.
Flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria
B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Introduction 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Project Background
Biosis Research Pty. Ltd. was commissioned by Paynter Dixon to undertake a flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of an area of land on the corner of Ostlers Road and Colquhoun Road, Lakes Entrance, proposed for possible residential development. The site is located in a rural zone approximately three kilometres north of the Lakes Entrance town centre (Figure 1).
1.2 Objectives
The objectives of this investigation are to:
• Describe the vascular flora, terrestrial vertebrate fauna and habitat values of the land.
• Undertake a vegetation quality assessment of existing EVCs within the study area.
• Evaluate the conservation significance of the study area.
• Assess any potential impacts of development on the terrestrial environment.
• Undertake a Net Gain assessment based on the proposed development plans for the site
• Recommend any further assessments of the site that may be required such as targeted searches for significant species.
1.3 Study Area
The study area is located approximately three kilometres north of the Lakes Entrance town centre (Figure 1).
The study area is on private land and is bounded by other private land. Ostlers Road fronts the site to the north and Colquhoun Road to the east (Figure 2).
The study area supports areas of native forest vegetation over predominantly native understorey species, and cleared areas consisting of a mixture of native and introduced understorey species.
The study area is within the East Gippsland Lowlands Bioregion (Carmel Henderson, Biodiversity Officer, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Bairnsdale, pers. comm.) but situated on the boundary of the Gippsland Plains Bioregion (Department of Primary Industries, Victorian Resources online:
Flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria
B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Introduction 2
www.dpi.vic.gov.au/dpi/vro/). As a result characteristics of both Bioregions are present within the site.
Flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria
B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Methods 3
2.0 METHODS
2.1 Classification
Common and scientific names for flora and fauna follow the Flora Information System (FIS 2007 version) and the Atlas of Victorian Wildlife (AVW 2007 version) of the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE
Classification of native vegetation in Victoria follows a typology in which ecological vegetation classes (EVCs) are the primary level of classification. An EVC contains one or more plant (floristic) communities, and represents a grouping of broadly similar environments. Vegetation community names follow the typology of vegetation in Victoria developed by DSE (http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/dse/nrence.nsf/).
2.2 Literature and Database Review
Information in the FIS and AVW databases was reviewed and a search of the Birds Australia database (1998–2008) was undertaken. The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) online database for the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool, hereafter referred to as the DEWHA database) was searched. The 1750 and 2005 EVCs present within the study area and their bioregional conservation status was reviewed (DSE web site: http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/dse/nrence.nsf/).
2.3 Site Visits and consultation
2.3.1 Assessment and consultation process
The preliminary flora, fauna and vegetation assessment took place on 24 and 25 September 2008.
A site inspection with Ms Carmel Henderson, DSE Bairnsdale, was undertaken on 14 November 2008 to confirm the bioregion in which the study area is located, the identity of the Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs) across the site and discuss the flora and fauna issues that may constrain the development of the site.
The detailed mapping and vegetation quality assessments were undertaken on 1-3 December 2008. Assessment was concentrated in areas that support native vegetation and other areas with potential to support threatened species.
Flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria
B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Methods 4
Detailed assessment and data collection was not undertaken in highly altered sections of the subject land that contain few native species. General observations were made on the vegetation and fauna habitat of the study area. Lists of flora and incidental terrestrial fauna observations were compiled. Remnant trees were assessed for their habitat and ecological value. The overall site condition and conservation significance of the study area was also documented.
One FIS plant species list (U41045) and nine vegetation quadrats (O4902300 – O4903100) were collected and will be submitted to the Flora Information System (FIS). Fauna records will be submitted to the Atlas of Victorian Wildlife (AVW).
Subsequent to the field assessments a meeting was held with Ms Carmel Henderson, DSE Bairnsdale on 10 February 20009 to further discuss the proposed development.
2.3.2 Vegetation Quality Assessment for Net Gain
Vegetation quality is assessed using a standard method contained in a manual published by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE 2004). A summary of this method is provided in Appendix 1. Vegetation quality assessments contribute to the assessment of a development project against the Net Gain policy, as contained in Victoria’s Native Vegetation Framework (NRE 2002).
A Net Gain quality assessment for the whole site was conducted to determine the conservation significance of the vegetation. Indigenous canopy trees were also assessed in accordance with the Native Vegetation Framework.
2.4 Qualifications
The study effort, combined with information available from other sources, is considered suitable to assess the terrestrial ecological values of the site. As a result, there is no significant limitation to the study. However, the following qualifications apply:
• The present assessment includes only vascular flora (ferns, conifers and flowering plants), terrestrial vertebrate fauna (birds, mammals, reptiles, frogs,). Non-vascular flora (e.g. mosses, liverworts) were not recorded apart from their cover in net gain assessment of ‘patch’ vegetation. Ecological surveys and assessments provide a sampling of the flora and fauna at a given time and season and some additional species that we did not detect may occur on the site.
Flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria
B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Methods 5
• The Flora Information System (FIS) and the Atlas of Victorian Wildlife (AVW) databases currently provide data recorded up to June 2007. Data submitted since that time is not available.
• Marine fauna species (e.g. pelagic birds, marine mammals) recorded within the 5 kilometre AVW search have not been included as they are not relevant to the study area.
• Mapping is conducted using hand-held (uncorrected) GPS units and aerial photo interpretation. The accuracy of this mapping is therefore subject to the accuracy of the GPS units (generally ± 7 metres) and dependent on the limitations of aerial photo rectification and registration. As such, these points should not be relied on for design purposes.
• The study area was being grazed at the time of assessment, making identification of some flora species difficult due to lack of material for identification.
2.5 Defining Significant Species and Communities
A number of categories and criteria are formally applied to assess the ecological significance of flora and fauna and sites supporting flora and fauna. The definition and application of the criteria are detailed in Appendix 2.
Flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria
B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Results 6
3.0 RESULTS
3.1 Flora
3.1.1 Species
Records during present assessment
A total of 137 indigenous and 48 introduced plant species was recorded from the study area (Appendix 3). Planted species have not been recorded unless they are spreading (naturalised).
Database records
There are no flora data for the study areas on the FIS.
The DSE Flora Information System contains records of 462 flora species from within 5 km of the study area, some of which may occur within the study area in addition to those recorded in the current assessment.
The DEWHA database predicts the occurrence of, or suitable habitat for two listed flora species within 5 km of the study area. It is possible that both of these species may occur in the study area (Appendix 3).
3.1.2 Ecological Vegetation Classes
DSE mapping of pre-1750 vegetation, which describes the majority of the study area as being within the Gippsland Plain Bioregion, models the entire study area as previously supporting Plains Grassy Forest EVC with a small area of Lowland Forest EVC. The DSE 2005 EVC vegetation mapping indicates that a large portion of the study area supports Plains Grassy Forest with a small area of Lowland Forest EVC and the remainder not supporting an EVC.
The current assessment, however, found that the study area is within the East Gippsland Lowlands Bioregion (Carmel Henderson pers. comm.) and supports Limestone Box Forest, Lowland Forest, Lowland Herb-rich Forest with a smaller area of Swamp Scrub and areas of degraded treeless vegetation (Figure 2).
The characteristics of the vegetation within the study areas are:
Flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria
B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Results 7
Limestone Box Forest EVC 15
Limestone Box Forest within the study area is dominated by a mixture of eucalypt species including Coast Grey Box Eucalyptus bosistoana, Blue Box Eucalyptus baueriana and Red Ironbark Eucalyptus tricarpa. The understorey is comprised of a sparse and open shrub layer of Shiny Cassinia Cassinia longifolia with occasional Black Wattle Acacia mearnsi and Snowy Daisy-bush Olearia lirata over a grassy and herbaceous later typically comprised of Spiny-headed Mat-rush Lomandra longifolia, Variable Sword-sedge Lepidosperma laterale, Thatch Saw-sedge Gahnia radula and a sparse native grasses such as Weeping Grass Microlaena stipoides. The areas of Limestone Box Forest have been heavily grazed and browsed by cattle and deer with most of the Spiny-headed Mat-rush and Variable Sword-sedge being eaten down. Weeds are common in particular Panic Veldt-grass Ehrharta erecta var. erecta and African Box-thorn Lycium ferocissimum.
The distribution of Limestone Box Forest is shown in Figure 2.
Lowland Forest EVC 16
The Lowland Forest within the study area is dominated by White Stringybark Eucalyptus globoidea with Mountain Grey-gum Eucalyptus cypellocarpa also common. The understorey is dominated by a generally dense cover of Austral Bracken Pteridium esculentum with the majority of the small herbaceous species such as Germander Raspwort Gonocarpus teucrioides s.s., Twining Glycine Glycine clandestina, Broad-leaf Stinkweed Opercularia ovata and Small Poranthera Poranthera microphylla s.s. plus grasses such as Forest Wire-grass Tetrarrhena juncea and Grey Tussock-grass Poa sieberiana confined to more open patches where the Austral Bracken is less dense. Weeds are uncommon although Flatweed Hypochoeris radicata is present throughout.
The distribution of Lowland Forest is shown in Figure 2.
Swamp Scrub EVC 53
Swamp Scrub within the study area is confined to a small soak near the southern boundary. The Swamp Scrub is characterised by Swamp Paperbark Melaleuca ericifolia, Golden Spray Viminaria juncea and Prickly Tea-tree Leptospermum continentale on the drier margins of the EVC. The ground layer includes ferns such as Soft Water-fern Blechnum minus and Scrambling Coral-fern Gleichenia microphylla and herb species such as Centella Centella cordifolia, Water-ribbons, Triglochin striata and rushes and sedges including Soft Twig-sedge Baumea rubiginosa, Broad-leaf Rush Juncus planifolius and Common Bog-sedge Schoenus apogon. The patch is very weedy with Blackberry Rubus
Flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria
B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Results 8
fruitcosus and herbaceous species such as Hairy Hawkbit Leontodon taraxacoides subsp. taraxacoides and Greater Bird's-foot Trefoil Lotus uliginosus very common.
