BALMATTUM
NATURE CONSERVATION RESERVE
Interim Management Statement
PARKS VICTORIA
September 2001.
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This Interim Management Statement was written by James Ross and Dr. Doug Robinson for Parks
Victoria.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Tony Long, Glenn Mawson, Anne Casey and Tracey Stolman of Parks Victoria provided project
management, advice and information. Tim Barlow (Trust for Nature), Chris Smith, Brian Nelson, Geoff
Barrow, Julie Flack (Parks Victoria), Sue Berwick, Chris Ashe (DNRE), Gary Washusen (Shire of
Strathbogie) and Ian Chanter all provided advice and information.
Euroa Environment Group and Birds Australia provided the original stimulus for the creation of this
important conservation reserve.
Cover Photo:
Gilgai Wetland with Swamp Billy-buttons (Craspedia paludicola). Doug Robinson.
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- 7 Rushall Street, Fairfield (Victoria) 3078
- RMB 2036, Violet Town (Victoria) 3669
SUMMARY OF MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND DIRECTIONS
INTERIM MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES
•
Maintain existing conservation values and biodiversity across the area.
•
Protect and maintain native vegetation communities and habitat for significant flora and
fauna.
•
Restore and enhance native vegetation communities and fauna habitat.
•
Control short and long-term processes that will affect conservation values.
•
Facilitate scientific research and environmental monitoring.
•
Conserve features of archaeological, historical and cultural significance.
•
Allow for the future development of limited areas for public education and appreciation of
grassy woodland conservation.
•
Cooperate with local, State and interstate government authorities, the community and other
interested organisations to assist with the management of the Reserve.
INTERIM MANAGEMENT DIRECTIONS
THREATENED SPECIES: Maintain and enhance habitat for rare or threatened flora and fauna and control
or eliminate processes that threaten populations of these species. Ensure that the Reserve is managed
to provide suitable habitat for woodland fauna occurring in the region.
VEGETATION M ANAGEMENT ZONES: Manage vegetation in accordance with the three vegetation
management zones identified.
STOCK GRAZING: In general, exclude stock grazing from relatively intact areas. Maintain stock grazing
as a primary tool for controlling biomass in the Reserve where this is required in the short term.
VEGETATION RESTORATION: Implement revegetation programs to restore shrub and tree cover within
specific areas of the Reserve and enhance floristic and habitat diversity across the Reserve.
RESEARCH AND MONITORING: Establish survey programs for flora and fauna. Establish a comprehensive
monitoring framework to assess overall management and to compare the outcomes of different
management regimes.
TRIAL ALTERNATIVE M ANAGEMENT REGIMES: Establish trials to investigate the potential benefits of
alternative management regimes including grazing and burning.
PEST PLANTS AND ANIMALS: Control and where possible eliminate pest plants and animals, especially
where they pose an immediate threat to significant species or communities.
KANGAROOS AND NOISY MINERS: Monitor and, where necessary, control Eastern Grey Kangaroo
populations to ensure that the population is maintained at a level that allows for sustained vegetation
recovery within the Reserve. Remove Noisy Miners from the Reserve and monitor effects.
ROAD RESERVES: Investigate incorporation of unused, unlicensed road reserves into the Reserve and
undertake active management programs on Old Euroa Road.
INFRASTRUCTURE: Provide and maintain adequate fencing and access tracks for the management and
protection of the Reserve. Erect signs to notify all persons of the status of the Reserve.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND VISITORS: Encourage and support community groups and local
landholders to be involved with the management of the Reserve. Control and manage visitation to
ensure that public access does not threaten conservation values.
HERITAGE PROTECTION: Identify and protect cultural and heritage values throughout the Reserve.
LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION: Develop vegetation links on roadsides, stream reserves and with nearby
remnants and assist and encourage adjoining landholders to protect woodland conservation values.
CONTENTS
SUMMARY OF MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND DIRECTIONS
1.
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................... 1
2.
PURPOSE OF THIS INTERIM MANAGEMENT STATEMENT..................................................................... 1
3.
DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................................................................ 3
4.
SUMMARY OF CONSERVATION VALUES ..................................................................................................... 3
NATURE CONSERVATION................................................................................................................................................. 3
HERITAGE CONSERVATION ............................................................................................................................................. 6
5.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES ........................................................................................................................... 7
6.
MANAGEMENT CONTEXT ................................................................................................................................. 8
HISTORICAL ..................................................................................................................................................................... 8
STRATEGIES & PLANS ..................................................................................................................................................... 8
PAST MANAGEMENT ......................................................................................................................................................... 8
VEGETATION RESPONSE TO MANAGEMENT..................................................................................................................... 9
7.
THREATENED SPECIES CONSERVATION .................................................................................................. 12
TEMPERATE-WOODLAND BIRD COMMUNITY .................................................................................................................... 12
GREY-CROWNED BABBLER ............................................................................................................................................. 13
BUSH STONE-CURLEW .................................................................................................................................................... 13
SWIFT PARROT .............................................................................................................................................................. 13
OTHER SIGNIFICANT FAUNA ........................................................................................................................................... 15
FRAGRANT LEEK-ORCHID .............................................................................................................................................. 15
SWAMP BILLY BUTTONS ................................................................................................................................................. 15
BULOKE ........................................................................................................................................................................ 15
8.
INTERIM MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS ............................................................................................. 17
OVERALL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK ............................................................................................................................ 17
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT ZONES ................................................................................................................................ 17
STOCK GRAZING ............................................................................................................................................................ 20
VEGETATION RESTORATION ............................................................................................................................................ 20
TREE DIEBACK .............................................................................................................................................................. 21
RESEARCH AND MONITORING ......................................................................................................................................... 22
FIRE ............................................................................................................................................................................. 23
PEST PLANTS ................................................................................................................................................................. 25
PEST ANIMALS ............................................................................................................................................................... 25
KANGAROOS .................................................................................................................................................................. 26
NOISY MINERS ............................................................................................................................................................... 26
ROAD RESERVES ............................................................................................................................................................ 26
INFRASTRUCTURE .......................................................................................................................................................... 27
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT & VISITORS ......................................................................................................................... 28
HERITAGE PROTECTION ................................................................................................................................................. 28
9.
LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION ....................................................................................................................... 30
10.
FUTURE MANAGEMENT ISSUES .............................................................................................................. 31
RE INTRODUCTION OF THREATENED FLORA AND FAUNA .............................................................................................. 31
PREDATOR-PROOF/KANGAROO-PROOF FENCING ........................................................................................................... 31
WOODLAND THINNING ................................................................................................................................................... 31
REFERENCES .................................................................................................................................................................... 32
APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1:
APPENDIX 2:
APPENDIX 3:
APPENDIX 4:
APPENDIX 5:
APPENDIX 6:
APPENDIX 7:
APPENDIX 8:
FLORA ..................................................................................................................................................... 35
FAUNA ..................................................................................................................................................... 37
VEGETATION COMMUNITIES OF BALMATTUM RESERVE (BERWICK IN PREP) ........................................... 38
HABITAT REQUIREMENTS FOR SIGNIFICANT WOODLAND FAUNA ............................................................ 40
GRAZING MANAGEMENT ............................................................................................................................ 42
REPORT ON HERITAGE FEATURES .............................................................................................................. 43
INDIGENOUS HERITAGE – INITIAL REPORT .............................................................................................. 44
ADJOINING LANDHOLDERS ........................................................................................................................ 45
MAPS
MAP 1.
MAP 2.
MAP 3.
MAP 4.
MAP 5.
MAP 6.
LOCATION OF BALMATTUM NATURE CONSERVATION RESERVE AND OTHER PUBLIC LAND .............................. 2
BALMATTUM NATURE CONSERVATION RESERVE.............................................................................................. 4
CURRENT AND RECENT LOCATIONS OF THREATENED FAUNA ......................................................................... 14
THREATENED FLORA ...................................................................................................................................... 16
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT ZONES ............................................................................................................... 18
PRIORITY WEEDS ............................................................................................................................................ 24
TABLES
TABLE 1. WOODLAND SPECIES SUITABLE FOR ESTABLISHMENT IN THE RESERVE ......................................................... 21
TABLE 2. PRIORITY WEED SPECIES ............................................................................................................................. 25
1. INTRODUCTION
In 2001 the Victorian Government acquired land from Halsall’s to be protected and managed as
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve.
The Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve is located on Old Euroa Road northeast of Euroa and has
a total area of approximately 220 hectares. It supports significant sized remnants of two threatened
vegetation communities - Plains Grassy Woodland and Plains Grassy Woodland/Gilgai Wetland Mosaic.
The acquisition of this property is of considerable significance for the protection of these communities
and for the regional conservation of a number of threatened plant and animal species. Although, the
property is partly cleared it is generally in good condition and strategically located to achieve a number
of nature conservation objectives. Balmattum Reserve is of particular importance for the conservation of
a suite of woodland bird species, many of which are threatened or declining within the region and across
Victoria.
The initial management of the Reserve should be based on an understanding of the past and present
management that has, at least to some extent, shaped the values that persist today. The use of
strategic stock grazing for biomass control in parts of the reserve coupled with ongoing natural tree and
forb regeneration and appropriate weed and pest animal control programs will largely ensure that the
current values are maintained.
While it is important that initial management is conservative, the reserve also has considerable
conservation potential that can be achieved through active management programs. This Interim
Management Statement outlines the development of an adaptive management program designed to
enhance faunal habitat by increasing structural and floristic diversity across the reserve and controlling
threatening processes.
2. PURPOSE OF THIS INTERIM MANAGEMENT STATEMENT
This Interim Management Statement will guide management of the Balmattum Nature Conservation
Reserve in the short term following its purchase and dedication as a new protected area.
The key purposes of this Interim Management Statement are to:
•
Develop a concise statement on the management arrangements required to enable Parks
Victoria to establish the new reserve and maintain its existing values reflecting the relevant
legislative, policy and conservation context for the reserve.
•
Provide direction on the establishment of appropriate monitoring to determine whether
existing values are being maintained and short-term management objectives achieved.
•
Provide guidance on the development of future management programs through
summarising broad options for enhancing the conservation values of the reserve.
•
Develop an adaptive management program including appropriate research and monitoring to
determine the most effective long-term management to maintain and where possible
enhance conservation values within the reserve.
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
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Map 1. Location of Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve and other Public Land.
Crown Land Reserve
Water Frontage Reserve
Water Frontage Reserve
Violet Town
BALMATTUM NCR
Water Frontage Reserve
Euroa
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
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3. DESCRIPTION
The Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve consists of 221 hectares on the corner of the Old Euroa
and Maher’s Road to the north east of Euroa in the Parish of Balmattum (Map 1). The property is
rectangular and includes four allotments, CA 80 (129 ha), CA 93A (40 ha), CA 93b (32 ha), CA 93C (19
ha). It is bordered on the north and west sides by public roads, on the east side by an unlicensed
unused road reserve and on the southern side by an unused road reserve, part of which is licensed to
the adjoining landholder. Access to the land is via two gates on Old Euroa Road. The boundary is fully
fenced; the fences are in generally fair to good condition although some sections have been recently
damaged.
The land is mostly level with slight rises occurring across the site. A minor creek begins east of the
northeast corner of the property and flows northwest into Lambingunyah Creek. A second creek flows
through the southwest corner of the property roughly parallel to the southern boundary.
The land has been partly cleared, as indicated by the many tree stumps, but still retains an open tree
cover of River Red Gum and Grey Box across much of the property (see Map 2).
Balmattum Reserve is on the Riverine Plains of Northern Victoria within the Victorian Riverina Bioregion.
The landscape is predominantly flat, older alluvial plains. The surrounding landscape has been
extensively cleared and modified for agriculture with remnant vegetation largely restricted to roadsides
and creeklines, bushland reserves and occasional small areas on private land. Much of the remnant
native vegetation in this district is highly degraded, especially in the understorey. Public land close to
Balmattum Reserve that supports significant native vegetation is shown in Map 1.
Soils are finely textured clay loams and fertile self-mulching clays that develop a gilgai, profile and are
seasonally inundated. Average annual rainfall is approximately 650mm with the majority of rain falling
between May and October. Mean daily temperatures are probably similar to those recorded at Benalla,
where the mean daily temperature is highest in January (31.1°C) and lowest in July (12.7°C). Mean
minimum temperatures vary from 14.7°C to 3.2°C in January and July respectively (Bureau of
Meteorology 1994).
4. SUMMARY OF CONSERVATION VALUES
NATURE CONSERVATION
In all regions of southeastern Australia where temperate lowland grasslands and grassy woodlands
occurred, less than 1% remains covered in native vegetation. Those areas that remain are often small,
degraded and highly fragmented or restricted to roadsides and other linear reserves. All temperate
lowland native grassland and grassy woodland communities are now threatened in Victoria with little
protected in conservation reserves (Lunt et al 1998; DCE 1992). The Broad Vegetation Type known as
Plains Grassy Woodland in Victoria has been reduced from over 4 million hectares to 124,000 ha
statewide (2.9%) (Lunt and Bennett, 1999). However, within the Victorian Riverina Bioregion, Plains
Grassy Woodlands have been reduced to just 1% of their former extent and 94% of all tree cover has
disappeared since European settlement (DNRE 1997).