The distribution of Swamp Scrub is shown in Figure 2.
Lowland Herb-rich Forest EVC 877
The Lowland Herb-rich Forest within the study area is dominated by a mixture of Mountain Grey-gum Eucalyptus cypellocarpa, White Stringybark Eucalyptus globoidea and Red Box Eucalyptus polyanthemos over an open understorey and diverse herb layer. Shrubs such as Shiny Cassinia Cassinia longifolia and Black Wattle Acacia mearnsi are scattered throughout but the main feature of the EVC is the diverse ground layer of herbs such as Creeping Bossiaea Bossiaea prostrata, Kidney-weed Dichondra repens, Stinking Pennywort Hydrocotyle laxiflora, Small St John’s Wort Hypericum gramineum, Nodding Blue-lily Stypandra glauca, Austral Bear's-ear Cymbonotus preissianus and Australian Hound's-tongue Cynoglossum australe and a suite of native grasses including Weeping Grass Microlaena stipoides, Grey Tussock-grass Poa sieberiana, Silvertop Wallaby-grass Joycea pallida and occasional Kangaroo Grass Themeda triandra.
The distribution of Lowland Herb-rich Forest is shown in Figure 2.
Degraded Treeless Vegetation
The cleared areas in the north and south of the study area support degraded treeless vegetation (DTV) and are dominated by introduced grasses such as Kikuyu Pennisetum clandestinum, Sweet Vernal-grass Anthoxanthum ordoratum, Rat-tail Grass Sporobolus africanus, Cocksfoot Dactylis glomerata and Paspalum Paspalum dilatatum and a range of introduced herbaceous species such as Flat Weed Hypochoeris radicata and Ribwort Plantago lanceolata. There are some areas within the northern paddock that support the native Weeping Grass Microlaena stipoides but only in small isolated patches and were not deemed to represent native vegetation. The southern cleared paddock is also dominated by a similar suite of introduced species and also includes scattered Blackberry clumps. A few scattered native shrub species and areas of Austral Bracken Pteridium esculentum are present within the cleared area but do not attain a cover of 25% so it was considered that the southern paddock was also DTV.
The distribution of DTV vegetation is shown in Figure 2.
Flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria
B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Results 9
3.1.3 Condition of Native Vegetation
The condition of native vegetation within the forested portions of the study area is generally good with a diverse understorey, although the number of large trees is reduced through cutting for firewood. The isolated patch of Limestone Box Forest in the north east of the site and the small patch of Swamp Scrub are in fair condition with a range of native species but a high cover of weeds. The treeless areas in the northern and southern portions of the site are in poor condition due to a history of clearing and grazing although some small areas of native grasses and some shrubs remain.
3.2 Vegetation Quality Assessment
A vegetation quality assessment was undertaken within the patches of EVCs (Table 1). The location of the assessment sites is shown in Figure 2.
The EVC benchmarks are provided in Appendix 4.
3.2.1 Vegetation in Patches
Eight vegetation quality zones (or polygons) were identified within the patches of native vegetation (Figure 2). Assessment criteria and scores, and the overall habitat score, are in Table 1.
Large Old Trees, as defined by the relevant EVC benchmark, are counted and their density within each vegetation quality zone is calculated. This contributes to the habitat score and also is used to calculate tree offsets.
Flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria
B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Results 10
Table 1: Quantification of native vegetation within the study area.
Polygon Number Score out of 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 EVC – Quality Zone number SS-QZ1 SS-QZ2 SS-QZ3 LBF-QZ1 LBF-QZ2 LBF-QZ3 LF-QZ1 LH-rF-QZ1 EVC number 53 53 53 15 15 15 16 877
Large Old Trees 10 NA NA NA 0 0 2 2 0 Canopy Cover 5 2 0 0 4 4 4 4 4 Lack of Weeds 15 4 4 0 9 11 4 11 9 Understorey 25 10 5 5 10 15 5 15 15 Recruitment 10 6 1 1 3 3 1 3 6 Organic Matter 5 4 2 2 3 3 2 5 5
Other Site Attribute Rating N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Con
serv
atio
n Si
gnifi
canc
e
Overall Conservation Significance High High High High Very High Medium Medium High
EGL = East Gippsland Lowlands; SS = Swamp Scrub; LBF = Limestone Box Forest; LF = Lowland Forest; LH-rF = Lowland Herb-rich Forest End = Endangered; Vul = Vulnerable; LC = Least Concern; D = Depleted
Flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria
B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Results 11
Conservation significance
The conservation significance was assessed using the criteria in the assessment manual (DSE 2004), and is given in Table 1.
The conservation significance of the vegetation is defined by the conservation status of the EVC within the East Gippsland Lowlands Bioregion and the habitat score of the vegetation as shown below:
Conservation status Conservation significance
Endangered Very High – score ≥ 0.4 High – score < 0.4
Vulnerable Very High – score ≥ 0.5 High – score 0.3 – 0.5 Medium – score < 0.3
Depleted High – score ≥ 0.6 Medium – score < 0.3 – 0.6 Low - <0.3
Least Concern Medium – score ≥ 0.6 Low – score < 0.6
The presence of threatened species or habitat for such species is also a factor that may result in very high conservation significance. No threatened species were recorded within the study area and it is unlikely that the site provides important habitat for any threatened species.
Response to an application to clear
The Responsible Authority response to an application to clear for all conservation significance categories is ‘clearing not permitted’. In the case of vegetation with ‘very high’ conservation significance, the response is more restricted and clearing not permitted unless exceptional circumstances apply (i.e. impacts are an unavoidable part of a development project, with approval of the Minister for Sustainability and Environment based on considerations of environmental, social and economic values from a state-wide perspective)’ (NRE 2002).
3.2.2 Scattered Trees
One long-dead scattered tree (55cm diameter at breast height) is present within the southern paddock area (Figure 2). It is assumed that this tree was derived from Lowland Forest so would have Low conservation significance and would
Flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria
B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Results 12
therefore, if lost, require offsetting with the recruitment of five new trees.
All other trees within the site are contained within patches.
3.2.3 Conclusion
The conservation significance of the native vegetation within the study area ranges from ‘very high’ within the Limestone Box Forest QZ2 (two patches), to ‘high’ for the patches of Swamp Scrub, Lowland Herb-rich Forest and Limestone Box Forest QZ1 and Medium for the isolated patch of Limestone Box Forest and the patch of Lowland Forest.
Flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria
B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Results 13
3.3 Terrestrial Fauna
3.3.1 Species
Records from the study area
A total of 36 indigenous terrestrial fauna species (two mammals, 29 birds, four reptiles and one frog) and four introduced fauna species (two mammals and two birds) is recorded from the study area. These data include all previous records from the study area (Appendix 5).
Database records
There are ten records of terrestrial fauna species from Colquhoun Road adjacent the study area in the DSE Atlas of Victorian Wildlife.
The AVW contains records of 247 vertebrate terrestrial fauna species from the local area: 205 birds (194 native), 26 mammals (21 native), 12 reptiles (all native) and five frogs (all native). The Birds Australia database contains records of 158 species of birds (151 native).
The DEWHA database lists 28 terrestrial fauna species whose geographic range includes the study area. Of these species, 13 (five mammals, four birds, four frogs) are listed as threatened and 17 bird species are listed under the migratory provisions of the EPBC Act, as discussed in Section 4.5.
Some of the species listed on the databases may inhabit, or visit the study area. However, the study area is modified and does not have suitable habitat for many of the species listed on these databases.
3.3.2 Terrestrial Habitats
Four terrestrial fauna habitats occur within the study area:
Forest
A large patch of forest extends across the study area. In general the eucalypts are of medium size with larger trees in the eastern section. At present, few trees contain visible hollows, however when flowering, these eucalypts provide a source of food for a range of nectarivorous birds. Native ground dwelling mammals (e.g. Bush Rat Rattus fuscipes and Agile Antechinus Antechinus agilis), reptiles (e.g. Tiger Snake Notechis scutatus and Garden Skink Lampropholis guichenoti), bats and owls would also be expected to use habitat
Flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria
B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Results 14
resources within the study area.
The understorey is mostly absent and there is a dense ground layer of leaf litter and course woody debris, which becomes sparser in the west. Several large wood piles have been created within the forested areas and these provide habitat for Tree Dragon Amphibolurus muricatus and Yellow-bellied Water Skink Eulamprus heatwolei, both of which were recorded during the present assessment.
Swamp Scrub
A small patch of swamp scrub is located within a moist depression in the south-east corner of the study area. Although most of the area is ‘pugged’ by cattle, small shallow pools were present at the time of the assessment and Common Froglet Crinia signifera was heard calling. The small patch provides limited habitat and is likely to be mostly utilised by common species of snakes and fogs.
Dam
A farm dam is located in the northern section of the study area. The dam has been degraded by stock access and does not contain fringing or emergent vegetation. It provides marginal habitat for common species of frogs and ducks.
Pasture
The north-west and southern sections of the study area consist of grazed pasture. Pasture is of limited value for most native fauna species. Some open country species such as Australian Magpie, Richard’s Pipit and robins may use this resource.
Flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria
B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Ecological Significance 15
4.0 ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE The following section discusses the terrestrial ecological significance of the site and species within a local, regional, state and national context. The criteria for these significance levels are outlined in Appendix 2. Note that this assessment is independent from 'conservation significance' as defined in the Native Vegetation Management Framework (Section 3). The Framework assessment (low, medium, high, very high) applies at the bioregional level.
4.1 Significance of the study area
The majority of the study area supports native vegetation in generally good condition. The northern and southern areas support DTV and have negligible significance for nature conservation due to the substantial modification of the original vegetation and habitats.
On the basis of the available flora and terrestrial fauna information, the native vegetation within the study area has regional significance for biodiversity. It makes a contribution to biodiversity in the East Gippsland Lowlands Bioregion.
Known biodiversity values of the study area are mapped in Figure 2 and discussed further below.
4.2 Significant Flora Species
Significant flora species recorded during the present assessment, recorded in the local area (FIS) or predicted to occur in the local area (DEWHA database) are discussed in the following section and listed in Appendix 3. Significant species are defined in Appendix 2.
4.2.1 National significance
No species of national significance are recorded from the study area.
Database records
The FIS database contains records of three species of national conservation significance from within 5 km (Appendix 3). There is suitable habitat for this species within the study area.
The DEWHA database predicts the occurrence of, or suitable habitat for, two orchid species listed under the EPBC Act. There is suitable habitat for both of these species within the study area (Appendix 3).
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B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Ecological Significance 16
4.2.2 State significance
No species of State significance are recorded from the study area.
Database records
The FIS database contains records of seventeen additional species of state conservation significance from the local area (within 5 km). There is apparently suitable habitat for all of these species within the study area so some may occur.
4.2.3 Regional significance
Twenty five recorded species have regional significance within the East Gippsland Lowlands bioregion (Appendix 3).
4.3 Significant Vegetation Communities
The conservation status of EVCs within the study area in the East Gippsland Lowlands bioregions are as follows:
Table 2. Conservation status of EVCs in the East Gippsland Lowlands bioregion
EVC Conservation status in East Gippsland Lowlands bioregion
Limestone Box Forest Vulnerable
Lowland Forest Least Concern
Lowland Herb-rich Forest Depleted
Swamp Scrub Endangered
4.4 Significant Terrestrial Fauna Species
Significant terrestrial fauna species recorded during the present assessment, recorded in the local area (AVW and/or BA database) or predicted to occur in the local area (DEWHA database) are discussed in the following section and listed in Appendix 5. Species listed under migratory and marine provisions of the EPBC
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B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Ecological Significance 17
Act are addressed in Section 5.
4.4.1 National significance
Species of national significance are discussed in this section. Those species listed under the EPBC Act are further summarised in Section 5 and the status of all nationally significant species is given in Table A.5.2 in Appendix 5.
Records from the study area
No fauna species of national significance were recorded within the study area during the present assessment.
Database records
Eight fauna species of national significance are recorded from the local area in the AVW and/or BA database. Two of these species have potential to occur in the study area. These are:
EPBC Act listed species
• Southern Brown Bandicoot Isoodon obesulus obesulus occur in dry heath, shrubland, heathy forest and woodland, usually associated with well drained soils. The species has also been recorded utilising rank pasture on occasions. A consistent feature of all these habitats is a dense ground layer of vegetation, which provides adequate protection and nesting sites. The study area contains potential habitat for this species despite being relatively small in area and isolated from larger surrounding patches of habitat.
• Long-nosed Potoroo Potorous tridactylus inhabit dry and wet sclerophyll forests and coastal heaths. They generally require a dense understorey of grass-trees, sedges, ferns or heath, with occasional open areas for foraging. Sandy loam soils are a common habitat feature for this species. The forested area of the study area provides marginal habitat for the Long-nosed Potoroo.
An additional seven threatened fauna species listed under the EPBC Act on the DEWHA database are predicted to occur, or their habitat is predicted to occur, within five kilometres of the study area (Appendix 5). The study area does not contain suitable habitat for any of these species.
4.4.2 State significance
The status of all state significant species is given in Table A.5.2 in Appendix 5.
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B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Ecological Significance 18
Records from the study area
No state significant fauna species were recorded in the study area during the present assessment.
Database records
Twenty-three species of state conservation significance are recorded from the local area in the AVW and/or BA database (Appendix 5). Five of these species have potential to occur within the study area. These are:
• White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster is most commonly recorded along or near coastal areas in eastern Victoria and along large inland waterways, such as the Murray River. Individuals may fly or forage over the site on occasions
• Powerful Owl Ninox strenua occurs in tall open sclerophyll forest and woodlands, requiring large, hollow-bearing eucalypts for breeding. Although it prefers large tracts of continuous forest, it will sometimes occur in more fragmented landscapes and is occasionally recorded in parklands and adjoining suburban areas. Powerful Owl may visit the study area on occasions, however it does not providing important roosting habitat required by this species.
• Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae mainly inhabit open forest and woodland where there are tall or dense mature trees that provide suitable hollows in which they use for nesting and roosting. Masked Owls can often be recorded in forests and woodlands surrounded by farmland and will often utilise open country areas for hunting. Habitat within the study area may occasionally be used by this species for foraging and roosting activities but is unlikely to provide limiting resources for the Masked Owl.
• Eastern Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus megaphyllus is a cave roosting species that is capable of travelling long distances to forage in forested areas. The study area does not contain suitable roost sites for this species and therefore does not provide limiting resources.
• Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat Saccolaimus flaviventris. There are limited records of this species in Victoria and there is speculation that it is an autumn migrant to southern Australia. It appears to be found in a range of habitats and depends on tree hollows for roosting. Although there is limited information available on this species, it may forage over the study area and some of the small hollows may provide occasional roosts.
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B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Ecological Significance 19
4.4.3 Regional Significance
Species of regional significance include those species that are:
• listed as near threatened in the Advisory List of the Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria - 2007 (DSE 2007b).
Records from the study area
No regionally significant fauna species were recorded in the study area during the present assessment.
Database records
Ten species of regional conservation significance are recorded from the local area in the AVW Database (Appendix 5).
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B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Legislation and Government Policy 20
5.0 BIODIVERSITY LEGISLATION AND GOVERNMENT POLICY Biodiversity legislation and government policy that is potentially relevant to the proposed development is discussed below.
5.1 Commonwealth
5.1.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) applies to developments and associated activities that have the potential to significantly impact on matters protected under the Act.
Under the Act, unless exempt, actions require approval from the Australian Government Minister for Environment, Heritage and the Arts (the Minister) if they are likely to significantly impact on a ‘matter of national environmental significance’. There are currently seven matters of national environmental significance (NES):
• World Heritage properties; • National Heritage places; • nationally listed threatened species and ecological communities; • listed migratory species; • Ramsar wetlands of international importance; • Commonwealth marine areas; and • nuclear actions (including uranium mining).
Any person proposing to take an action that may, or will, have a significant impact on a matter of national environmental significance must refer the action to the Minister for determination as to whether the action is a ‘controlled action’ or is not approved. ‘Significant impacts’ are defined in EPBC Act Policy Statement 1.1 Significant Impact Guidelines: Matters of National Environmental Significance (DEH 2006).
NES matters relevant to the proposal
There are three matters of national significance that are of relevance to the proposed development:
• listed threatened species and ecological communities;
• listed migratory species; and
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B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Legislation and Government Policy 21
• wetlands of international importance (Ramsar sites).
These are summarised below.
Listed threatened species and/or ecological communities
Ecological communities: No listed ecological communities occur within the study area.
Listed flora species: Flora species listed under the Act are discussed in Section 4.1 and listed in Appendix 3. In summary, no listed species were recorded in the study area however there is suitable habitat for two predicted listed orchid species.
Listed fauna species: Fauna species listed under the Act are discussed in Section 4.3 and listed in Appendix 5. In summary, no listed species were recorded in the study area. There is potential habitat for Southern Brown Bandicoot and Long-nosed Potoroo within the study area.
Listed migratory species
The list of migratory species under the EPBC Act is a compilation of species listed under four international conventions: China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA), Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA), Republic of Korea-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (ROKAMBA) and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention).
Species listed under the ‘migratory’ provisions of the EPBC Act are listed in Appendix 5 and summarised below:
• No species was recorded during the present assessment.
• Twenty species (terrestrial) are recorded from the local area (AVW and/or BA database).
• Three additional species (terrestrial) are predicted to occur, or their habitat is predicted to occur, within 5 km of the study area (DEWHA database).
While some of these species may use the study area on occasions, it does not provide important or limiting habitat for an ecologically significant proportion of any of these species.
Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar sites)
The study area is identified by the DEWHA database as being within the catchment of three Wetlands of International Significance (Ramsar sites):
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B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Legislation and Government Policy 22
Corner Inlet, Gippsland Lakes and Western Port. The study area drains into the Gippsland Lakes which would need to be considered in any development of the site. The site does not drain into either Corner Inlet or Western Port so development of the site would not impact on either of these Ramsar wetlands.
Implications for the proposal
The proposed development is considered unlikely to significantly impact on any terrestrial matters of national environmental significance however, if the site is developed, its impact on the Gippsland Lakes Ramsar site would need to be considered.
5.2 State
5.2.1 Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988
The primary legislation dealing with biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of native flora and fauna in Victoria is the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act).
In most circumstances a permit is required from DSE to 'take' listed flora species, flora species that are members of listed communities or protected flora from public land. Most native vegetation contains some protected flora species. A permit is also required to 'take' listed fish species from public land.
Implications for the proposal
The land is privately owned and is not declared ‘critical habitat’. Therefore a permit to ‘take’ listed flora species is not required under the FFG Act.
5.2.2 Planning and Environment Act 1987
A planning permit is required under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation on a property of more than 0.4 hectares with exceptions given in Clause 52.17 of the local planning scheme.