The Reserve includes areas of two Ecological Vegetation Classes: Plains Grassy Woodland and Plains
Grassy Woodland/Gilgai Wetland Mosaic. Full descriptions of these communities from Berwick (in prep)
are provided in Appendix 3.
Areas of Plains Grassy Woodland are open woodland with a high species diversity of grasses, sedges,
lilies, orchids and herbs. The overstorey is dominated by Grey Box with some River Red Gum, Buloke
Allocasuarina luehmannii and White Box Eucalyptus albens (confined to southwest corner). The dense
grass layer includes Austrostipa spp., Elymus scabrus, Austrodanthonia spp., Themeda triandra, Chloris
truncata, Eryngium ovinum, Dianella revoluta, Schoenus apogon, Isolepis marginata, Carex appressa,
Juncus spp., Arthropodium spp. Burchardia umbellata, Bulbine bulbosa, Tricoryne elatior, Lythrum
hyssopifolia, Leptorhynchos squamatus, Drosera peltata subsp. peltata, Goodenia pinnatifida,
Calocephalus citreus, Hypoxis vaginata and Microtis parvifolia.
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Map 2.
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve
Maher’s Road
Old Euroa Road
Boundary
Unlicenced, unused Road Reserves
0
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
200m
400m
600m
800m
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Areas of Plains Grassy Woodland/Gilgai Wetland Mosaic are open woodland interspersed with scattered
small ephemeral wetlands. The overstorey is dominated by River Red Gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis
and Grey Box Eucalyptus microcarpa with a variety of forbs (perennial and annual) and grasses
common in the understorey. Species present include Austrodanthonia caespitosa, Austrodanthonia
setacea, Leptorhynchos squamatus, Convolvulus erubescens, Arthropodium spp., Brachyscome spp.,
Goodenia gracilis, Calotis anthemoides, Isolepis spp., Carex spp. and Agrostis avenacea. Gilgai
wetlands are small, shallow “microwetlands” (generally 2-6 m diameter) that support a rich diversity of
wet plants including herbs, rushes and sedges. Common species include Austrodanthonia duttoniana,
Amphibromus spp., Triglochin procerum, Myriophyllum crispatum and Craspedia paludicola.
Both Plains Grassy Woodland/Gilgai Wetland Mosaic and Plains Grassy Woodland are regarded as
being of very high priority for conservation on the Riverina Plain and endangered within the Riverina
Bioregion (DNRE 1997; Todd 1998; Traill & Porter 2001). Plains Grassy Woodland/Gilgai Wetland
Mosaic has been reduced to 6% of its former extent in the Goulburn Broken part of the Riverina
Bioregion and Plains Grassy Woodland has been reduced to just 1% of its former extent (Goulburn
Broken CMA 2000). Both communities are currently very poorly reserved. The addition of the site to the
conservation reserve system therefore significantly increases the current reservation status of these
communities in the Goulburn Broken part of the Riverina Bioregion.
A total of 99 indigenous vascular plant taxa have been recorded for the reserve and adjoining roadside
(Appendix 1). Balmattum Reserve supports three species of State conservation significance (Fragrant
*
Leek-orchid Prasophyllum suaveolens , Swamp Billy-buttons Craspedia paludicola and Buloke
Allocasuarina luehmannii) and fifteen species of regional significance.
Fifty-five species of native fauna have been recorded at the reserve (Appendix 2). Of these, Bush
Stone-curlew and Grey-crowned Babbler are classified as endangered in Victoria. The record of the
regionally rare Australian Owlet-nightjar from the Reserve is the first known sighting of this species in
the district.
Despite the fact that the Reserve has been partly cleared, the Reserve is a large remnant of woodland
vegetation, that has an intact gilgai structure and a diverse and healthy understorey. As a result it
retains a number of features that makes it of very high conservation significance in the region. These
include:
•
It is the largest remnant of woodland/gilgai vegetation in this district and is one of the five largest
remnants of woodland vegetation in the Goulburn Broken part of the Riverina Bioregion.
Accordingly, it has an exceptional capacity to function as a large patch for those fauna species
needing large areas of woodland vegetation
•
It is set in an area with high landscape connectivity, being connected to several tree-lined roads and
one creek system, and close to other patches of Plains Grassy Woodland.
•
It is centrally located within a district population of the Grey-crowned Babbler and has the potential to
provide a source habitat for that population
•
It contains a considerable number of very large Grey Box and River Red Gums.
•
It supports a high diversity of plant species many of which are typical of more temperate sites and
absent from woodland remnants in lower rainfall areas (e.g. Arthropodium strictum, Tricoryne elatior,
Caesia calliantha, Microseris scapigera, Burchardia umbellata, Deyeuxia quadriseta and
Austrodanthonia tenuior).
•
It approaches the southeastern limit of Plains Grassy Woodland/Gilgai Wetland Mosaic vegetation
and includes some species that are typically found in drier regions and are at the edges of their
range (e.g. Calotis anthemoides, Chamaesyce drummondii and Enteropogon acicularis).
In addition to the specific values identified, the status of grassy woodland communities in general, and
populations of woodland dependant fauna in particular, are in decline both locally and in the region as a
whole (Robinson & Traill 1996). Balmattum Reserve is an important refuge for many species that may
become threatened throughout their range in the future. Similarly, the Reserve provides significant
habitat for the survival of many species on a regional basis and as potential habitat for the reintroduction of species that have become extinct or declined in grassy woodland habitats.
*
Fragrant Leek-orchid Prasophyllum suaveolens has only been recorded, to date, on the roadside of the Old Euroa
Road adjoining the Reserve.
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HERITAGE CONSERVATION
The Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative Ltd. is the local authority for Aboriginal cultural heritage in
Balmattum Reserve. All Aboriginal material and sites are protected under the Victorian Archaeological
and Aboriginal Relics Preservation Act 1972 and the Commonwealth Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984.
The Reserve includes some features of heritage value including Aboriginal scar trees, and postEuropean farming structures. In addition to their inherent value, they are of some importance in
interpreting the overall conservation values and condition of the Reserve.
An initial investigation of the site’s Indigenous heritage values has identified four scar trees, comprising
one coolamon scar and three shield scars (Appendix 7). Two of the shield scar trees and the coolamon
scar tree are located in the dense stand of trees near the shearing shed. The third shield scar tree is
near the centre of the Reserve. Additionally, a grafted ring tree was located on the opposite side of the
Old Euroa Road from the Reserve, within the roadside reserve, towards the northwest corner of the
Reserve.
Given the large size of trees in the Reserve, there is high potential for additional scar trees to be
identified. There is also a possibility that scattered artefacts, a work site or campsite may also be
located.
The Reserve includes a shearing shed with associated infrastructure and a hay shed. Shearing sheds
such as this are a common or typical building type in this area and country Victoria generally and hence
the building is not likely to be of more than local historic interest. However, it may have some value in
interpreting the past landuse of the site and it could be argued that it contributes to the rural landscape
character of the area. Its relatively good condition and attractive siting could make it suitable for a new
use on the site if appropriate. The hay shed is in poor condition and of considerably less value.
Comments on the heritage values of the Reserve are provided in Appendix 6.
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5. MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES
The Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve is assigned to Category Ia of the IUCN list of National
Parks and Protected Areas (ANCA 1996). Category Ia – Strict Nature Reserve: Protected area
managed mainly for science – is defined as an, “Area of land and/or sea possessing some outstanding
or representative ecosystems, geological or physiographical features and/or species, available primarily
for scientific research and/or environmental monitoring”.
The (interim) management objectives for the Balmattum Reserve are derived from the objects of the
National Parks Act 1975 and the Application of IUCN Protected Area Management Categories.
•
Maintain existing conservation values and biodiversity across the area.
•
Protect and maintain native vegetation communities and habitat for significant flora and
fauna.
•
Restore and enhance native vegetation communities.
•
Control short and long-term processes that will affect conservation values.
•
Facilitate scientific research and environmental monitoring.
•
Conserve features of archaeological, historical and cultural significance.
•
Allow for the future development of limited areas for public education and appreciation of
grassy woodland conservation.
•
Cooperate with local, State and interstate government authorities, the community and other
interested organisations to assist with the management of the Reserve.
The maintenance of existing conservation values, control of processes that affect conservation values,
restoration and enhancement of native vegetation communities and the establishment of appropriate
research and monitoring are of immediate concern. Hence these management objectives are of most
relevance in the context of this Interim Management Statement.
The Balmattum Reserve is the largest remnant of woodland/gilgai vegetation in this district and is one of
the five largest remnants of woodland vegetation in the Goulburn Broken part of the Riverina Bioregion.
Accordingly, its protection provides an exceptional opportunity for the conservation of woodland fauna
that require relatively large areas of vegetation. Management of the Reserve should therefore be
concerned with not only the protection of the site’s intrinsic values but also its potential values and its
strategic role within the local and regional conservation context.
The main aim of vegetation management at Balmattum Reserve is to increase the complexity, health
and diversity of the vegetation. Management should therefore promote a mosaic of different grassy
woodland habitats across the site with some areas of relatively dense woodlands, and other areas of
open woodland, wetlands and open grassy areas. Achieving this aim is fundamental to the protection
and enhancement of woodland fauna habitat at the Reserve.
Within the time frame of this Interim Management Statement the Management Objectives will be
effected through implementing the Interim Management Directions identified throughout this document.
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
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6. MANAGEMENT CONTEXT
HISTORICAL
The grassy woodlands and creeks of the Riverine Plains were an important source of food and other
resources for Aboriginal people. Over thousands of years Aboriginal people managed the land using
fire as a means of promoting particular plants and controlling the vegetation structure to favour certain
game. This management would have had a significant influence on the ecosystems that were present at
the time of European settlement.
Following the explorations of Hume and Hovell and Thomas Mitchell, the fertile plains of this region were
rapidly and almost completely settled. Although both sheep and cattle were stocked, sheep grazing
generally pre-dominated.
The first settlers in the region recorded areas of “Box” (Eucalyptus microcarpa), “Gum” (Eucalyptus
camaldulensis), “She-oak” (Allocasuarina spp.) and “Cherry Trees” Exocarpus cupressiformis. The
density of overstorey described varied from “scattered” and “lightly wooded” to “moderately wooded” in
these communities (Berwick in prep).
The increasing intensity of agricultural development since settlement has resulted in serious
environmental degradation and contributed to widespread salinity, invasion by pest plants and animals,
loss of biodiversity and a general decline in ecosystem health in this region.
STRATEGIES & PLANS
Numerous government policies and legislative instruments are of direct relevance to the management
and protection of the Reserve. These include the Victorian and Commonwealth Biodiversity Strategies
(DNRE 1997; Commonwealth of Australia 1996), the National Reserve System Program, the Draft
Conservation Program for Native Grasslands and Grassy Woodlands (DCE 1992), the Draft Goulburn
Broken Native Vegetation Plan (Goulburn Broken CMA 2000) and the Box-Ironbark Forests and
Woodlands Investigation Draft Report (ECC 2000).
Legislation of relevance to the management of the reserve includes the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act
1988 and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Action
Statements required under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act have been developed by DNRE for the
Grey Crowned-babbler and Bush Stone-curlew.
The Reserve is part of an area identified in the Draft Goulburn Broken Native Vegetation Management
Plan as being a high priority for works and a target area for the Catchment Management Authority’s
Woodlands and Wildlife project funded through the Natural Heritage Trust.
The Reserve is included in the Natural Resources and Environment/Trust for Nature/CMA Bioregional
Planning project that is identifying strategic areas for works using a focal bird species approach for the
Riverine Plains and Inland Hills of the Goulburn Broken catchment.
It is in the project area for the CMA/CSIRO Heartlands project that includes funding for on-ground
experimentation and habitat protection works.
The Reserve is also a key location for the Birds Australia Grey-crowned Babbler Project as it provides
the nexus between two larger populations at Molka and Sheep Pen.
PAST MANAGEMENT
To some extent one can surmise the past landuse of the Reserve by the current condition of the
vegetation. It is likely that there was considerable tree regeneration following European settlement and
the subsequent cessation of burning by Aboriginal people. Many of the large number of stumps on the
Reserve are likely to be from this regeneration which was subsequently cut for firewood or cleared in the
1920s and 1950s. There are a large number of young River Red Gums in parts of the reserve from
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
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episodic flood events in the last 25 years. In the past decade a small number of large trees have been
removed from the northern end of the Reserve as evidenced by mounds of disturbed soil and some
fallen trees.
The land was used for low-intensity sheep grazing for many years prior to 1997 when all stock were
removed. It is likely that the heavy soils precluded heavy grazing. Since 1997 there has been no stockgrazing on the reserve apart from the occasional animal straying from adjoining properties.