The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) is a mandatory referral authority in some circumstances involving native vegetation removal. Under Clause 66.02 of the planning scheme, the removal of more than 0.5 hectares of endangered, vulnerable or rare vegetation types or 1.0 hectare of a depleted or least concern vegetation type must be referred to the Department. DSE is also a referral authority if the removal of more than 5 trees of greater than 40 cm DBH
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B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Legislation and Government Policy 23
or more than 15 trees of less than 40 cm DBH is proposed.
Implications for the proposal
A planning permit is required from East Gippsland Shire Council to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation unless the proposal is exempt as set out in Clause 52.17, and/or within any other provision of the planning scheme that requires a permit to remove or destroy the vegetation (DSE 2007a).
Referral to DSE would be required as more than 0.5 hectares of endangered or vulnerable vegetation and more than 1.0 hectares of a depleted or least concern vegetation types are proposed for removal under the current development design.
5.2.3 Native Vegetation Management Framework
The Native Vegetation Management Framework (the Framework) is State Government policy for the protection, enhancement and revegetation of native vegetation in Victoria (NRE 2002). Native vegetation provisions were introduced to all planning schemes in 1989 and the Framework was incorporated into the Victoria Planning Provisions in 2003. The primary goal of the Framework is:
a reversal, across the whole landscape, of the long-term decline in the extent and quality of native vegetation, leading to a Net Gain (NRE 2002).
In association with the regional Native Vegetation Plans, the Framework provides decision-making tools for native vegetation management.
Where an application is made to remove native vegetation, a proponent for a development must explain the steps that have been taken to:
• Avoid the removal of native vegetation, where possible. • Minimise the removal of native vegetation. • Appropriately offset the loss of native vegetation, if required.
A proponent for a development must demonstrate that the option to avoid and minimise vegetation clearance has been fully explored before considering offsets.
An offset may be achieved by improvements in the quality or extent of native vegetation in a selected ‘offset area’, either within a project area or off-site. An area that is revegetated and protected or set aside for natural regeneration may provide some, or all, of the required offset. The conservation significance of vegetation to be removed is also taken into account when offsets are determined.
In the event that a permit is granted for removal of some or all of the existing
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B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Legislation and Government Policy 24
vegetation offsets will be required.
Implications for the proposal
All native vegetation within the study area is subject to Net Gain policy. Paynter Dixon has incorporated the results of the assessments into design works in an attempt to avoid or minimise the losses of as much native vegetation as possible.
An assessment of the proposed development against the Net Gain 3-step process is discussed in Section 6.
5.2.4 Wildlife Act 1975 and associated Regulations
The Wildlife Act 1975 is the primary legislation in Victoria providing for protection and management of wildlife. For the purposes of the Act, wildlife means indigenous vertebrate species (except those declared as pest animals), invertebrate species listed under the FFG Act, and some introduced game species.
The Wildlife Regulations 2002 of the Act prescribe penalties for the purposes of the Wildlife Act. These include penalties for persons who wilfully damage, disturb or destroy any wildlife habitat without appropriate authorisation (Section 9 of the Wildlife Regulations 2002). Authorisation for habitat removal may be obtained under the Wildlife Act; through a licence granted under the Forests Act 1958; or under any other Act.
Authorisation to destroy or possess wildlife may be required under Sections 41– 47 of the Wildlife Act 1975. Permits under the Act may be needed where it is expected that wildlife will need to be destroyed or moved.
Implications for the proposal
A permit will be required for removal of habitat at the site. It may be that removal of habitat will be covered by a permit to remove native vegetation therefore a separate permit under the Wildlife Act would not be required.
5.2.5 East Gippsland CMA Native Vegetation Plan
At this stage, there is no published Native Vegetation Plan for the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (Ken Judd, Project Manager - Operations, pers. comm.).
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5.3 Local
5.3.1 Local Government Planning Scheme (East Gippsland Shire)
A Vegetation Protection Overlay (VPO1) extends along both Colquhoun and Ostlers Roads and extends approximately 40m into the study area where it is adjacent to those roads. There are no other Environmental Significance Overlays or Significant Landscape Overlays covering the study area (http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/planningschemes/).
Implications for the proposal
A permit to remove native vegetation will be required.
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B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Constraints, Opportunities and Mitigation 26
6.0 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND NET GAIN IMPLICATIONS The flora and terrestrial fauna values of the cleared sections of the study area are low and therefore development within these areas is unlikely to have significant flora or fauna impacts. The areas of greatest ecological value are the areas of ‘very high’ and ‘high’ conservation significance vegetation, as identified in Figure 2. As a result there are opportunities to develop the currently cleared areas and minimise development within the vegetated areas.
6.1 Proposed Development Layout
The currently proposed layout of the development, shown in Figure 2, was provided by Collie Pty Ltd on 23 November 2009.
The majority of the development area is located on the cleared paddocks which support degraded treeless vegetation. However, it is proposed to develop some areas that support native vegetation for both residential lots and access roads.
6.2 Net Gain Implications
6.2.1 Net Gain Principles
The primary mechanism for mitigating ecological impacts is through adherence to Net Gain policy.
The 3-step process to achieving Net Gain should be followed: (1) first attempt to avoid any native vegetation loss, (2) minimise any unavoidable loss of native vegetation, and (3) offset any native vegetation losses.
Step 1: Avoid
The loss of the majority of the native vegetation across the site has been avoided through the siting of the residential areas predominantly on the already cleared paddocks.
Step 2: Minimise
The loss of native vegetation has been minimised through restricting the majority of the development to the already cleared areas and areas of lower conservation significance vegetation.
Step 3: Offset
Unavoidable vegetation losses will be offset in accordance with Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management – A Framework for Action or Net Gain policy (NRE
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B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Constraints, Opportunities and Mitigation 27
2002).
6.2.2 Assessing loss of native vegetation
Impacts on native vegetation were assessed in accordance with the concept design provided by Collie Pty Ltd on 23 November 2009 and the vegetation mapping and quality assessment undertaken in the current study (Figure 2).
Patches of native vegetation
The current design proposal will result in the loss of 4.53 habitat hectares of native vegetation (Table 3Table 3) and one scattered Large Old Tree.
Table 3: Impacts to vegetation patches
Habitat Zone SS-QZ1
SS-QZ2
SS-QZ3
LBF-QZ1
LBF-QZ2
LBF-QZ3
LF-QZ1 LH-rF-QZ1
Total
EVC Swamp Scrub
Swamp Scrub
Swamp Scrub
Limestone Box Forest
Limestone Box Forest
Limestone Box Forest
Lowland Forest
Lowland Herb-rich
Forest
Area to be cleared (ha)
0.17 0.32 0.18 0.19 0.04 0.60 6.65 0.07 8.22
Habitat score 0.36 0.20 0.15 0.49 0.57 0.29 0.61 0.60 Habitat hectares to be cleared:
The current design proposal will result in the loss of one scattered Large Old Tree.
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B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Constraints, Opportunities and Mitigation 28
6.2.3 Net Gains available on-site
Net Gains can be achieved through the management of the vegetation that will be retained on the site (Table 4).
Table 4: Net Gains potentially available on-site
EVC name Habitat zone
Current score
Area available (ha)
Conservation significance
Potential gains
Required gains
Difference
Swamp scrub
SS-QZ1 0.36 Nil High Nil 0.10 -0.10
Swamp scrub
SS-QZ2 0.20 Nil High Nil 0.11 -0.11
Swamp scrub
SS-QZ3 0.15 Nil High Nil 0.05 -0.05
Limestone Box Forest
LBF-QZ1 0.49 1.28 High 0.34 0.12 +0.34
Limestone Box Forest
LBF-QZ2 0.57 1.03 Very High 0.48 0.05 +0.48
Limestone Box Forest
LBF-QZ3 0.29 0.68 Medium Nil 0.17 -0.17
Lowland Forest
LF-QZ1 0.61 6.69 Medium 1.77 4.06 -2.29
Lowland Herb-rich forest
LHrF-QZ1
0.60 3.34 High 0.80 0.06 +0.74
The calculation of potential gains is based on the following parameters: • Elimination all grazing and ensuring that weed cover is retained at current
levels; • Retention of all standing trees, dead or alive; • Retention of all fallen timber/branches/leaf litter; • Elimination of all identified high threat woody weeds and control of pest
animals; and, • Security through an on-title agreement.
Based on the calculations in Table 4: • None of the loss of Swamp Scrub can be offset with other areas of
Swamp Scrub on-site. • The required offsets for the loss of Limestone Box Forest could be
achieved on-site through the management of retained areas of Limestone Box Forest and there would be an excess of 0.34 habitat hectares comprised of both High and Very High conservation significance vegetation.
• There would be an offset shortfall of 2.29 habitat hectares of medium
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conservation significance Lowland Forest based solely on the management of the retained areas of Lowland Forest.
• The required offsets for the loss of Lowland Herb-rich Forest could be achieved on-site through the management of the retained areas of Lowland Herb-rich Forest plus there would be an excess of 0.74 habitat hectares of High conservation significance Lowland Herb-rich Forest.
The like-for-like criteria specified in Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management Framework (NRE 2002) specifies that:
• Offsets for vegetation losses in High conservation significance vegetation can be offset with the same vegetation /habitat type or a Very High significance vegetation/habitat in the same Bioregion;
• Offsets for vegetation losses in Medium conservation significance vegetation can be offset with any EVC in the Bioregion or a Very High or High significance vegetation/habitat in an adjacent Bioregion.
In addition, where gains are achieved in vegetation/habitat of a higher conservation significance than the vegetation being lost, then the amount of the offset will be proportionately reduced (NRE 2002, footnote 2, page 54).
This means that:
• Where offsets for High conservation significance vegetation is to be achieved in vegetation with Very High conservation significance vegetation the habitat hectares required in the offset are 75% of the original requirement;
• Where offsets for Medium conservation significance vegetation is to be achieved in Very High conservation significance vegetation the habitat required in the offset are 50% of the original requirement; and,
• Where offsets for Medium conservation significance vegetation is to be achieved in High conservation significance vegetation the habitat required in the offset are 66% of the original requirement.
Within the study area it is possible to offset the losses of all vegetation with vegetation of either a higher conservation significance or the same conservation significance except for a shortfall of 0.51 habitat hectares of Medium conservation significance Lowland Forest (Table 5).
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Table 5: Offsets (habitat hectares) available on-site
Conservation significance
Offset required (A)
Offsets available (B)
Available to offset other classes (C= (B-A))
Equivalent offset in Medium conservation significance vegetation
Very High 0.05 0.49 0.44 0.88 (C X 2) High 0.43 1.14 0.71 1.07 (C X 1.5) Medium 4.23 1.77 -2.46 -2.46 (C X 1) Shortfall -0.51 habitat hectares
It may be possible through the realignment or reorganisation of some internal roads to avoid the loss of a small area of Limestone Box Forest (QZ2) and reduce the losses in Lowland Forest to enable the required offsets to be achieved on-site.
If the realignment of some of the roads is not possible, it is assumed that offsets would be available off-site to meet this shortfall.
It is assumed that the offset for the loss of the single Large Old Tree could be achieved on-site through revegetation with appropriate native species.
6.2.4 Offset Management Plan
To ensure that the offsets are achieved within the 10-year timeframe, an Offset Management Plan (OMP) should be prepared that specifies the required management actions and timing. The OMP will require the approval of DSE and the responsible authority.
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B I O S I S R E S E A R C H References 31
REFERENCES Briggs, J.D. & Leigh, J.H. 1996. Rare or
Threatened Australian Plants. CSIRO Australia & Australian Nature Conservation Agency.
Cogger, H.G., Cameron, E.E., Sadlier, R.A. & Eggler, P. 1993. The Action Plan for Australian Reptiles. Australia Nature Conservation Agency, Canberra.
DEH 2006. EPBC Act Policy Statement 1.1 Significant Impact Guidelines: matters of National Environmental Significance. Department of Environment and Heritage, Australian Government, Canberra.
DSE 2004. Native Vegetation: Sustaining a living landscape. Vegetation Quality Assessment Manual – Guidelines for applying the habitat hectares scoring method. Version 1.3. Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne.
DSE 2007b. Advisory List of the Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria - 2007, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne.
Duncan, A., Baker, G.B. & Montgomery, N. 1999. The Action Plan for Australian Bats. Environment Australia, Canberra.
Forestech (undated). Flora survey of property at Lot 2, cnr Ostlers and Colquhoun Roads, Lakes Entrance.
Garnett, S. & Crowley, G. 2000. The Action Plan for Australian Birds. Environment Australia, Canberra.
IUCN 2001. IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria: Version 3.1. IUCN Species Survival Commission, International Union for Conservation of Nature & Natural Resources, Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK.
Lee, A. 1995. Action Plan for Australian Rodents. Australian Nature Conservation Agency, Canberra.
Maxwell, S., Burbidge, A. & Morris, K. 1996. Action Plan for Australian Marsupials and Monotremes. IUCN Species Survival Commission.
NRE 2002. Victoria's Native Vegetation Management: A Framework for Action. Department of Natural Resources & Environment, Victoria.
Parkes, D., Newell, G. & Cheal, D. 2003. Assessing the quality of native vegetation: The habitat hectares approach. Ecological Management & Restoration Volume 4 Supplement 29–38.
Rivett, N.J. 2006. Aborist report prepared for property at 41 Colquhoun Road, Lakes Entrance, for Fastnet Consulting.
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B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Appendices 32
APPENDICES
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B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Appendix 1 33
APPENDIX 1 DSE Vegetation Assessment Methodology
A1.1 Habitat hectares Habitat hectares are calculated where indigenous understorey plant cover is at least 25% of total understorey plant cover, or where a group of trees (at least 3 trees) has a tree canopy cover of at least 20% (DSE 2007a, p 10). Such sites are termed 'patches'.
Each vegetation patch has one or more habitat quality zones. Each habitat zone consists of one ecological vegetation class (EVC) and has uniform quality within limits.
The assessment process compares the vegetation of the habitat zone against a DSE ‘benchmark’ description of the EVC, using methods described in the DSE assessment manual (DSE 2004). A habitat score for the habitat zone is calculated by this method.
Each habitat zone has a habitat score of between 0 and 100, with extensive intact vegetation having a theoretical score of 100. Habitat score is calculated using ten components: large trees, tree canopy cover, understorey, weediness, recruitment, organic litter, logs, patch size, neighbourhood context and distance to core area. In naturally treeless vegetation, or vegetation that can exist in different structural forms, the score is standardised to account for the absence of some or all ‘woody’ criteria.
The habitat hectare value of a habitat zone is given by its habitat score (expressed as a decimal between 0 and 1) multiplied by its land area in hectares. For example, 4 hectares of vegetation with a habitat score of 50 contain 2.0 habitat hectares.
Habitat hectares are used to measure losses arising from clearing, and also gains obtained through protection measures and active management of existing vegetation.
A1.2 Indigenous canopy trees The following information on indigenous canopy trees does not apply if the subject land contains only treeless vegetation types.
Large Old Trees within patches
‘Large Old Trees’ within native vegetation patches are subject to offset requirements, as outlined in the Native Vegetation Management Framework (NRE 2002: Table 6, p 55). Large Old Trees have a minimum stem diameter specified in the relevant EVC benchmark. Trees smaller than this benchmark size within patches are not included in this assessment, as they are addressed in the habitat hectare analysis.
Scattered trees outside patches
Trees over predominantly introduced understoreys are offset through tree protection/replacement ratios.
Trees in areas where less than 25% of the understorey cover is indigenous are assessed as ‘scattered old trees’. Trees are offset by the protection of other old trees and/or recruitment of new trees.
For land parcels (usually a title boundary) where tree density is greater than eight per hectare, the offset ratios are outlined in the Native Vegetation Management Framework (NRE 2002, p 55). For areas where tree density is less, the offset ratios are specified in the regional Native Vegetation Plan. Offsets for small trees are also included in the Native Vegetation Plan.
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B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Appendix 2 34
APPENDIX 2 Significance Assessment
The common language meaning of significance is ‘importance; consequence’ (Macquarie Dictionary). While the general meaning of this is clear, in natural resource assessment and management this meaning needs to be defined in scientific terms.
A2.1 Significant Species and Communities
Species and community conservation significance is defined as follows:
A taxon or community is significant at a particular geographic level (national, state, regional, local) when it is considered to be rare or threatened at that level.
A taxon is an officially recognised species, subspecies or variety of a species. The significance of a taxon or community is a function of its rarity within a specified geographic context: nation, state, region, local area. In each context a taxon or community has a conservation status: not rare, rare, vulnerable, endangered, extinct. ‘Threatened’ is a combination of the ‘vulnerable’ and ‘endangered’ categories.
The significance of the taxon or community is the largest geographic context in which it is at least rare. For example, if a species is uncommon in a state and rare within a region of that state, it has regional significance within that region.
Species listed as ‘poorly known’ are not considered rare or threatened at present and are assigned an intermediate rating. For example, a species listed as poorly known in a state list has potential state significance and is assigned ‘regional/state’ significance.
A2.2 Sites
Site conservation significance is defined as follows:
A site is significant at a particular geographic level (national, state, regional, local) when it is considered to make a substantial contribution to biodiversity at that level.
As a guideline, one per cent of the total extant population of a significant species within a specified geographic area or of the total extant area of a significant ecological community within a specified geographic area is a threshold for ‘substantial contribution’. Comprehensive data are not always available for such assessments and interpretation of available data and information is usually required.
In some cases a site may be small when viewed in isolation but it forms an integral and functional part of a larger site of significance. If there is no ecological reason to divide the larger site, then the rating that applies to the larger site applies to the smaller site.
Sites with a particularly high level of local or regional significance are assigned ‘high local’ or ‘high regional’ significance, respectively. These terms are not applied to state and national levels of significance or to species and communities.
Sites documented in state government databases, such as the Victorian biosite database, are accepted along with their significance ratings by Biosis Research.
Flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria
B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Appendix 2 35
To determine whether a site makes a ‘substantial contribution’ to biological conservation, it is assessed against the following criteria:
• Size – overall size of site or habitats/vegetation communities within the site. • Significant species and populations – number of significant species or populations
known or likely to occur on the site. • Significant habitat or vegetation communities – presence and extensiveness of
significant habitats and vegetation communities on the site. • Ecological integrity – degree of intactness, level of past disturbance (such as weed
invasion) and overall condition of vegetation communities on the site. • Richness and diversity – quantity of species, vegetation communities and habitats. • Connectivity – Quality and quantity of linkages between site and adjacent areas of
native vegetation/habitat (wildlife corridor value). • Viability – level of existing and/or future disturbances, degree of existing and/or
future fragmentation. • Distribution – proximity of the site to known distribution limits for significant
species, populations, habitats and/or vegetation communities. • Level of conservation – representation of site attributes in conservation reserves.
As a guideline, one per cent of the total extant population of a significant species within a specified geographic area or of the total extant area of a significant ecological community within a specified geographic area is a threshold for ‘substantial contribution’. Comprehensive data are seldom available and interpretation of limited available data and information is usually required.
A2.3 Scale: Geographic Context
Significance is determined within specified geographic contexts:
• Australia • State Victoria • Region Gippsland Plain Bioregion (DSE Flora Information System) • Local area Lakes Entrance (within 5 km of the study area)
A2.4 Conservation Status: Degree of Threat
Official government lists define species and communities that are rare or threatened (and thus significant) at national and/or state levels. Most of these lists appear as schedules under legislation and are followed unless further evidence is available.