One section of the Reserve adjoining the southern boundary (about 10 ha) has been completely cleared
and sown patchily to rye and clover. The remainder of the Reserve has, in all probability, not been
ploughed, sown down nor had fertiliser added for many decades.
Unused road reserves adjoining Balmattum Reserve have, in general, experienced lower levels of
disturbance. All areas would have been grazed by stock, kangaroos and rabbits to some extent but they
generally retain a comparatively higher level of tree cover with little evidence of clearing.
The Old Euroa Road retains an excellent overstorey of Grey Box, River Red Gum and White Box with
some shrubs and a relatively rich understorey. The road reserve has been subject to intermittent fuel
reduction burning and to occasional episodic grazing (mostly through stock movements by local
landholders).
VEGETATION RESPONSE TO MANAGEMENT
A number of authors have cautioned that stock grazing may be detrimental to the maintenance of
conservation values within grassy woodland communities, either as a continuous management practice
or in dry seasons (Moore, 1964; Lunt, 1991; McIntyre et al 1993; Prober & Thiele1996; Barlow 1998).
However, maintenance of low intensity grazing may be a strategic management course to maintain
existing conservation values (Fensham 1991; Barlow 1998; Lunt et al 1999). It is noteworthy too that
the present floristic composition of native grassy remnants is profoundly influenced by recent and
historical management (Lunt 1995; Foreman 1996).
As a general statement, continuous grazing results in changes to species composition of native
grasslands favouring C3 grasses (commonly called winter-growing or cool-season grasses) over C4
grasses (summer-growing, warm-season grasses), short-growing species over tall, introduced species
over natives and annual species over perennials. Low intensity or selective grazing pressure may
remove highly palatable species such as native peas (e.g. Swainsona spp.), daisies (e.g. Microseris
scapigera), orchids and lilies from the vegetation altogether (Davies 1997) and may prevent
regeneration of woody species (Lunt et al 1999).
Cessation of grazing may have short-term effects of promoting a ‘flush’ of heavy growth from species
such as *Anthoxanthum odoratum, *Avena spp., *Cirsium vulgare, *Holcus lanatus, *Phalaris aquatica
and *Picris echioides. Over a longer time-frame of ten years, Lunt and Morgan (1998) found that there
were considerable changes in plant composition in a fertile open native grassland at Derrimut following
the change from a basic grazing regime to one of mosaic burning. The major change was the increase
in tall forbs with windblown seeds (mostly thistles). In the absence of any biomass removal either by fire
or grazing, tall perennial grasses are likely to dominate the vegetation with a consequent reduction in
species diversity.
The interaction of burning and on-going grazing has been poorly studied in grasslands and grassy
woodlands. Leigh and Holgate (1979) note that fire predisposes grassy communities to increased
grazing from both marsupials and stock, which may impose additional physiological stress on recovering
plants, especially more palatable species.
Kangaroos may exert considerable grazing pressure in grassy woodlands and can be highly selective
grazers with a pronounced preference for monocots (Robertson 1985). They tend to avoid grazing on
herbs and woody plants where fodder is plentiful. High numbers of kangaroos can severely degrade
vegetation and prevent regeneration of native woody species (Cheal 1993). Kangaroos will also avoid
feeding on rank growth and thus maintain a low open grass cover in areas favoured for grazing.
The contrast between vegetation on the adjoining Old Euroa Road and the Reserve is a stark indication
of the effects of tree clearance and continuous stock grazing on native vegetation communities. The
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
9
heavy seasonally inundated soils that occur across much of the Reserve may have meant that the usual
grazing pressure was relatively low. Nevertheless, it is clear that the natural shrub layer has been totally
removed, the number of trees across the site as a whole has been significantly reduced and tree
regeneration was prevented by past stock grazing. In addition a comparison of the ground flora of the
roadside and the Reserve indicates that the composition and structure has been altered and its diversity
and richness considerably reduced.
Since grazing was removed in 1997, the composition and structure of the vegetation has changed to
some extent. Along with considerable regeneration of trees, there has also been some improvement in
the condition of the understorey. The first biological survey of the property (Robinson & Mann 1999)
recorded 53% cover of weed species in the spring of 1998. On re-inspection in spring 1999 this cover
was of the order of 35% with the majority of this due to introduced annual grasses. Not all changes are
beneficial, however, and in many areas where the natural tree cover has been removed, the removal of
stock grazing has resulted in a dense cover of grasses (both native and introduced) to the probable
detriment of native forb species.
At present vegetation within the Reserve can be generally categorised into three main “classes”:
1) Relatively Intact
Relatively intact vegetation is found in patches throughout the Reserve but is generally concentrated in
the central area and on the eastern and western fringes. This class includes areas that have active tree
regeneration and a relatively rich understorey. It includes areas of Plains Grassy Woodland and Plains
Grassy Woodland/Gilgai Wetland Mosaic and areas dominated by either Eucalyptus camaldulensis or
Eucalyptus microcarpa. There is a consistent but relatively low cover of native grasses and moderate to
high flora and fauna values. The shrub layer that would have been part of these woodland communities
has been completely removed through the effects of stock and rabbit grazing. Trees have been thinned
or removed from within these areas and most mature trees are of reasonably consistent age.
It is assumed that the relatively open ground cover and successful regeneration of overstorey species
will continue in the continued absence of stock grazing. These areas also include most of the large old
trees on the block.
2) Moderately Intact
This class includes Plains Grassy Woodland areas that have had much or all of the overstorey removed
and Plains Grassy Woodland/Gilgai Wetland Mosaic areas on heavy soils where the overstorey has
been completely removed. Most of these areas have a high cover of grasses (both native and
introduced) and moderate flora and fauna values. Native forbs may be locally common and some
‘microwetlands’ in these areas are in good condition. There is little, if any, tree regeneration. The shrub
layer that would have been part of these woodland communities has been completely removed through
the effects of stock and rabbit grazing.
Moderately disturbed vegetation is found generally surrounding the central woodland area and in
patches throughout the Reserve.
3) Severely Disturbed
This class includes those sections where the understorey is overwhelmingly dominated by introduced
species including those parts that have been ploughed. These areas have a high cover of grasses
especially introduced species, high cover of weeds and low flora and fauna habitat values. Few native
forbs are present. The shrub layer that would have been part of these woodland and creekline
communities has been completely removed. There is no active tree regeneration in these areas.
Severely disturbed areas occur along the western half of the southern boundary, in the shearing-shed
block and along the northeast drainage line.
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
10
Plains Grassy Woodland with good regeneration of River Red Gum and Grey Box and
with an open understorey following four years of stock exclusion.
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
11
7. THREATENED SPECIES CONSERVATION
TEMPERATE-WOODLAND BIRD COMMUNITY
The temperate-woodland bird community comprises a suite of bird species characteristically found
within box-ironbark and box woodland communities on the inland slopes and plains of the Great Dividing
Range (Robinson & Traill 1996; Traill & Duncan 2000). It includes ‘…many species of nectar-feeder,
ground-seed feeder, open-ground insect-eaters and hollow nesters’, reflecting the ‘…long growing
season and year-round availability of food, the preponderance of eucalypts and associated habitat
components such as abundant tree hollows, peeling bark, nectar and other carbohydrates, the grassy
ground-layer and the open structure of the vegetation.’ (Robinson & Traill 1996).
Because of the clearing of nearly all temperate woodlands for agriculture, the temperate-woodland bird
community has become seriously threatened (Robinson 1993, 1994; Robinson & Traill 1996; Reid 1999;
Traill & Duncan 2000), with many character species in Victoria being listed as threatened or in decline
(SAC 2000). The woodland bird community is consequently itself now listed as a threatened ecological
community in Victoria under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act (SAC 2000). This listing comprises 24
species of bird considered to be woodland-dependent in Victoria and includes three of the key species
of threatened bird recorded at Balmattum Reserve or nearby – Bush Stone-curlew Burhinus
magnirostris, Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor, Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis.
Of the other 21 species of woodland bird included in the listing seven have been recorded within five
kilometres of the Reserve or on the Reserve itself – Painted Button-quail Turnix varia (Reserve), Little
Lorikeet Glossopsitta pusilla (Reserve), Jacky Winter Microeca fascinans, Fuscous Honeyeater
Lichenostomus fuscus, Brown-headed Honeyeater Melithreptus brevirostris pallidiceps, Black-chinned
Honeyeater Melithreptus gularis and Brown Treecreeper Climacteris picumnus victoriae. A further
seven species of woodland bird that have been identified as ‘decliners’ in recent studies have also been
found within five kilometres of the Reserve or on the Reserve itself. These are Wedge-tailed Eagle
Aquila audax (Reserve), Australian Owlet-nightjar Aegotheles cristatus (Reserve), Dusky Woodswallow
Artamus cyanopterus, Crested Shrike-tit Falcunculus frontatus, Varied Sittella Daphoenositta
chrysoptera, Restless Flycatcher Myiagra inquieta and Southern Whiteface Aphelocephala leucopsis
(Robinson 1994; Reid 1999).
The contribution of the Reserve to the conservation of all of these woodland bird species is significant
and a major management aim should be to ensure that the Reserve is managed to provide suitable
habitat for these species.
The broad ecological requirements for the 17 woodland bird species found close to or within the
Reserve are listed in Appendix 4. In summary, the key features are:
•
Mature trees, both live and dead;
•
Hollow-bearing trees, logs and stumps;
•
Patches of dense tree and understorey cover of 10ha or more;
•
Abundant fallen timber;
•
Short grass cover (< 10 cm high) within the dense tree cover patches;
•
Maintenance of edge habitat and mosaic of dense patches and patches of nearly bare, open
ground;
•
Additional patches of understorey and Buloke throughout the Reserve, including away from
existing stands of eucalypts;
•
Additional patches of White Box as a nectar source; and
•
Vegetated links > 50 m wide between the Reserve and nearby creeks.
The key threats to the woodland bird community and its habitat within Balmattum Reserve comprise
incremental loss of the mature eucalypts because of exposure and dieback, dense grass growth,
predation by cats and foxes, and competition by Noisy Miners.
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
12
GREY-CROWNED BABBLER
The Grey-crowned Babbler is a communally-breeding species of woodland bird that requires about 4-20
ha of habitat to support each family group (Robinson et al in press). Its key habitat elements in the
eastern Riverina are:
•
fertile box woodland sites;
•
high numbers of mature box trees (on average, 10.9 trees/ha with a diameter greater than 90
cm and 26 trees/ha with a trunk diameter greater than 60 cm);
•
an understorey of eucalypt regeneration, Bulokes or Golden Wattles for nest sites and cover;
and
•
short sparse ground layer of vegetation (< 10 cm high, < 40% cover).
Within Balmattum Reserve, the most suitable habitat occurs in Plains Grassy Woodland along Old
Euroa Rd, the unused road along the eastern edge of the property and in scattered sites throughout the
property where there are high densities of mature Grey Box and River Red Gum. One group of babblers
currently lives along the northern edge of the Reserve while other groups have occupied habitat close to
the shearing shed and along the unused road in the past five years.
The major threats to the Grey-crowned Babbler and its habitat within Balmattum Reserve are cat and fox
predation, dense grass growth and incremental loss of the mature trees because of exposure and
dieback. The major extrinsic threats to the species are local extinction of other babbler groups because
of changed land use and increased rates of cat predation, and subsequent isolation of any groups found
at Balmattum Reserve.
Across Victoria, the Grey-crowned Babbler population has declined in abundance by an estimated 94%
in the last 200 years (Robinson et al. in press) and now consists of only 500 groups. Of the 84
populations of the species still found in Victoria, just six contain more than 20 family groups. Balmattum
Reserve is part of the district that links two of these larger populations (Map 3) and its management for
babbler conservation is therefore critical.
BUSH STONE-CURLEW
The Bush Stone-curlew is a large, long-lived ground-feeding and ground-nesting bird. Although a pair’s
home range typically measures more than 200 ha, much of that land may include open paddocks. The
species’ prime habitat requirements are small patches of tree cover for shelter, abundant fallen timber
and very short (< 10 cm high) grass cover. Within Balmattum Reserve, these habitat elements are best
represented next to Old Euroa Road, along the unused road along the eastern edge of the property and
among some of the dense stands of trees scattered through the Reserve. The major threats to the
Stone-curlew and its habitat within the Reserve are fox predation, dense grass growth and weed
invasion by grasses such as *Phalaris aquatica.
A pair of Bush Stone-curlews used to live in the White Box patch near the shearing shed but has not
been observed in the last five years. Recent sightings elsewhere in the district are shown in Map 3.
SWIFT PARROT
This nationally endangered parrot breeds in Tasmania but spends the winter months in the temperate
woodlands of southeastern mainland Australia. Its main winter food sources are eucalypt-nectar and
lerps and the local distribution of the species varies annually depending on where eucalypts are
flowering most heavily. Two of the key food trees for the species are Grey Box (flowering or lerp
infested in autumn) and White Box (flowering in winter). The other key habitat elements on the mainland
appear to be dense canopy cover or high connectivity at a local scale, and mature trees. The major
threats to the Swift Parrot and its habitat within Balmattum Reserve are loss of mature trees and
competition from Noisy Miners.
Swift Parrots have not been recorded from Balmattum Reserve but have been recorded feeding on
flowering White Box only one kilometre away. Groups of up to 40 birds are regularly seen in the Violet
Town and Euroa districts and are likely to use the Reserve.
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
13
Map 3.
Current and Recent Locations of Threatened Fauna
Violet Town
BALMATTUM NCR
Euroa
Grey-crowned Babbler
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
Bush Stone-curlew
14
OTHER SIGNIFICANT FAUNA
There has been very limited survey for fauna on the Reserve. It is possible that it supports populations
of a number of other notable species including reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. There are
anecdotal records of Fat-tailed Dunnarts in the local area and there is suitable habitat on the site for this
species. Squirrel Gliders (endangered in Victoria) and Tree Goannas are moderately common in
districts to the north and west of the Reserve.
FRAGRANT LEEK-ORCHID
Fragrant Leek-orchid (Prasophyllum suaveolens) is a highly endangered orchid, to 25 cm tall, with a
single onion-like leaf and a spike of 10-25 green and red-brown flowers. Flowering is in September to
October. Descriptions of this species can be found in Lunt et al (1998) and Backhouse and Jeanes
(1995).
Fragrant Leek-orchid is regarded as endangered in Victoria (NRE 2000) and nationally and is listed as
endangered under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. It
occurs in fertile grassy areas of the Victorian Volcanic Plain, Victorian Midlands and the Riverina. Most
populations are in remnant grasslands on rail and road reserves and contain just a few plants. A
relatively large population occurs in the Terrick Terrick National Park.
At Balmattum a small population of Fragrant Leek-orchid has been recorded on the road reserve of the
Old Euroa Road (Map 4). Suitable habitat also occurs within the Reserve, adjacent to the population.
Threats may include the small population size, illegal collection, prolonged stock grazing, accidental
destruction during road maintenance or construction and weed invasion.
SWAMP BILLY BUTTONS
Swamp Billy Buttons (Craspedia paludicola) is an erect, perennial herb, to 75 cm tall, with narrow leaves
at the base of and along red to purple flower stems, that bear a large, yellow, hemispherical flower.
Flowering is from September to February. Descriptions of this species can be found in Lunt et al (1998)
and Foreman and Entwisle (1999).
Swamp Billy Buttons is regarded as vulnerable in Victoria (NRE 2000). It occurs in swampy areas and
drainage lines usually in heavy clay soils. It is widespread and occurs in the Victorian Volcanic Plain,
Victorian Midlands, Wimmera, Wannon, Gippsland, East Gippsland and the Riverina, and also in subalpine bogs in the eastern highlands and snowfields.
At Balmattum there is a large population of Swamp Billy-buttons occurring in gilgai wetlands (Map 4).
Threats may include prolonged or heavy stock grazing and weed invasion.
BULOKE
Buloke (Allocasuarina luehmannii) is a long-lived, dioecious tree from 5-15 metres tall with furrowed bark
and ascending branchlets to 40cm long. Descriptions of this species can be found in Lunt et al (1998)
and Walsh and Entwisle (1996).
Buloke is regarded as vulnerable in Victoria (NRE 2000) and is listed under the Flora and Fauna
Guarantee Act. It is widespread in the Wimmera, Mallee and northern Victoria with small populations
west of Melbourne.
Ten mature trees have been located within Balmattum (Map 4) and other plants occur on the Old Euroa
Road. These individuals are generally healthy and both male and female plants are present. A large
number of seedlings to 1.5m high occur in the vicinity of one Buloke in the central west of the Reserve.
Threats to the species within the Reserve include intense or repeated burning and rabbits and stock
preventing recruitment.
INTERIM M ANAGEMENT DIRECTION – THREATENED SPECIES
Maintain and enhance habitat for rare or threatened flora and fauna and control or eliminate processes
that threaten populations of these species. Ensure that the Reserve is managed to provide suitable
habitat for woodland fauna occurring in the region.
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
15
Map 4.
Threatened Flora
Maher’s Road
Old Euroa Road
Boundary
Buloke Allocasuarina luehmannii (seedlings)
Fragrant Leek-orchid Prasophyllum suaveolens
(approximate location)
0
200m
400m
600m
800m
Major areas of Swamp Billy-buttons Craspedia paludicola
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
16
8. INTERIM MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS
The following management arrangements are considered necessary to maintain the existing
conservation values of the site in the short to medium term. The intention is to develop on-going
programs to enhance the conservation values of the site and to develop a framework for an ecological
research and monitoring program aimed at determining whether key management objectives are being
achieved.
OVERALL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK
The main aim of vegetation management at Balmattum Reserve is to increase the complexity, health
and diversity of the vegetation. Management should therefore promote a mosaic of different grassy
woodland habitats across the site with some areas of relatively dense woodlands, and other areas of
open woodland, wetlands and open grassy areas. Achieving this aim is fundamental to the protection
and enhancement of woodland fauna habitat at the Reserve.
Woodland fauna depends upon sympathetic management of the Reserve to ensure that habitat
requirements of a range of target species are met (i.e. by promoting structural and floristic diversity,
removing or controlling threats). However, effective management of woodland fauna also requires a
strategic local and regional approach to ensure that sufficient interconnected habitat is available
(Bennett et al 1998; Lunt & Bennett 1999).
The adoption of adaptive management principles in the management of the Balmattum Reserve will
emphasise that learning from management outcomes is a specific objective of conservation
management. The following approach recommended by Lunt and Morgan (1998) will be adopted.
(1) Retain pre-existing management as the primary management tool, so that the impacts of alternative
management regimes can be compared against the status quo;
(2) Implement a small number of different management regimes in a consistent manner;
(3) Fully document all management activities within each treatment; and
(4) Establish monitoring regimes that will explicitly compare the outcomes of the different management
regimes.
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT ZONES
The Reserve will be divided into three zones for the purposes of vegetation management (Map 5).
These zones broadly reflect the vegetation ‘classes’ identified in section 6, but are not equivalent to
them. For example some Relatively Intact vegetation is included within VMZ2, whereas some
Moderately Disturbed vegetation is included within VMZ1.
The purpose of the different zones is to allow for different management regimes that are both
sympathetic to existing values in the various parts of the Reserve and that will further the aim of
promoting habitat diversity across the Reserve. This approach will also allow for the development of
meaningful monitoring and research programs.
VMZ1
This Zone is based on Relatively Intact areas of Plains Grassy Woodland and Plains Grassy
Woodland/Gilgai Wetland Mosaic and includes woodlands dominated by either Eucalyptus
camaldulensis or Eucalyptus microcarpa that have active tree regeneration and a relatively rich
understorey. The natural shrub layer is absent. Treecover has been thinned and many of the trees are
very large and old.
It is assumed that the relatively open ground cover and successful recent regeneration of overstorey
species will continue. There is no general requirement for biomass reduction in this Zone.
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
17
Map 5.
Vegetation Management Zones
VMZ1
VMZ1
VMZ3
VMZ2
VMZ1
VMZ1
VMZ2
VMZ2
VMZ3
VMZ1
VMZ1
Boundary
Proposed Internal Fencing
Proposed Access Track
0
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
200m
400m
600m
800m
18
*
Areas
Adjoining Old Euroa Road and eastern boundary (20ha), large patches in centre of Reserve (25ha), in
southeast corner (10ha), on eastern boundary (10ha) and on northern boundary (15ha). (80ha total)
Management Objectives
• Control weeds,
• Protect and promote structural diversity through both natural regeneration and active restoration
programs.
• Protect large, old trees.
Proposed Management
• Fence areas to protect from stock grazing. Priority should be given to the central area and strips
along the eastern and western boundaries.
• Control priority weeds, especially *Phalaris aquatica and *Carthamus lanatus.
• Instigate revegetation programs to restore shrub layer.
• Monitor understorey for structure, diversity and cover of native and weed species.
• Monitor effects of kangaroo grazing.
VMZ2
This Zone is based on woodland areas that have had most or all of the overstorey removed including
areas on heavy soils. There is a high cover of grasses (both native and introduced) and moderate flora
and fauna values. Native forbs may be locally common and some ‘microwetlands’ in these areas are in
good condition. There is little, if any, tree regeneration and the natural shrub layer is absent. Treecover
has been thinned or even totally removed. Remaining trees may be very large and old.
Biomass reduction is required in this zone.
Areas
Throughout Reserve (120ha total).
Management Objectives
• Control weeds and the potential for weed invasion.
• Maintain and improve existing flora and fauna values through biomass control.
• Allow for natural regeneration of native understorey species.
Proposed Management
• Control priority weeds.
• ‘Crash’ graze once with cattle in late summer to reduce biomass.
• Commence seasonal grazing with sheep to maintain low open, ground cover.
• Monitor and if necessary protect ‘microwetlands’.
• Monitor understorey for structure, diversity and cover of native and weed species.
• Monitor effects of all grazing.
VMZ3
This Zone is based on areas where the understorey is overwhelmingly dominated by introduced species
including those parts that have been ploughed. These areas have a high cover of grasses especially
introduced species, high cover of weeds and limited flora and fauna habitat values. Few native forbs are
present. The shrub layer has been completely removed. There is no tree regeneration in these areas.
Areas
Northeastern drainage line (5ha), east of and including shearing shed surrounds (15ha). (20ha total)
Management Objectives
• Control weeds and the potential for weed invasion into other parts of the reserve.
• Improve fauna habitat by restoring overstorey and structural diversity.
• Restore habitat connections.
*
Areas given are approximate, actual areas to be determined on-site.
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
19
Proposed Management
• Fence areas.
• ‘Crash’ graze with cattle in late summer to reduce biomass.
• Control priority weeds.
• Graze with sheep to maintain low open, ground cover prior to revegetation programs.
• Instigate revegetation programs with tree and shrub species.
INTERIM M ANAGEMENT DIRECTION – VEGETATION M ANAGEMENT ZONES
Manage vegetation in accordance with the three vegetation management zones identified.
STOCK GRAZING
The density of standing grass vegetation must be controlled in some areas of the Reserve in order to
maintain and enhance habitat for a range of flora and fauna species and to allow for revegetation
programs. As the Reserve has a long history of grazing by domestic stock it is proposed that this should
be used as the primary means of achieving this aim. It is emphasised that in this context stock grazing
is employed as a tool for achieving specific management outcomes rather than a commercial use.
Stock grazing on the Reserve should be conducted under an agreement with a local landholder. The
terms of the agreement should include clauses relating to stocking rates, timing and areas of grazing,
feeding, watering points, stock exclusion (including total removal of stock under drought conditions) and
pest plant and animal control (see Appendix 5). All stock numbers, type and movements must be
recorded.
Initial ‘crash’ grazing to reduce biomass within VMZ2 & VMZ3 should be conducted with cattle in late
summer. Subsequent grazing should be with wethers and should be conducted in late summer and
autumn. It is preferable that grazing take place early in this period rather than late. Sheep should not
be grazed in the Reserve from August to December (inclusive) except in VMZ3 areas prior to
revegetation programs. General stocking rates should be of the order of 3-5 dry sheep equivalent/ha
although if sheep are to be in the reserve for a short time only then higher stocking rates may be used.
The aim of grazing is to achieve a relatively open, short grass cover. Vegetation should be monitored
and grazing removed once this desired structure has been achieved.
Stock grazing should take place across all VMZ2 (and VMZ3 areas prior to revegetation). It is possible
that this total area could be divided into two or three areas with each part grazed more intensively on an
annual rotation. There is probably sufficient water in the 3 dams to allow for this approach.
Stock grazing may be required for short periods within VMZ1 areas to reduce ground cover to
satisfactory levels. There is a potential conflict, however, between establishing shrub layers and having
these areas grazed. In general, protection and establishment of shrubs should be given priority in such
circumstances with grazing excluded until shrubs are sufficiently advanced to withstand short-term
grazing by stock. Grey Kangaroos will maintain some continuous grazing pressure although they are
likely to avoid areas of rank grass.
INTERIM M ANAGEMENT DIRECTIONS – STOCK GRAZING
In general, exclude stock grazing from relatively intact areas. Maintain stock grazing as a primary tool
for controlling biomass in the Reserve where this is required in the short term.
VEGETATION RESTORATION
Management of grazing across VMZ1 and VMZ2 will allow further tree regeneration and enhance the
quality of the understorey as well as contributing to habitat requirements of fauna. However, shrub and
tree cover restoration will require active revegetation programs in some areas.
The objectives of this program are to:
• enhance floristic and habitat diversity in a mosaic across the Reserve;
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
20
• restore shrub species to woodland communities;
• link areas of existing habitat; and
• assist in controlling weed invasion in degraded areas through replacing existing weed cover with
native vegetation.