Species and communities that are rare or threatened at regional and local levels are determined from the available literature, data and information, and consultation with relevant individuals where relevant reports and government listings are not available.
National Significance
Species
Species of national significance are either:
• Flora or fauna listed as extinct, extinct in the wild, critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria
B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Appendix 2 36
• Flora listed as rare in Australia in Rare or Threatened Australian Plants (Briggs and Leigh 1996).
• Fauna listed as extinct, endangered or vulnerable in Australia in an Action Plan published by Environment Australia.
• Species considered to be rare or threatened in Australia by Biosis Research using IUCN criteria where applicable (IUCN 2001).
Communities
Ecological communities of national significance are either:
• Listed as critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
• Considered to be rare or threatened in Australia by Biosis Research using IUCN criteria where applicable (IUCN 2001).
Ecological communities include flora and/or fauna communities.
State Significance
Species
Species of state significance in Victoria are either:
• Flora or fauna listed as threatened under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. • Flora listed as extinct, endangered, vulnerable or rare in Victoria in the DSE Flora
Information System 2007 Version. • Flora listed as poorly known in Australia in Rare or Threatened Australian Plants
(Briggs and Leigh 1996). • Fauna listed as extinct, critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable in the
Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria, 2007 (DSE 2007b) or fauna listed as conservation dependent under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
• Fauna listed as rare/near-threatened in Australia in an Action Plan published by Environment Australia.
• Species considered to be rare or threatened in Victoria by Biosis Research using IUCN criteria where applicable (IUCN 2001).
Communities
Ecological communities of state significance in Victoria are either:
• Listed as threatened under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. • Considered to be rare or threatened in Victoria by Biosis Research using IUCN
criteria where applicable (IUCN 2001).
Regional Significance
Species
Species of regional significance are:
• Flora recorded from less than 1% of documented sites (quadrats/defined area lists) from the Gippsland Plain Bioregion in the DSE Flora Information System unless there is reason to believe they are undersampled in the available data.
• Fauna considered to be rare or threatened at the bioregional level by Biosis Research using IUCN criteria where applicable (IUCN 2001) or fauna considered to be near-threatened in the Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria,
Flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria
B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Appendix 2 37
2007 (DSE 2007b).
Communities
Ecological communities of regional significance in Victoria are:
• Listed as an endangered, vulnerable or depleted ecological vegetation class within a particular bioregion in a Native Vegetation Plan.
• Considered to be rare or threatened at the bioregional level by Biosis Research using IUCN criteria where applicable (IUCN 2001).
Local Significance
Species
Species of local significance are:
• Flora considered to be rare or threatened at the local level by Biosis Research using IUCN criteria where applicable (IUCN 2001).
Communities
Ecological communities of local significance are:
• Considered to be rare or threatened at the local level by Biosis Research using IUCN criteria where applicable (IUCN 2001).
No Significance
Species and ecological communities are not significant when they are considered not to be rare or threatened at any geographic level by Biosis Research using IUCN criteria where applicable (IUCN 2001). Species that are not indigenous to a given study area are not significant. Plantings are generally not significant.
Flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria
B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Appendix 3 38
APPENDIX 3 Flora Results
A3.1 Flora species recorded from study area
Table A3.1. Flora species recorded from the study area (list U4104500 and quadrats O4902300 – O4903100).
Significance of species (Source: DSE Flora Information System)
Australian status: CE Listed under EPBC Act as critically endangered E Listed under EPBC Act as endangered V Listed under EPBC Act as vulnerable R Rare (Briggs & Leigh 1996)
Victorian status (DSE Flora Information System, 2007 Version): e Endangered v Vulnerable r Rare k poorly known
# Native species which occur in the study area, but are outside of their natural range.
Species of regional significance are highlighted in bold
All indigenous species have at least local significance.
Flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria
B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Appendix 3 41
Status Scientific Name Common Name Triglochin striata Veronica plebeia Trailing Speedwell Viminaria juncea Golden Spray Viola hederacea Ivy-leaf Violet Wahlenbergia gracilis Sprawling Bluebell Xanthorrhoea minor subsp. lutea Small Grass-tree
Flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria
B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Appendix 3 42
Status Scientific Name Common Name Stellaria media Chickweed Taraxacum spp. Dandelion Trifolium spp. Clover Urtica urens Small Nettle Vulpia fasciculata Dune Fescue
Flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria
B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Appendix 3 43
A3.2 Quadrat records from study area
Table A3.2. Quadrat records from the study area (O4902300 – O4903100).
O4902300 Recs 32 Date : 02 Dec 2008 Location : 148°00'02" 37°51'27" Altitude : Collector : JDM + 56 Acacia mearnsii Black Wattle + 304 Astroloma humifusum Cranberry Heath
1 3528 Viola hederacea sensu Willis (1972) Ivy-leaf Violet
+ 3558 Wahlenbergia gracilis Sprawling Bluebell
Flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria
B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Appendix 3 51
A3.3 Significant flora species
Table A3.3 Flora of national or state significance recorded or predicted to occur within 5 km of the study area
Australian status: CE Listed under EPBC Act as critically endangered E Listed under EPBC Act as endangered V Listed under EPBC Act as vulnerable R Rare (Briggs & Leigh 1996)
Victorian status (DSE Flora Information System, 2007 Version): e Endangered v Vulnerable r Rare
Source of record: FIS: Recorded within 5 km of centre of study area, DSE Flora Information System DEWHA: Predicted to occur in local area, EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool
Likelihood scale:
Terminology Likelihood of occurrence Recorded Has been recorded Likely Greater than 50% probability Unlikely Less than 50% probability Negligible Very little or no likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name Common name Aust. status
Vic. status
Source of
record
FFG Occurrence in study area
National Significance Acacia caerulescens Limestone Blue Wattle V v FIS listed Unlikely Cryptostylis hunteriana Leafless Tongue-orchid V e DEWHA listed Negligible Prasophyllum frenchii Maroon Leek-orchid E e DEWHA listed Negligible State Significance Acronychia oblongifolia Yellow-wood r FIS Negligible Beyeria lasiocarpa Wallaby-bush r FIS Unlikely Beyeria viscosa Pinkwood r FIS Unlikely Carpobrotus glaucescens Bluish Pigface r FIS Negligible Cassinia maritima Coast Cassinia r FIS Negligible
Dipodium variegatum Blotched Hyacinth-orchid r FIS Unlikely
Eucalyptus bosistoana Coast Grey-box r FIS Recorded Eupomatia laurina Bolwarra r FIS Negligible Korthalsella rubra subsp. rubra Jointed Mistletoe v FIS Negligible Marsdenia flavescens Yellow Milk-vine r FIS Negligible Muellerina celastroides Coast Mistletoe r FIS Negligible Olearia viscosa Viscid Daisy-bush v FIS Unlikely Oxalis rubens Dune Wood-sorrel r FIS Unlikely Ozothamnus argophyllus Spicy Everlasting r FIS Unlikely Pomaderris oraria subsp. calcicola Limestone Pomaderris r FIS Unlikely Triglochin microtuberosa Eastern Water-ribbons r FIS Unlikely Zieria smithii subsp. smithii Sandfly Zieria r FIS Unlikely
Flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria
B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Appendix 4 52
APPENDIX 4 EVC Benchmarks
Ecological Vegetation Class bioregion benchmark
EVC/Bioregion Benchmark for Vegetation Quality Assessment
East Gippsland Lowlands bioregionEVC 15: Limestone Box Forest
Description:Occurs on generally well developed terra rossa soils derived from Tertiary limestones that outcrop around coastal streams,gullies and lakes. Open eucalypt forest to 20 m tall with a tall shrub layer understorey and a grass and herb-rich ground layeron sheltered aspects but may be almost completely bare on drier aspects.
Large trees:Species DBH(cm) #/haEucalyptus spp. 70 cm 20 / ha
Tree Canopy Cover:%cover Character Species Common Name30% Eucalyptus botryoides Southern Mahogany
Eucalyptus baueriana Blue BoxEucalyptus bosistoana Coast Grey BoxEucalyptus tricapra Red Ironbark
Understorey:Life form #Spp %Cover LF codeImmature Canopy Tree 5% ITUnderstorey Tree or Large Shrub 3 15% T Medium Shrub 5 15% MS Small Shrub 1 1% SS Large Herb 2 1% LH Medium Herb 8 10% MH Small or Prostrate Herb 3 5% SH Large Tufted Graminoid 2 5% LTGLarge Non-tufted Graminoid 2 5% LNGMedium to Small Tufted Graminoid 4 5% MTGMedium to Tiny Non-tufted Graminoid 3 5% MNGGround Fern 3 15% GF Scrambler or Climber 6 10% SC Bryophytes/Lichens na 10% BL
Published by the Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment April 2004
This publication is copyright. Reproduction and the making available of this material for personal, in-house or non-commercial purposes is authorised, on condition that:• the copyright owner is acknowledged;• no official connection is claimed;• the material is made available without charge or at cost; and• the material is not subject to inaccurate, misleading or derogatory treatment.
Requests for permission to reproduce or communicate this material in any way not permitted by this licence (or by the fair dealing provisions of the Copyright Act 1968) should bedirected to the Nominated Officer, Copyright, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, 3002.