Restoration programs should be conducted in VMZ1 areas with the central area being the first priority.
Individual Buloke, not included within VMZ1 areas, may also benefit from small stock-exclosures to
prevent mechanical damage, soil compaction and nutrient enrichment around their bases. Fencing
would also protect seedlings.
Establishment of all plants should be by niche seeding to reduce soil disturbance but maximise costeffectiveness or by seedlings where this is not feasible. Provenance of all species should be from within
the Goulburn Broken Catchment Riverina Bioregion and from similar soil types.
Revegetation programs are required along the two drainage lines and in highly disturbed areas along
the southern boundary. Although this revegetation is not an immediate priority it will improve habitat
connectivity with the surrounding landscape, reduce weed invasion and increase habitat diversity.
Plantings along drainage lines should be at least 50 metres in width.
A small area of White Box occurs in the vicinity of the shearing shed. Within this woodland, the
understorey is seriously degraded and is dominated by introduced annual grasses and Cape Weed.
Increasing the number and area of White Box and other tree species within the Reserve will improve
habitat for a number of fauna species and accordingly White Box, White Cypress Pine and Yellow Box
seedlings should be planted on this area of freer draining soil. As stock grazing should continue in this
area as a means of controlling weed growth, individual guarding of seedlings may be necessary.
INTERIM M ANAGEMENT DIRECTIONS – VEGETATION RESTORATION
Implement revegetation programs to restore shrub and tree cover within specific areas of the Reserve
and enhance floristic and habitat diversity across the Reserve.
Table 1: Woodland species suitable for establishment in the Reserve
SPECIES
Acacia acinacea
Acacia pycnantha
Acacia verniciflua
Allocasuarina luehmannii
Bursaria spinosa
Callitris glaucophylla
Eucalyptus albens
Eucalyptus camaldulensis
Eucalyptus melliodora
Eucalyptus microcarpa
Eutaxia microphylla
Pittosporum phylliraeoides
Pultenaea laxiflora
Templetonia stenophylla
COMMON NAME
Gold-dust wattle
Golden wattle
Varnish wattle
Buloke
Sweet Bursaria
White Cypress-pine
White Box
River Red Gum
Yellow Box
Grey Box
Common Eutaxia
Weeping Pittosporum
Loose-flower Bushpea
Leafy Templetonia
USE
Enrichment planting in Plains Grassy Woodland
In degraded areas and enrichment planting in Plains Grassy Woodland
Enrichment planting in Plains Grassy Woodland
Enrichment planting in Plains Grassy Woodland
Enrichment planting in Plains Grassy Woodland
South west corner; on lighter soils
South west corner; on lighter soils
In degraded areas and on heavy soils
Enrichment planting in Plains Grassy Woodland on lighter soils
In degraded areas and enrichment planting in Plains Grassy Woodland
Enrichment planting in Plains Grassy Woodland
South west corner, on lighter soils
Enrichment planting in Plains Grassy Woodland
Enrichment planting in Plains Grassy Woodland
TREE DIEBACK
Tree Dieback is occurring sporadically across the Reserve and, although it is not severe at present, it
requires monitoring and investigation. The cause of this dieback is not clear. Factors that may be
contributing are exposure, lack of insectivorous birds due to absence of suitable habitat or Noisy Miner
attack, insect attack, nutrient enrichment, senescence and drought (Reid & Landsberg 1999). The
proposed interim management for the Reserve will address some of these possible causes, however
specific programs may need to be developed to alleviate stress on effected trees.
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
21
RESEARCH AND MONITORING
A comprehensive monitoring program is required to assess the efficacy of the interim management in
meeting the vegetation management objectives and assess the outcomes of different management
regimes.
Vegetation Assessment
Excluding grazing where vegetation condition does not warrant biomass reduction and maintaining the
historical stock grazing regime in other areas is a conservative option for the initial management of the
Reserve. The potential of other management regimes to maintain or improve biodiversity values should
be investigated.
It is proposed that trials be established to investigate the effects of:
•
•
•
•
•
excluding grazing on a rotational basis (graze one year in three).
using ecological burning.
macropod grazing.
excluding grazing from areas of Moderately Disturbed vegetation.
grazing areas of Relatively Intact vegetation.
Trial plots will be relatively large (i.e. 0.25 ha or greater) and use removable/collapsible fencing where
required. It is expected that sufficient replicates of grazed/ungrazed areas should be available within the
different vegetation classes and vegetation management zones.
Assessment methods will involve quadrat surveys and censuses of threatened and regionally significant
flora species under various management regimes.
A baseline monitoring grid should be established within the first year. A mixture of small (2m x 2m) and
large (10m x 10m) quadrats should be employed. Outcomes should be assessed after one year and
three years with a final assessment after six years. Parameters that are of significance include
vegetation structure and height, relative cover of native and introduced species, native species and
introduced species richness, litter and bare ground. Monitoring of tree health throughout the Reserve
should also be conducted.
Many of these programs would be suitable as joint projects in conjunction with universities, special
interest groups or other interested bodies.
Fauna Assessment
Information on the presence and distribution of fauna across the Reserve has not been systematically
collected. Detailed fauna surveys should be conducted and the development of a monitoring program
for fauna species established in the first year.
To some extent habitat structure and condition can be used as an analogue for fauna monitoring. Key
indicators include the amount of bare ground, litter, vegetation height, structure and cover. This data
should be interpreted in reference to the potential habitat values of the various vegetation communities
and the desired habitat characteristics for fauna, especially significant species (see Appendix 4).
The following studies are required to provide both general and specific information on fauna values:
• A program of pitfall trapping to provide general baseline information on the distribution and
abundance of ground-dwelling reptiles, frogs and small mammals;
• A spotlight survey program to provide general baseline information on the distribution and abundance
of nocturnal fauna including owls, Fat-tailed Dunnarts, possums and gliders;
• Survey programs for bats;
• Survey programs for invertebrates, including yabbies; and
• Rudimentary analysis of predator scats.
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
22
These studies should, where possible, extend beyond the Reserve and include areas of nearby and
adjoining habitat. Many of these programs and projects would be suitable as joint projects in
conjunction with universities, special interest groups or other interested bodies.
Although this Interim Management Statement includes management actions directed at providing
suitable habitat for a range of woodland fauna, it is expected that it will take many years before the
appropriate structure and diversity exists across the Reserve. Consequently while use of the Reserve
by those species listed in Appendix 4 should be monitored in the short-term, the success or otherwise of
the management approach should be judged over a longer timeframe of 5-10 years.
Ecological Burns
Ecological burns should be trialed in woodland and grassland areas to investigate their potential for
enhancing flora values and as a possible means of controlling biomass. Burns should be in a mosaic
and at a management scale (i.e. 0.25 ha). Caution must be exercised in the conduct of these burns.
Using fire as a management tool in grassy ecosystems with a long history of grazing either to control
weeds or as a means of reducing biomass is greatly complicated by the varying responses of exotic and
native species. Lunt (1990) found that following a single burn in April at the Derrimut Grassland
Reserve native grasses such as Themeda triandra, Agrostis avenacea, Austrodanthonia caespitosa and
Austrodanthonia setacea were more abundant in burnt plots than in unburnt areas. However, there was
also a significant increase in *Aira cupaniana, *Briza minor, *Romulea rosea and *Vulpia bromoides in
response to the burn. Some introduced species have been found to be less frequent following autumn
fires (Lunt 1990; McDougall 1989). Ecological burns should be trialed in different seasons to assess
whether seasonality of burns leads to a significant difference in species composition.
Burning may stimulate germination of soil-stored seed of shrub species including hard-seeded species
such as acacias and may assist some species (including orchids such as Prasophyllum suaveolens) to
regenerate or re-invade the Reserve from the Old Euroa Road. It is unlikely, however, that much soilstored seed of shrub species remains away from the roadside fringe.
INTERIM M ANAGEMENT DIRECTION – SURVEY AND MONITORING
Establish survey programs for flora and fauna.
Establish a comprehensive monitoring framework to assess overall management and to compare the
outcomes of different management regimes.
INTERIM M ANAGEMENT DIRECTION – TRIAL ALTERNATIVE M ANAGEMENT REGIMES
Establish trials to investigate the potential benefits of alternative management regimes including grazing
and burning.
FIRE
Although fires from natural and human sources would have been a part of the ecology of this region for
many thousands of years, they have been largely excluded from the Reserve since European
settlement. There is little evidence of recent fires (such as burn scars on trees and burnt stumps)
although some trees show signs of lightning strikes.
Extensive or frequent fires are likely to have profound effects on habitat for woodland fauna including
threatened species. Accordingly, wildfire should be excluded from and prevented from occurring within
the Reserve.
Old Euroa Road, Mahers Road and the proposed access track on the southern and eastern perimeter
are all effective fire breaks. The proposed stock grazing regime will also reduce fuel loads. Under no
circumstance should ploughed or graded firebreaks be constructed within the Reserve. If adjoining
landholders require further breaks then Parks Victoria should offer to construct them on the landholders’
land adjacent to fences.
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
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Map 6.
Priority Weeds
Maher’s Road
Old Euroa Road
■
■
■
■
Toowoomba Canary-grass - *Phalaris aquatica
Saffron Thistle - *Carthamus lanatus
Other Thistles (Various species)
Bathurst Burr - *Xanthium spinosum
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
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PEST PLANTS
All of the Reserve suffers from weed invasion to some degree, largely as a result of previous land use.
Most of the weed cover consists of annual and perennial grasses (including Wild Oats *Avena barbata,
Rye-grass *Lolium spp., Hair-grass, *Aira spp., Fescues *Vulpia spp, Large Quaking Grass *Briza
maxima, Lesser Quaking Grass *Briza minor and Bromes *Bromus spp.), introduced Asteraceae
(including thistles, *Hypochoeris spp., *Sonchus spp. and Cape Weed *Arctotheca calendula), clovers
*Trifolium spp., Plaintains *Plantago spp. and Onion Weed *Romulea rosea. Many of these species are
ubiquitous in grasslands and grassy woodlands and their presence does not pose a major threat to
conservation values in the short-term. Effective management of grazing and preventing soil disturbance
are the most important management actions with regard to these species. Active programs of
vegetation restoration in those parts of the Reserve that are highly disturbed will also assist in removing
and controlling weed threats.
There are a small number of weed species that do present a threat to conservation values if their current
small infestations are allowed to spread. These species are listed in Table 2 and their approximate
current distribution recorded in Map 6.
Table 2: Priority Weed Species
Common Name
Species Name
Distribution
Control
Toowoomba Canary- *Phalaris aquatica
grass
Small clumps widespread on heavier soils
and in wet areas throughout the Reserve.
Severe along northeastern drainage line.
Also on disused roads and Old Euroa Rd.
Annual spray and/or
burning program.
Bathurst Burr
*Xanthium spinosum
Occasional plants chiefly on bare ground
surrounding dead trees and stumps.
Annual spray and/or
removal program.
Wild Oats
*Avena barbata
Dense infestations on Old Euroa Rd.
Annual burning, and/or
pulse grazing.
Saffron Thistle
*Carthamus lanatus
Sparse, widespread, chiefly in northern
areas.
Annual spray and/or
removal program.
Sparse, widespread, chiefly in northern
areas.
Annual spray and/or
removal program.
Dense infestation in shearing shed block.
Minor occurrences in disturbed areas.
Annual spray program
(broad-leaf herbicide) and
revegetation in shearing
shed block.
Various thistles
Cape Weed
*Arctotheca calendula
PEST ANIMALS
Red Foxes, rabbits, hares and probably cats are present within the Reserve.
Foxes are a major threat to a wide range of fauna and should be controlled and preferably eliminated
from the site if conservation objectives are to be met. Predation by Red Fox is listed as a threatening
process under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act (SAC 1991) and the Action Statement for Bush
Stone-curlews makes a commitment to ‘give priority to feral predator control programs at important sites
within the Bush Stone-curlew’s range…’ (Robinson & Johnson 1997). Although feral cats have not
been sighted at the reserve, they potentially represent a similar threat as foxes to native fauna and is
also listed as a threatening process under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act (SAC 1995).
Rabbits are not present in large numbers due largely to the heavy soils across much of the Reserve.
Rabbits and rabbit warrens are found in the White Box area surrounding the shearing shed, and, to a
lesser extent, along the eastern and western boundaries. These populations should be controlled.
Hares are present but seem unlikely to constitute a threat to habitat condition although they may prove
problematic when restoration programs commence.
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
25
Control programs for all these species would be made more effective if conducted in conjunction with
neighbouring landholders.
INTERIM M ANAGEMENT DIRECTION – PEST PLANTS AND ANIMALS
Control and where possible eliminate pest plants and animals, especially where they pose an immediate
threat to significant species or communities.
KANGAROOS
The Reserve supports a population of Eastern Grey Kangaroos. This species is not a pest and the
present number (of the order of 60-100) is not a threat to conservation values within the Reserve.
However, it is likely that this population will increase steadily and that within the foreseeable future
kangaroos may have a significant impact on flora and habitat values.
Large numbers of kangaroos would also affect management of neighbouring properties and potentially
threaten good relationships with these landowners. Kangaroos may also present a road hazard on the
adjoining Old Euroa Road if numbers become high and their movements beyond the Reserve boundary
increase.
In the short to medium term the population should be monitored and some culling may be required. The
aim should be to ensure that the population is maintained at a level that allows for sustained vegetation
recovery. Neighbours may be issued with permits under the Wildlife Act 1975 to control Eastern Grey
Kangaroos causing damage to private property, however, kangaroo control should be the responsibility
of Parks Victoria.
NOISY MINERS
Noisy Miners are considered a threat to existing and potential populations of woodland bird species
within the Reserve. Noisy Miner removals have been shown to result in substantial increases in
numbers of insectivorous birds for at least 12 months after removal, even where the experimental sites
are small or degraded (Grey et al. 1998). As a corollary of this increased bird species richness and
diversity, Stothers et al (1999) recorded improvements in tree health because of reduced insect
numbers. There is a strong case for a program to remove Noisy Miners from Balmattum Reserve due to
the risk of mature tree loss through dieback and the subsequent effects on biodiversity.
The effects of removal should be monitored including tree health, populations of other bird species and
re-invasion by Noisy Miners.
INTERIM M ANAGEMENT DIRECTION – K ANGAROOS AND NOISY MINERS
Monitor and, where necessary, control Eastern Grey Kangaroo populations to ensure that the population
is maintained at a level that allows for sustained vegetation recovery within the Reserve.
Remove Noisy Miners from the Reserve and monitor effects.
ROAD RESERVES
Unused road reserves on the eastern boundary and the eastern end of the southern boundary are
unlicensed and should be incorporated into the reserve. Parks Victoria should contact the Shire and
adjoining landholders to facilitate this process. (N.B: a list of adjoining landholders is attached)
The adjoining section of Old Euroa Road should be managed by Parks Victoria as an adjunct to the
Reserve, especially given the known presence of the endangered Fragrant Leek-orchid Prasophyllum
suaveolens. In spring there are high numbers of Wild Oats which could be readily controlled. The
roadside is currently used by local landholders for moving stock.
Burning may be a useful management tool on the roadside: its past and future use should be discussed
with the local CFA.
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
26
INTERIM M ANAGEMENT DIRECTION – ROAD RESERVES
Investigate incorporation of unused, unlicensed road reserves into the Reserve and undertake active
management programs on Old Euroa Road.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Buildings
There is a shearing shed with associated yards and infrastructure in the southwestern corner. The
shearing shed is in relatively good condition and its attractive siting and surrounds could make it suitable
as a base for research projects and educational programs (See Appendix 6).
Some of the fencing and yards associated with the shed should be retained but other less significant
infrastructure should be removed. The sheep dip is likely to be highly contaminated and should be
either emptied of liquids and filled in or the liquid treated in situ before filling. The hayshed to the east of
the shearing shed should be removed.
Tracks
There are no tracks within the reserve and the heavy soils and gilgais restrict vehicle movement. Old
Euroa Road and Maher’s Road provide a measure of vehicle access to the western and northern
boundaries of the Reserve. A single perimeter track, inside the interior fence should be constructed
adjoining fencelines along the southern and eastern sides of the Reserve to provide access for
management vehicles and as a simple firebreak. The tracks should be designated as “management
vehicles only”, and all vehicles, with the exception of those required for fire management tasks, should
remain on the track at all times.
Dams
The property has three dams all of which are in fair to good condition and hold ample water for the
stocking requirements of the Reserve and for fire control. Stock access to the dam in the southwestern
corner may be problematic due to restoration requirements in this area. Consideration should be given
to either piping water from this dam to a trough, or if it is not required for stock, to lowering the dam and
allowing more water to flow along the southwestern drainage line.
Fencing
All boundary fencing must be maintained in stockproof condition. Fencing on the southern and northern
boundaries is generally in good condition and requires little maintenance. Fences on the eastern
boundary and along Old Euroa Road have damaged sections and require some maintenance.
Additional fencing is required to exclude stock grazing from areas of VMZ1 and VMZ3 (see Map 5).
These fences are only required to prevent sheep movement and may be only necessary for the medium
term. Fence construction should take place in summer when the ground is dry and damage to
vegetation will be minimal. Electric fencing could be used for stock control where this is practical.
Signs
Signs notifying the public of the existence of the Reserve should be erected at the southwestern,
northwestern and northeastern corners. The signs should inform the public that all plants and animals
are protected within the Reserve and that firewood collection and hunting are not permitted.
INTERIM M ANAGEMENT DIRECTIONS – INFRASTRUCTURE
Provide and maintain adequate fencing and access tracks for the management and protection of the
Reserve. Erect signs to notify all persons of the status of the Reserve.
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
27
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT & VISITORS
Special Interest Groups
Parks Victoria will meet on an annual basis with community representatives including neighbours, Trust
for Nature, CFA, Shire of Strathbogie, indigenous organisations and conservation groups to discuss the
ongoing management of the Reserve and address issues of concern as they arise.
Friends of the Grey-crowned Babbler, Birds Australia and the Euroa Environment Group (as well as
local landholders) have all expressed interest in assisting with on-going management and research
connected with the Reserve in accordance with this Interim Management Plan. Such co-operation and
assistance should be encouraged and supported.
Visitor Management
Public awareness of the Balmattum Reserve is likely to be relatively low outside the local community
and special interest groups. It can be expected that a small number of groups and individuals may wish
to visit the Reserve especially in spring and early summer.
Major constraints on visitation are that:
•
the site supports rare and threatened species;
•
domestic stock will be present; and
•
there are no visitor facilities within the Reserve and limited information about it.
The following procedures on visitor access should be adopted:
•
Only passive recreation based on the conservation values of the Reserve be permitted;
•
Visitors should visit the Reserve with organised groups and notify Parks Victoria staff.
•
Publicity and information regarding the site must be consistent with the management objectives;
•
No vehicles, including bicycles, should be allowed within the Reserve except for management
purposes;
•
No pets or horses should be allowed within the Reserve; and
•
All gates must remain locked.
In the first few years following its reservation it is unlikely that the level of visitation will conflict with the
conservation management objectives for the grassland. However, the potential effects of recreational
use such as trampling of vegetation, weed spread, disturbance to fauna and interference with research
and monitoring should be noted.
Plant and Firewood Collection
Any collection of plant material for propagation must be conducted under permit and must be for
legitimate conservation purposes only. The management of Balmattum Reserve and other sites in the
region will require considerable vegetation restoration in the future. Accordingly, any collecting of seed
or other material within the Reserve must only be for use within protected sites within the local region.
Firewood collection or collection of wildflowers or other plant parts will not be permitted within the
Reserve or adjoining road reserves. Old Euroa Road is a ‘significant roadside for nature conservation’.
INTERIM M ANAGEMENT DIRECTION – COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND VISITORS
Encourage and support community groups and local landholders to be involved with the management of
the Reserve. Control and manage visitation to ensure that public access does not threaten conservation
values.
HERITAGE PROTECTION
All historic and cultural heritage sites within the Balmattum Reserve should be identified and marked on
relevant management maps. Specific guidelines for the management of Aboriginal heritage sites should
be developed. Further advice on the identification, management and interpretation of historic and
cultural sites within the Reserve should be sought.
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
28
Known sites within the Reserve have received relatively little study and more information could be
gained from these areas (See Appendix 7). Further survey for indigenous heritage features should be
conducted. However this survey should be postponed until the grass cover is reduced to a level where
a detailed ground survey can also be conducted. Prior to commencing any further survey, the
Traditional Owners and appropriate Aboriginal Council should be determined, and notified of and invited
to attend the survey.
Aboriginal Affairs Victoria is yet to be notified of the scar trees and grafted ring tree. It is recommended
that notification does not occur until after grass mass is reduced. Notification would involve a site visit
with AAV and would probably occur during additional survey work. Following full survey work, all
Aboriginal archaeological and cultural sites recorded, will come under the protection of the Victorian
Archaeological and Aboriginal Relics Preservation Act 1972 and the Commonwealth Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984.
The biggest threats to the site and the scar trees and possible artefacts are from fire and illegal wood
(including firewood) removal. In the event of fire, controlled or otherwise, trees must be protected.
Individual scar trees must not be signed or otherwise specially marked.
The Shire of Strathbogie should be notified of the grafted ring tree on the Old Euroa Road Reserve. It is
located well away from the road edge and should be safe from mechanical disturbance. In the event of
fire, the tree should be foamed down and/or raked around.
INTERIM M ANAGEMENT DIRECTION – HERITAGE PROTECTION
Identify and protect cultural and heritage values throughout the Reserve.
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
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9. LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION
The Reserve is in a high priority area for a number of programs aimed at improving vegetation cover and
condition and protecting threatened fauna species. The Reserve can act as a focus and a catalyst for
these programs in the local area.
Management and development of vegetation links should be encouraged to improve and maintain
connections to other major vegetation nodes. In particular, roadsides, stream reserves and nearby
remnant blocks should be targeted. Adjoining landowners on the eastern end of the southern boundary,
on the eastern boundary and on the opposite side of Maher’s Road should be assisted and encouraged
to fence off woodland areas from grazing. Significant areas for conservation on public land in the region
are shown on Map 1.
The nearest creeklines all include species of bird not yet recorded on the Reserve. Habitat links, greater
than 50 m in width should be established between the Reserve and these creeklines.
Sub-division of land in the immediate vicinity of Balmattum Reserve or conversion to some intensified
agricultural uses may increase threats to conservation values on the Reserve and in the landscape as a
whole. For example, broadacre olive plantations or vineyards attract Currawongs, Starlings and Indian
Mynahs and woodlots of ironbarks may attract more Noisy MIners and large aggressive honeyeaters.
An Environmental Significance Overlay in the Shire of Strathbogie Planning Scheme should be used to
protect conservation values in the local area.
INTERIM M ANAGEMENT DIRECTION – LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION
Develop vegetation links on roadsides, stream reserves and with nearby remnants and assist and
encourage adjoining landholders to protect woodland conservation values.
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
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10.
FUTURE MANAGEMENT ISSUES
RE INTRODUCTION OF THREATENED FLORA AND FAUNA
Re-introduction of threatened flora and fauna into secure areas is an acknowledged component of longterm conservation of native grassland and grassy woodland communities (Lunt 1991). However, the
development of such programs requires careful planning and execution to ensure that the aims of reintroductions are likely to be successful and that the existing values of the recipient site are not
compromised.
Balmattum Reserve may provide suitable habitat for the conservation of several species that are not
currently known to occur within the site. Any proposal to re-introduce or introduce fauna or flora to
Balmattum Reserve must satisfy relevant policy and planning guidelines and be consistent with recovery
and action plans developed for the species. Bush Stone-curlews and Rufous Bettong are two possible
targets for re-establishment. However, the suitability of Balmattum Reserve as a recipient site for these
species or the desirability of developing re-introduction programs would require further consideration.
PREDATOR-PROOF/KANGAROO-PROOF FENCING
The implications of establishing predator-proof and/or kangaroo-proof fencing surrounding the Reserve
should be investigated. Such a fence may simplify a number of management issues and provide
opportunities for active conservation programs within the Reserve. However, it may have negative
effects including restricting fauna movement in general and impose greater on-going management
requirements. The establishment cost of such a fence would also be high.
WOODLAND THINNING
It is possible that some areas of eucalypt regeneration may eventually require thinning to achieve a
desired woodland structure. In areas that currently have a relatively intact tree cover, tree density may
be largely self-limiting. Where there is thick regeneration at present, such as in some River Red Gum
areas, this may act as a surrogate shrub layer for fauna species and should be left at present.
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
31
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of Conservation and Environment, Melbourne.
SAC. (1995) Flora and Fauna Guarantee – Scientific Advisory Committee. Final Recommendation on a
Nomination for Listing. Predation of native wildlife by the introduced Cat Felis catus. Dept of
Conservation and Natural Resources, Melbourne.
SAC. (2000) Flora and Fauna Guarantee – Scientific Advisory Committee. Final Recommendation on a
Nomination for Listing. Victorian temperate-woodland bird community. Dept of Natural Resources
and Environment, Melbourne.
Stothers, K., Loyn, R., Grey, M., Clarke, M. 7 MacNally, R. (1999). A Dominant Bird. Habitat alteration
and Noisy Miners. Information Sheet No. 10 in Wildlife in Box-Ironbark Forests Information Kit.
DNRE, Melbourne
Todd, J.A. (1998). Identification of priority areas for protection and the establishment of protected area
networks in the Riverina Bioregion Victoria. Unpublished Report to Parks, Flora and Fauna,
Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Melbourne.
Traill, B.J. & Duncan, S. (2000). Status of birds in New South Wales temperate woodlands region.