For more information contact: Customer Service Centre, 136 186
This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriatefor your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.
www.dse.vic.gov.au
EVC 15: Limestone Box Forest - East Gippsland Lowlands bioregion
LF Code Species typical of at least part of EVC range Common NameT Rapanea howittiana Mutton-woodT Pomaderris aspera Hazel PomaderrisMS Olearia lirata Snowy Daisy-bushMS Coprosma quadrifida Prickly Currant-bushMS Melaleuca ericifolia Swamp PaperbarkMS Cassinia longifolia Shiny CassiniaMH Viola hederacea sensu Willis (1972) Ivy-leaf VioletMH Solanum prinophyllum Forest NightshadeMH Geranium potentilloides Cinquefoil CranesbillMH Veronica calycina Hairy SpeedwellSH Dichondra repens Kidney-weedSH Oxalis corniculata s.l. Yellow Wood-sorrelSH Desmodium gunnii Southern Tick-trefoilLTG Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rushLTG Gahnia melanocarpa Black-fruit Saw-sedgeLNG Gahnia radula Thatch Saw-sedgeMTG Lepidosperma laterale Variable Sword-sedgeMTG Schoenus apogon Common Bog-sedgeMTG Dianella caerulea var. caerulea Paroo LilyMTG Dianella tasmanica Tasman Flax-lilyMNG Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides Weeping GrassMNG Oplismenus hirtellus Australian Basket-grassMNG Poa tenera Slender Tussock-grassMNG Echinopogon ovatus Common Hedgehog-grassGF Pteridium esculentum Austral BrackenGF Calochlaena dubia Common Ground-fernGF Pellaea falcata s.l. Sickle FernGF Adiantum aethiopicum Common MaidenhairSC Tylophora barbata Bearded TylophoraSC Eustrephus latifolius Wombat BerrySC Glycine clandestina Twining GlycineSC Clematis glycinoides var. glycinoides Forest Clematis
Recruitment:Continuous
Organic Litter:20 % cover
Logs:15 m/0.1 ha.
Weediness:LF Code Typical Weed Species Common Name Invasive ImpactLH Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle high highMH Hypochoeris radicata Cat's Ear high lowMH Cerastium glomeratum s.l. Common Mouse-ear Chickweed high low
Ecological Vegetation Class bioregion benchmark
EVC/Bioregion Benchmark for Vegetation Quality Assessment
East Gippsland Lowlands bioregionEVC 16: Lowland Forest
Description:Eucalypt forest to 25 m tall on relatively fertile, moderately well-drained soils in areas of relatively high rainfall. Characterised bythe diversity of life forms and species in the understorey including a range of shrubs, grasses and herbs.
Large trees:Species DBH(cm) #/haEucalyptus spp. 70 cm 20 / ha
Tree Canopy Cover:%cover Character Species Common Name30% Eucalyptus sieberi Silvertop Ash
Eucalyptus globoidea White Stringybark Eucalyptus consideniana Yertchuk
Understorey:Life form #Spp %Cover LF codeImmature Canopy Tree 5% ITUnderstorey Tree or Large Shrub 2 10% TMedium Shrub 10 30% MSSmall Shrub 6 15% SSProstrate Shrub 2 5% PSLarge Herb 1 1% LHMedium Herb 6 10% MHLarge Tufted Graminoid 2 10% LTGLarge Non-tufted Graminoid 1 5% LNGMedium to Small Tufted Graminoid 6 10% MTGMedium to Tiny Non-tufted Graminoid 2 5% MNGGround Fern 3 10% GFScrambler or Climber 3 5% SCBryophytes/Lichens na 10% BL
Published by the Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment April 2004
This publication is copyright. Reproduction and the making available of this material for personal, in-house or non-commercial purposes is authorised, on condition that:• the copyright owner is acknowledged;• no official connection is claimed;• the material is made available without charge or at cost; and• the material is not subject to inaccurate, misleading or derogatory treatment.
Requests for permission to reproduce or communicate this material in any way not permitted by this licence (or by the fair dealing provisions of the Copyright Act 1968) should bedirected to the Nominated Officer, Copyright, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, 3002.
For more information contact: Customer Service Centre, 136 186
This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriatefor your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.
www.dse.vic.gov.au
EVC 16: Lowland Forest - East Gippsland Lowlands bioregion
LF Code Species typical of at least part of EVC range Common NameT Acacia melanoxylon BlackwoodT Exocarpos cupressiformis Cherry BallartMS Epacris impressa Common HeathMS Persoonia linearis Narrow-leaf GeebungMS Acacia myrtifolia Myrtle WattleMS Acacia terminalis Sunshine WattleSS Tetratheca pilosa Hairy Pink-bellsSS Hibbertia empetrifolia s.l. Tangled Guinea-flowerSS Dampiera stricta Blue DampieraSS Amperea xiphoclada var. xiphoclada Broom SpurgeMH Gonocarpus teucrioides s.l. Germander RaspwortMH Viola hederacea sensu Willis (1972) Ivy-leaf VioletMH Scaevola ramosissima Hairy Fan-flowerMH Opercularia aspera Coarse StinkweedLTG Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rushLTG Xanthorrhoea minor ssp. lutea Small Grass-treeLTG Gahnia sieberiana Red-fruit Saw-sedgeLNG Tetrarrhena juncea Forest Wire-grassMTG Joycea pallida Silvertop Wallaby-grassMTG Dianella caerulea var. caerulea Paroo LilyMTG Lepidosperma laterale Variable Sword-sedgeMTG Patersonia glabrata Leafy Purple-flagMTG Hierochloe rariflora Cane Holy-grassGF Pteridium esculentum Austral BrackenGF Lindsaea linearis Screw FernSC Cassytha phaeolasia Rusty Dodder-laurelSC Cassytha glabella Slender Dodder-laurelSC Billardiera scandens Common Apple-berry
Recruitment:Continuous
Organic Litter:40 % cover
Logs:20 m/0.1 ha.
Weediness:There are no consistent weeds in this EVC.
Ecological Vegetation Class bioregion benchmark
EVC/Bioregion Benchmark for Vegetation Quality Assessment
East Gippsland Lowlands bioregion
EVC 53: Swamp Scrub
Description: Closed scrub to 8 m tall at low elevations on alluvial deposits along streams or on poorly drained sites with higher nutrient availability. The EVC is dominated by Swamp Paperbark Melaleuca ericifolia (or sometimes Woolly Tea-tree Leptospermum lanigerum) which often forms a dense thicket, out-competing other species. Occasional emergent eucalypts may be present. Where light penetrates to ground level, a moss/lichen/liverwort or herbaceous ground cover is often present. Dry variants have a grassy/herbaceous ground layer.
Canopy Cover: %cover Character Species Common Name 50% Leptospermum lanigerum Woolly Tea-tree Melaleuca ericifolia Swamp Paperbark
Understorey:
Life form #Spp %Cover LF code Medium Shrub 2 10% MS Small Shrub 2 1% SS Large Herb 2 5% LH Medium Herb 3 15% MH Small or Prostrate Herb 2 5% SH Large Tufted Graminoid 2 10% LTG Large Non-tufted Graminoid 3 10% LNG Medium to Small Tufted Graminoid 2 5% MTG Medium to Tiny Non-tufted Graminoid 2 15% MNG Ground Fern 1 5% GF Scrambler or Climber 1 1% SC Bryophytes/Lichens na 20% BL
LF Code Species typical of at least part of EVC range Common Name MS Coprosma quadrifida Prickly Currant-bush MS Leptospermum continentale Prickly Tea-tree LH Lycopus australis Australian Gipsywort LH Lythrum salicaria Purple Loosestrife LH Persicaria praetermissa Spotted Knotweed MH Hydrocotyle pterocarpa Wing Pennywort MH Stellaria angustifolia Swamp Starwort MH Lobelia anceps Angled Lobelia SH Crassula helmsii Swamp Crassula LTG Juncus procerus Tall Rush LTG Poa labillardierei Common Tussock-grass LNG Gahnia radula Thatch Saw-sedge LNG Phragmites australis Common Reed LNG Baumea rubiginosa s.l. Soft Twig-rush MTG Triglochin procerum s.l. Water Ribbons MTG Juncus gregiflorus Green Rush MNG Eleocharis acuta Common Spike-sedge GF Blechnum cartilagineum Gristle Fern SC Calystegia sepium Large Bindweed
Published by the Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment November 2007
This publication is copyright. Reproduction and the making available of this material for personal, in-house or non-commercial purposes is authorised, on condition that: • the copyright owner is acknowledged;
• no official connection is claimed; • the material is made available without charge or at cost; and
• the material is not subject to inaccurate, misleading or derogatory treatment. Requests for permission to reproduce or communicate this material in any way not permitted by this licence (or by the fair dealing provisions of the Copyright Act 1968) should be directed to the Nominated Officer, Copyright, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, 3002.
For more information contact: Customer Service Centre, 136 186
This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate
for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.
www.dse.vic.gov.au
EVC 53: Swamp Scrub – East Gippsland Lowlands bioregion
Recruitment: Continuous
Organic Litter: 40 % cover
Weediness: LF Code Typical Weed Species Common Name Invasive Impact MH Hypochoeris radicata Cat's Ear high low LNG Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog high high
Ecological Vegetation Class bioregion benchmark
EVC/Bioregion Benchmark for Vegetation Quality Assessment
East Gippsland Lowlands bioregionEVC 877: Lowland Herb-rich Forest
Description:Primarily occurs in gullies and along lower slopes close to minor drainage lines. Soils are reasonably fertile colluvial loams. Openeucalypt forest to 20 m tall with a range of medium shrubs conspicuous in the mid-stratum. The ground layer is dominated bya dense cover of grasses and a high diversity of tussock-forming graminoids and herbs.