Consultancy report to the NSW NP&WS. Australian Woodlands Conservancy, Chiltern.
Traill, B.J. & Porter, C. (2001). Nature Conservation Review, Victoria 2001. Victorian National parks
Association, Melbourne.
Tremont, R.M. & S. McIntyre (1994). Natural Grassy Vegetation and Native Forbs in Temperate
Australia: Structure, Dynamics and Life Histories. Australian Journal of Botany 42, 641-658.
Walsh, N.G. & T.J. Entwisle (eds.). (1994). Flora of Victoria. Volume 2. Ferns and Allied Plants,
Conifers and Monocotyledons. Inkata Press, Melbourne.
Walsh, N.G. & T.J. Entwisle (eds.). (1996). Flora of Victoria. Volume 3. Dicotyledons: Winteraceae to
Myrtaceae. Inkata Press, Melbourne.
Walsh, N.G. & T.J. Entwisle (eds.). (1999). Flora of Victoria. Volume 4. Dicotyledons: Cornaceae to
Asteraceae. Inkata Press, Melbourne.
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
34
APPENDIX 1: FLORA
Native vascular plant species recorded for Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve from Robinson &
Mann (1999) and other sources.
E = Taxa is endangered in Australia (EPBC 1999)
e = Taxa is endangered in Victoria (NRE 2000)
v = Taxa is vulnerable in Victoria (NRE 2000)
FFG = Taxa is listed under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.
reg. = Taxa regarded as regionally significant by Robinson & Mann (1999)
Status
v FFG
reg.
reg.
reg.
reg.
reg.
v
reg.
Species Name
Acacia verniciflua
Acaena echinata
Agrostis aemula var. aemula
Agrostis avenacea
Allocasuarina luehmannii
Amphibromus macrorhinus
Amphibromus nervosus
Aphelia gracilis
Aristida behriana
Arthropodium fimbriatum
Arthropodium minus
Arthropodium strictum
Asperula conferta
Austrodanthonia caespitosa
Austrodanthonia carphoides
Austrodanthonia duttoniana
Austrodanthonia setacea
Austrodanthonia tenuior
Austrostipa aristiglumis
Austrostipa scabra
Bothriochloa macra
Brachyscome basaltica
Bulbine bulbosa
Burchardia umbellata
Caesia calliantha
Callitris glaucophylla
Calocephalus citreus
Calotis anthemoides
Carex inversa
Carex tereticaulis
Cassinia arcuata
Centipeda cunninghamii
Chamaesyce drummondii
Chloris truncata
Convolvulus erubescens
Craspedia paludicola
Crassula peduncularis
Crassula sieberiana
Cymbonotus preissianus
Deyeuxia quadriseta
Dianella longifolia
Dianella revoluta
Dichelachne sp.
Drosera peltata
Eleocharis acuta
Eleocharis pusilla
Elymus scaber
Enteropogon acicularis
Common Name
Varnish Wattle
Sheep’s Burr
Blown Grass
Common Blown-grass
Buloke
Long-nosed Swamp Wallaby-grass
Common Swamp Wallaby-grass
Slender Aphelia
Brush Wire-grass
Nodding Chocolate-lily
Small Vanilla-lily
Chocolate-lily
Common Woodruff
Common Wallaby-grass
Short Wallaby-grass
Brown-back Wallaby-grass
Bristly Wallaby-grass
Wallaby-grass
Plains Spear-grass
Rough Spear-grass
Red-leg Grass
Swamp Daisy
Bulbine Lily
Milkmaids
Blue Grass-lily
White Cypress-pine
Lemon Beauty-heads
Cut-leaf Burr-daisy
Knob Sedge
Rush Sedge
Drooping Cassinia
Common Sneezeweed
Flat Spurge
Windmill-grass
Australian Bindweed
Swamp Billy-buttons
Purple Stonecrop
Austral Stonecrop
Austral Bears-ears
Reed Bent-grass
Pale Flax-lily
Black-anther Flax-lily
Plume-grass sp.
Pale Sundew
Common Spike-sedge
Small Spike-rush
Common Wheat-grass
Spider Grass
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
Occurrence
Roadside
Uncommon
Uncommon
Moderately Common
Rare
Moderately Common
Uncommon
Rare
Rare
Rare
Uncommon
Uncommon
Rare
Uncommon
Rare
Common
Common
Rare
Roadside
Rare
Uncommon
Uncommon
Rare
Rare
Rare
Roadside
Uncommon
Rare
Moderately Common
Uncommon
Rare
Uncommon
Uncommon
Rare
Uncommon
Uncommon
Rare
Rare
Rare
Uncommon
Rare
Rare
Rare
Rare
Uncommon
Moderately Common
Uncommon
Rare
35
reg.
reg.
reg.
reg.
reg.
E,e
reg.
reg.
reg.
reg.
Eryngium ovinum
Eucalyptus albens
Eucalyptus camaldulensis
Eucalyptus melliodora
Eucalyptus microcarpa
Geranium retrorsum
Goodenia gracilis
Goodenia pinnatifida
Haloragis heterophylla
Homopholis proluta
Hydrocotyle laxiflora
Hypericum gramineum
Hypoxis vaginata
Isoetopsis graminifolia
Isolepis cernua
Isotoma fluviatilis
Juncus holoschoenus
Juncus sp.
Juncus subsecundus
Leptorhynchos squamatus
Levenhookia dubia
Linum marginale
Lomandra filiformis
Lomandra multiflora
Lythrum hyssopifolia
Microseris scapigera
Microtis parvifolia
Myriophyllum crispatum
Oxalis perennans
Pimelea curviflora
Plantago gaudichaudii
Poa sieberiana
Prasophyllum suaveolens
Rumex brownii
Rumex dumosus
Schoenus apogon
Solenogyne dominii
Swainsona procumbens
Thelymitra sp.
Themeda triandra
Thysanotus patersonii
Tricoryne elatior
Triglochin procerum
Utricularia dichotoma
Vittadinia cuneata
Vittadinia gracilis
Wahlenbergia communis
Wahlenbergia gracilenta
Wahlenbergia stricta
Wurmbea dioica
Blue Devil
White Box
River Red Gum
Yellow Box
Grey Box
Common Cranesbill
Slender Goodenia
Cut-leaf Goodenia
Variable Raspwort
Rigid Panic
Stinking Pennywort
Small St John’s Wort
Yellow Star
Grass Cushions
Nodding Club-sedge
Swamp Isotome
Joint-leaved Rush
Knob Rush
Finger Rush
Scaly Buttons
Hairy Stylewort
Native Flax
Wattle Mat-rush
Many-flowered Mat-rush
Hyssop Loosestrife
Yam Daisy
Slender Onion-orchid
Water-milfoil
Perennial Wood-sorrel
Curved Rice-flower
Narrow-leaf Plantain
Tussock Grass
Fragrant Leek-orchid
Slender Dock
Wiry Dock
Bog Rush
Solenogyne
Broughton’s Pea
Sun Orchid
Kangaroo Grass
Twining Fringe-lily
Yellow Grass-lily
Water Ribbons
Fairies Aprons
Fuzzy New Holland Daisy
Woolly New Holland Daisy
Tufted Bluebell
Annual Bluebell
Tall Bluebell
Early Nancy
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
Uncommon
Uncommon
Common
Rare
Common
Uncommon
Moderately Common
Rare
Rare
Rare
Rare
Rare
Moderately Common
Uncommon
Rare
Moderately Common
Uncommon
Rare
Moderately Common
Moderately Common
Rare
Uncommon
Uncommon
Rare
Moderately Common
Rare
Rare
Uncommon
Uncommon
Rare
Rare
Rare
Roadside
Uncommon
Rare
Uncommon
Moderately Common
Rare
Rare
Rare
Rare
Uncommon
Rare
Moderately Common
Roadside
Rare
Rare
Rare
Rare
Uncommon
36
APPENDIX 2: FAUNA
Fauna recorded from Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve by Robinson & Mann (1999) and
Robinson pers. obs..
Native Birds
Australian Black Duck
Wood Duck
White-faced Heron
Straw-necked Ibis
Black-shouldered Kite
Brown Goshawk
Wedge-tailed Eagle
Little Eagle
Brown Falcon
Australian Hobby
Peregrine Falcon
Nankeen Kestrel
Stubble Quail
Painted Button-quail
Spur-winged Plover
Bush Stone-curlew
Galah
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
Little Corella
Eastern Rosella Redrumped Parrot
Little Lorikeet
Purple-crowned Lorikeet
Musk Lorikeet
Laughing Kookaburra
Australian Owlet-nightjar
Tawny Frogmouth
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
Welcome Swallow
Tree Martin
Richard’s Pipit
Willie Wagtail
Singing Bushlark
Brown Songlark
Grey-crowned Babbler
Golden Whistler
Noisy Miner
White-winged Chough
Mudlark
Striated Pardalote
Yellow-rumped Thornbill
Grey Butcherbird
Pied Butcherbird
Australian Magpie
Pied Currawong
Australian Raven
Little Raven
*Common Starling
Mammals
Eastern Grey Kangaroo
Common Ringtail Possum
Koala
*Brown Hare
*Rabbit
*Red Fox
Reptiles and Frogs
Tree Goanna
Marbled Gecko
Common Froglet
Plains Froglet
Spotted Grass-frog
* = Introduced species.
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
37
APPENDIX 3: VEGETATION COMMUNITIES OF BALMATTUM RESERVE (BERWICK IN PREP)
Plains Grassy Woodland EVC
Habitat, Geology and Soils: Plains Grassy Woodland (PGW) occurs on a variety of (largely alluvial)
geology and landsystem types. In the south west of the study area PGW occurs on basalt plateaus at
an annual rainfall of ~700mm or less. At the southern end of the Box Ironbark ecosystem PGW occurs
on the terrace immediately above the flood plain and/or on the next alluvial terrace. PGW occurs on
various alluvial soil types of the Northern plains. PGW occurs in valleys in the southern region of the
study area, on sandy loam to clay loam soils where the rainfall is greater than ~ 600mm. PGW also
occurs on some tertiary alluviums.
The PGW EVC was mapped at sites of higher effective rainfall. The floristic community Riverina Plains
Grassy Woodland occurs on the Northern plains at an annual rainfall less than ~550mm. RPGW is
distinguished by the presence of chenopods (e.g. Einadia, Chenopodium, Maireana genera) and
grasses typical of the Northern Plains (particularly C4) such as Windmill Grass Chloris truncata, Spider
Grass Enteropogon acicularis, Red Leg Grass Bothriochloa macra.
PGW occurs below the hill Grassy Woodland EVC (Low Rises, Shrubby Granitic-outwash or Slopes
Box communities), Box Ironbark Forest and abuts Creekline Grassy Woodland and the riverine EVCs.
Wetlands are often scattered throughout.
Structure: PGW is an open woodland with an understorey of scattered shrubs (inferred from the few
relatively intact sites)and a high species diversity of grasses, sedges, lilies, orchids and herbs.
Floristics: There are several floristic entities of this EVC including:
1. Southern entity : the overstorey is predominantly River Red Gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis and
often Grey Box E. microcarpa. The shrub layer includes: Gold-Dust Wattle Acacia acinacea, Hedge
Wattle A. paradoxa, Dwarf Bush-pea Pultenaea humilis, Guinea-flower Hibbertia spp. , Sweet Bursaria
Bursaria spinosa and occasionally Whirrakee Wattle near creeks around Broadford. Black Wattle may
also occur in the south west of the study area. A Wattle A. leprosa/ausfeldii (to be confirmed) occurs at
a site south of Heathcote. The groundlayer species which typify this vegetation include: a dense layer
of Kangaroo Grass Themeda triandra, with grasses such as Spear grasses Stipa spp., and Common
Wheat-grass Elymus scabrus. Typical forbs include Blue Devils Eryngium ovinum, Common
Everlasting Chrysocephalum apiculatum, Lemon Beauty-heads Calocephalus citreus, Sundew Drosera
peltata, Pink Bindweed Convolvulus erubescens, Scaly Buttons Leptorhynchos squamatus, Chocolate
Lily Arthropodium strictum, Early Nancy Wurmbea dioeca, Yellow Rush-lily Tricoryne elatior, Bulbine Lily
Bulbine bulbosa, Common Onion-orchid Microtis unifolia and Milkmaids Burchardia umbellata. Sedges
and rushes include: Schoenus apogon, Isolepis spp., Carex spp., Juncus spp.