Large trees:Species DBH(cm) #/haEucalyptus spp. 70 cm 20 / ha
Tree Canopy Cover:%cover Character Species Common Name30% Eucalyptus cypellocarpa Mountain Grey-gum
Eucalyptus globoidea White Stringybark Eucalyptus polyanthemos Red Box
Understorey:Life form #Spp %Cover LF codeImmature Canopy Tree 5% ITUnderstorey Tree or Large Shrub 3 10% TMedium Shrub 4 20% MSSmall Shrub 1 1% SSProstrate Shrub 1 5% PSLarge Herb 2 5% LHMedium Herb 13 30% MHSmall or Prostrate Herb 4 5% SHLarge Non-tufted Graminoid 1 15% LTGMedium to Small Tufted Graminoid 5 5% MTGMedium to Tiny Non-tufted Graminoid 2 10% MNGBryophytes/Lichens na 10% BL
Published by the Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment April 2004
This publication is copyright. Reproduction and the making available of this material for personal, in-house or non-commercial purposes is authorised, on condition that:• the copyright owner is acknowledged;• no official connection is claimed;• the material is made available without charge or at cost; and• the material is not subject to inaccurate, misleading or derogatory treatment.
Requests for permission to reproduce or communicate this material in any way not permitted by this licence (or by the fair dealing provisions of the Copyright Act 1968) should bedirected to the Nominated Officer, Copyright, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, 3002.
For more information contact: Customer Service Centre, 136 186
This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriatefor your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.
www.dse.vic.gov.au
EVC 877: Lowland Herb-rich Forest - East Gippsland Lowlands bioregion
LF Code Species typical of at least part of EVC range Common NameT Acacia mearnsii Black WattleMS r Zieria smithii Sandfly ZieriaMS Kunzea ericoides BurganMS Cassinia longifolia Shiny CassiniaMS Cassinia aculeata Common CassiniaMS Melaleuca parvistaminea Rough-barked Honey-myrtleSS Pimelea humilis Common Rice-flowerPS Bossiaea prostrata Creeping BossiaeaLH Stypandra glauca Nodding Blue-lilyLH Senecio tenuiflorus Slender FireweedMH Hypericum gramineum Small St John's WortMH Lagenophora stipitata Common Bottle-daisyMH Pterostylis concinna Trim GreenhoodSH Opercularia varia Variable StinkweedSH Hydrocotyle laxiflora Stinking PennywortSH Oxalis exilis Shady Wood-sorrelSH Dichondra repens Kidney-weedLNG Gahnia radula Thatch Saw-sedgeMTG Luzula meridionalis Common WoodrushMTG Lomandra filiformis ssp. coriacea Wattle Mat-rushMTG Poa sieberiana Grey Tussock-grassMTG Dianella caerulea var. caerulea Paroo LilyMNG Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides Weeping GrassMNG Entolasia marginata Bordered PanicSC Comesperma volubile Love Creeper
Recruitment:Continuous
Organic Litter:40 % cover
Logs:20 m/0.1 ha.
Weediness:LF Code Typical Weed Species Common Name Invasive ImpactMS Rubus fruticosus spp. agg. Blackberry high highLH Conyza bonariensis Flaxleaf Fleabane high lowLH Centaurium tenuiflorum Slender Centaury high lowMH Hypochoeris radicata Cat's Ear high lowMH Prunella vulgaris Self-heal high lowMH Cerastium glomeratum s.l. Common Mouse-ear Chickweed high lowSH Trifolium repens var. repens White Clover high low
Flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria
B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Appendix 5 59
APPENDIX 5 Fauna Results
A5.1 Fauna species recorded from study area
Table A5.1. Vertebrate fauna recorded from the study area during the present assessment
Flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria
B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Appendix 5 60
Scientific name Common name
Sturnus vulgaris Common Starling* Mammals Vombatus ursinus Common Wombat Macropus giganteus Eastern Grey Kangaroo Oryctolagus cuniculus European Rabbit* Vulpes vulpes Red Fox* Reptiles Amphibolurus muricatus Tree Dragon Lampropholis guichenoti Garden Skink Tiliqua scincoides Common Blue-tongued Lizard Eulamprus heatwolei Yellow-bellied Water Skink Frogs Crinia signifera Common Froglet
Flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria
B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Appendix 5 61
A5.2 Significant fauna species
Table A5.2. Terrestrial fauna of national or state significance recorded, or predicted to occur, within the local area
Source: DSE Atlas of Victorian Wildlife, DEWHA database, BA database (1998-2008) • AVW data search encompassed a 5 km radius (fish removed) • DEWHA and BA data search encompassed a 5 km radius Status of species: CR critically endangered EN endangered VU vulnerable CD conservation dependent NT near threatened DD data deficient (insufficient known) R rare or insufficient known L listed under Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act
Sources used to derive species status: EPBC Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth) DSE Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria (DSE 2007b) FFG Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Vic.) Action Plans: Maxwell et al. (1996) for marsupials and monotremes, Duncan et al. (1999) for bats, Lee (1995) for rodents, Garnett and Crowley (2000) for birds, Cogger et al. (1993) for reptiles, Tyler (1997) for amphibians, and Wager and Jackson (1993) for freshwater fishes. # denotes species predicted to occur or with habitat predicted to occur in the local area (DEWHA database)
Likelihood scale:
Terminology Likelihood of occurrence Recorded Has been recorded Likely Greater than 50% probability Unlikely Less than 50% probability Negligible Very little or no likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name Common name Last record
EPBC Act
DSE 2007
FFG Act
Action Plan
Occurrence in study
area National significance: Thinornis rubricollis Hooded Plover 2005 VU L Negligible Rostratula australis Australian Painted Snipe # VU CR L VU Negligible Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern 1987 EN L VU Negligible Neophema chrysogaster Orange-bellied Parrot # CR CR L CR Negligible Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot 1986/# EN EN L EN Unlikely Anthochaera phrygia Regent Honeyeater 1967/# EN CR L EN Negligible Dasyurus maculatus Spot-tailed Quoll 1999/# EN EN L VU Unlikely Isoodon obesulus obesulus
Southern Brown Bandicoot
1979/# EN NT NT Likely
Potorous tridactylus Long-nosed Potoroo 1996/# VU EN L VU Likely Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying-fox 1989/# VU VU L VU Unlikely
Flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria
B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Appendix 5 62
Scientific name Common name Last record
EPBC Act
DSE 2007
FFG Act
Action Plan
Occurrence in study
area Pseudomys fumeus Smoky Mouse # EN CR L R Negligible Heleioporus australiacus Giant Burrowing Frog # VU VU L DD Negligible Litoria aurea Green and Golden Bell
Frog # VU VU EN Negligible
Litoria raniformis Growling Grass Frog # VU EN L VU Negligible Litoria littlejohni Large Brown Tree Frog # VU DD L Negligible State significance: Lewinia pectoralis Lewin's Rail 1997 VU L NT Negligible Hydroprogne caspia Caspian Tern 2007 NT L Negligible Sternula albifrons Little Tern 2005/# VU L Negligible Sternula nereis Fairy Tern 2003 EN L Negligible Platalea regia Royal Spoonbill 2007 VU Unlikely Egretta garzetta Little Egret 2007 EN L Unlikely Ardea intermedia Intermediate Egret 2004 CR L Negligible Ardea modesta Eastern Great Egret 2007/# VU L Unlikely Anseranas semipalmata Magpie Goose 1986 NT L Unlikely Anas rhynchotis Australasian Shoveler 2005 VU Unlikely Aythya australis Hardhead 2005 VU Unlikely Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck 2005 EN L Unlikely Biziura lobata Musk Duck 2005 VU Unlikely Accipiter novaehollandiae
Grey Goshawk 1988 VU L Unlikely
Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-Eagle 2007/# VU L Likely Ninox strenua Powerful Owl 2000 VU L Likely Tyto novaehollandiae Masked Owl 2001 EN L NT Likely Tyto tenebricosa Sooty Owl 2000 VU L Unlikely Phascogale tapoatafa Brush-tailed Phascogale 1970 VU L NT Unlikely Petaurus australis Yellow-bellied Glider 1992 NT Unlikely Rhinolophus megaphyllus
Eastern Horseshoe Bat 1990 VU L Likely
Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat
1993 L Likely
Varanus varius Lace Goanna 1975 VU Unlikely Regional significance: Phalacrocorax fuscescens Black-faced Cormorant 2004 NT
Negligible
Phalacrocorax varius Pied Cormorant 2007 NT Negligible Larus pacificus pacificus Pacific Gull 2007 NT Negligible Haematopus fuliginosus Sooty Oystercatcher 2001 NT Negligible Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew 1987 NT
Negligible
Gallinago hardwickii Latham's Snipe # NT Negligible Nycticorax caledonicus Nankeen Night Heron 2007 NT Unlikely
Flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria
B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Appendix 5 63
Scientific name Common name Last record
EPBC Act
DSE 2007
FFG Act
Action Plan
Occurrence in study
area Cereopsis novaehollandiae Cape Barren Goose 1977 NT
Unlikely
Circus assimilis Spotted Harrier 1987 NT Unlikely Alcedo azurea Azure Kingfisher 2006 NT Unlikely Cinclosoma punctatum Spotted Quail-thrush 2003 NT Likely
Flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria
B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Appendix 5 64
A5.3. Migratory species
Table A5.3. Migratory fauna species recorded, or predicted to occur, within 5kilometres of the study area
Source: DSE Atlas of Victorian Wildlife, DEWHA database, BA database (1998–2008 Note: Species in bold were recorded in the study area during the present assessment. # denotes species predicted to occur or with habitat predicted to occur in the local area (DEWHA database)
Offices also in: Sydney, Ballarat,Wollongong, Canberra & Wangaratta
Figure 2: Areas of proposed vegetation loss and retention, Ostlers Road, Lakes EntranceBiosis Research Pty. Ltd.38 Bertie Street(PO Box 489)Port MelbourneVICTORIA 3207
DATE: 25 November 2009Checked by: JMLocation: P:\MRG 8300s\8343\Mapping\8343 Figure 2.wor