2. Northern entity : e.g. Dookie Extension Rd, Euroa: the overstorey includes Yellow Box E. melliodora,
White Box E. albens, Grey Box E. microcarpa, Yellow Gum E. leucoxylon and Buloke Allocasuarina
leuhmannii (with or without River Red Gum E. camaldulensis). Mallee Wattle A. montana, Gold-dust
Wattle A. acinacea, Hedge Wattle A. paradoxa, Spreading Wattle Acacia genistifolia, Golden Wattle
Acacia pycnantha, Dwarf Bush-pea Pultenaea humilis, Showy Parrot-pea Dillwynia sericea and Sweet
Bursaria Bursaria spinosa can be found in the shrublayer. The dense grass layer includes Kangaroo
Grass Themeda triandra, Spear Grass Stipa spp. Tall Wheat Grass Elymus scabrus and Wallaby Grass
Austrodanthonia spp. Forbs include Blue Devils Eryngium ovinum, Chrysocephalum apiculatum and
Flax-lily Dianella revoluta.
Significant Species: Buloke Allocasuarina leuhmannii is depleted in Victoria.
Spreading Eutaxia Eutaxia diffusa is rare in Victoria
Distribution: Formerly an extensive distribution across the northern alluvial plain which extends across
the upper half of the study area. PGW also once occurred on the Mansfield plain; valley floors around
Merton, Yea and Seymour; and on the low Basaltic plateaus south west of Seymour and north of
Kilmore.
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
38
Plains Grassy Woodland / Gilgai Wetland Mosaic (Gilgai Plains Woodland/ Wetland Mosaic)
Habitat, Geology and Soils: Gilgai Plains Woodland/ Wetland mosaic occurs in a particular part of the
landscape: typically a shallow basin with a large wetland at the lowest point, surrounded by low hills and
plains. Soils are heavy self-mulching clays which develop a gilgai profile, resulting in a small scale
mosaic of “micro wetlands” within Plains Grassy Woodland (Frood 1999). Annual rainfall ranges from
600mm down to 400mm.
Adjacent EVC’s commonly include Plains Grassy Woodland, Low Rises Grassy Woodland, wetland
communities and riparian communities such as Creekline Grassy Woodland.
Structure: An open woodland, with a scattered medium shrub layer, is interspersed regularly with
scattered small wetlands. The Gilgai Plains Woodland component of this mosaic has scattered grasses
amongst the hummocks of the gilgai soils, which support a variety of forbs (perennial and annual) and
notably geophytes. The wetland component comprises small, shallow “microwetlands” with a rich
diversity of wet plants including herbs, rushes and sedges.
Floristics: The dominant tree species is typically River Red Gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis which may
be co-dominant with Blakeleys Red Gum E. blakelyi or White Box E. albens and Grey Box E.
microcarpa. Few shrub species have been recorded from remnants where they grow, scattered, on the
higher soil: Hedge Wattle Acacia paradoxa and Golden Wattle A. pycnantha. Ground layer species
include: Chocolate Lilies Arthropodium sp., Daisies Brachyscome sp., Cut-leaf Burr-daisy Calotis
anthemoides, Cyperus spp, Isolepis spp., Carex spp., Blown Grass Agrostis avenacea.
Significant Species: Plains Leek Orchid Prasophyllum campestre is rare in Australia and endangered in
Victoria.
Distribution: Greytown; Waranga Basin area (extinct); north west to south west of Benalla; Winton and
Glenrowan West; Tungamah; south of Echuca; footslopes of Mt Camel and on the heavy soil around the
wetlands in the Lake Cooper and Timmering area.
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
39
APPENDIX 4: HABITAT REQUIREMENTS FOR SIGNIFICANT WOODLAND FAUNA.
SPECIES
RESERVE STATUS
Wedge-tailed Eagle
Breeding resident
Painted Button-quail
Occasional visitor
> 10 ha
?
Swift Parrot
Not recorded.
Regular visitor to
district.
Regular visitor to
White Box in
Reserve
Probably resident.
Seen during only
spotlighting session.
Tolerant
Tolerant.
Tolerant
Moderately
sensitive:
< 2 km gaps
Sensitive:
< 1 km gaps
Nectar, lerps
Hollows in large,
live eucalypts.
Grounddwelling
invertebrates
Small hollows in
live trees, stags or
stumps
Previously resident
- not recorded in
last 5 years.
Not recorded.
Known along
railway line east of
Reserve.
Not recorded.
Recorded 5km east
in Yellow Gum
> 100 ha
Sensitive:
< 1 km gaps
Open site on the
ground
Tolerant
Moderately
sensitive:
< 2 km gaps
Grounddwelling
invertebrates
Seeds &
invertebrates
on the ground
> 10 ha
Moderately
sensitive:
< 2 km gaps
Canopy foliage
Black-chinned Honeyeater
Not recorded.
Resident on Riggs
Creek, < 2 km west.
> 10 ha
Moderately
sensitive:
< 2 km gaps
Brown-headed Honeyeater
Not recorded.
Recorded to south
on Old Euroa Road
& on Riggs Ck.
Tolerant
Moderately
sensitive:
< 2 km gaps
Invertebrates,
nectar & lerps
from canopy &
understorey
Invertebrates,
nectar & lerps
from canopy &
understorey
Invertebrates,
nectar & lerps
from canopy &
understorey
Little Lorikeet
Australian Owlet-nightjar
Bush Stone-curlew
Southern Whiteface
Fuscous Honeyeater
> 30 ha
Connectivity
Tolerant
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
Food
Live animals,
carrion
Seeds &
insects on
ground
Nectar, lerps
REQUIREMENTS
Nest Sites
Large live trees
Area
> 1000 ha
Sheltered sites on
the ground
Not relevant
Small hollows in
live trees, stags,
stumps or logs
MANAGEMENT IN RESERVE
Habitat
Open woodland, short grass cover
Dense overstorey or middle-storey,
sparse ground cover with welldeveloped litter & grass tussocks
Box woodland with abundance of
winter-flowering eucalypts; dense
overstorey cover
Box woodland with diversity of
eucalypts to provide food in all
seasons; dense overstorey cover
Multiple hollows; abundant fallen
timber, short grass-cover for prey
visibility & capture; moderate
canopy cover; perches close to
ground.
Open woodland with abundant
fallen timber & short grass cover
No disturbance in breeding
season.
Open ground between grass
tussocks for foraging & visibility;
fox & cat control.
White Box; mature trees because
of more reliable nectar-flow
White Box; mature trees for
foraging & nesting.
Cat & fox control.
Fox control; fallen timber;
grass cover <20 cm high.
Open woodland with clumps of
understorey or Buloke; fallen
timber; very short grass or bare
ground
Dense canopy cover; understorey;
nectar supply
Clumps of understorey & access
to almost bare ground;
overstorey not critical; Noisy
Miner control
White Box; patches of dense
canopy cover; Noisy Miner
control
Canopy foliage
Dense canopy cover; understorey;
nectar supply; often along River
Red Gum creeklines
Canopy foliage
Dense canopy cover; understorey;
nectar supply
White Box; patches of dense
canopy cover; Noisy Miner
control; broad vegetated links to
nearby creeks
patches of dense canopy cover;
Noisy Miner control; broad
vegetated links to nearby creeks
41
Jacky Winter
Not recorded.
Occasional winter
visitor along Riggs
Creek.
> 10 ha
Moderately
sensitive:
< 2 km gaps
Invertebrates
from ground,
foliage, air
Canopy branches
Grey-crowned Babbler
One group currently
using Reserve
along Maher’s Rd.
Previous records in
two other sections
of Reserve.
Not recorded.
Recorded to south
on Old Euroa Road.
Likely to use site.
Not recorded.
Resident along
Riggs Creek.
> 4 ha
Sensitive:
< 1 km gaps
Invertebrates
from ground &
from bark of
mature box
Understorey
> 10 ha
Moderately
sensitive:
< 2 km gaps
Invertebrates
from bark
> 10 ha
Moderately
sensitive:
< 2 km gaps
Not recorded.
Recorded at various
sites within two
kilometres.
Not recorded.
Regular summer
visitor to nearby
creeks
> 10 ha
Not recorded.
Resident along
nearby creeks.
Varied Sittella
Crested Shrike-tit
Restless Flycatcher
Dusky Woodswallow
Brown Treecreeper
Edge species requiring patches of
dense treecover & open ground;
understorey; perches close to
ground; fallen timber; ground cover
<10cm.
Edge species preferring mosaic of
patches of trees, open ground &
clumps of understorey; mature
trees; short ground cover; abundant
litter & fallen timber.
Short ground cover; Noisy Miner
control; fox & cat control
Dead branches,
canopy branches
Box woodland; dense tree cover;
mature trees; understorey.
Noisy Miner control; dense
patches of tree cover
Invertebrates
from peeling
bark & foliage
Canopy branches
Noisy Miner control; dense
patches of tree & understorey
cover
Moderately
sensitive:
< 2 km gaps
Invertebrates
from ground,
foliage, air
Canopy branches
> 2 ha
Tolerant
Invertebrates
from air,
ground.
Cavities in stumps
or bark crevices
> 20 ha
< 2 km
Invertebrates
from bark,
fallen timber,
ground
Small hollows in
live or dead trees,
stumps, logs
Box woodland & red gum
creeklines; dense tree cover; many
mature trees; understorey of
eucalypts & wattles
Edge species requiring patches of
dense tree cover & open ground;
understorey; perches close to
ground; ground cover <20 cm.
Edge species preferring patches of
dense treecover & open ground;
perches close to ground, abundant
stumps & other fallen timber; short
ground cover.
Box woodland & red gum wetlands
or creeklines; mature trees;
abundant fallen timber; patches of
very short ground cover
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
Patches with > 40 mature trees;
short (< 10 cm) ground cover;
understorey & patches of
Buloke; Noisy Miner control; fox
& cat control
Dense patches of tree &
understorey cover
Noisy Miner control; dense
patches of treecover
Dense patches of tree cover;
short ground cover; broad
vegetated links to nearby creeks.
41
APPENDIX 5: GRAZING MANAGEMENT
Grazing will be implemented under an agreement tied to this Interim Management Statement and
terminating with the development of a full management plan for the grassland. The licence should
include the following aspects.
1. Stock Stock will principally be sheep and be wethers of any breed. Cattle will be used for initial
grazing only.
2. Quarantine New stock from outside the region should be newly shorn and cleaned out before being
introduced to the reserve.
3. Stocking Rate Stocking rates for all areas available for grazing (ie. excluding areas fenced for
revegetation or other purposes) shall not exceed 5 dse per hectare. The maximum stocking rate
and total stock numbers shall be reviewed each year.
4. Timing Grazing will generally be maintained from January to August this will be at the discretion of
the manager. The manager may exclude stock from a part or all of the Reserve during periods of
abnormal climatic conditions or for specific management purposes.
5. Records Accurate records of stock numbers, types and movements will be kept by the licensee and
made available to the manager on request and at the end of each licence period.
6. Feed Hay and other feed may be provided only in VMZ3 areas. Source of hay to be determined in
consultation with managers. Stock supplements must not be given except with the prior permission
of the manager.
7. Fertilisers and Pasture There will be no fertiliser use or sowing of pasture seed on any part of the
grassland.
8. Cultivation There will be no cultivation, tillage or other mechanical soil disturbance.
9. Irrigation There will be no irrigation development except to provide off-dam watering for stock.
10. Vehicles All normal vehicle movements shall be confined to existing tracks. Vehicles may leave
tracks when engaged in fire management but should aim to minimise soil disturbance at all times.
11. Access Vehicle access to the grassland is restricted to management vehicles only (including
vehicles for the necessary management of stock). All access gates will be padlocked to prevent
unauthorised entry).
12. Costs All water, fuel, electricity, veterinary and other costs related to stock management will be
borne by the licensee.
13. Resource Use The licensee must not remove or allow to be removed any hay, seeds, native
animals, plants, wood, stone, soil or gravel from the Reserve.
14. Pest Plants and Animals Control of pest plants and animals will be the responsibility of Parks
Victoria.
15. Fire The licensee will not undertake any burning on the property nor allow any fire to burn
unchecked. All fire precautions are the responsibility of Parks Victoria. The licensee recognises that
fire as a technique for the management of the Reserve will be under trial during the period of the
licence.
16. Research The licensee recognises that the management of the Reserve for nature conservation
will require the establishment and maintenance of infrastructure and the conduct of surveys and
trials. The licensee will cooperate with all reasonable requests in relation to such research including
the provision of stock for assessing grazing impacts.
17. Visitation The licensee accepts that the reserve is public property and that visitation from the
general public is allowed and to be expected.
18. Liaison The manager will designate a single contact person for the administration of the licence.
The licensee will maintain regular contact with this person and will not take any new or unusual
management action without first consulting with that person.
19. Review The licence will be reviewed on an annual basis including stock numbers and areas
available for grazing. The licence as a whole will be reviewed in the development of a management
plan for the grassland.
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
45
APPENDIX 6: REPORT ON HERITAGE FEATURES
Shearing shed
The shearing shed is a corrugated iron clad building, 6.4m x 9.8m, with standard sawn timber stud
framed construction. The general appearance of the construction and roof pitch is consistent with a c
1930's or 40's building. Some parts of the building however are much older than this suggesting that
they have been recycled from an earlier 19th c building. These parts include two 6 pane window sashes
and the ledged and battened doors. The walls also have been clad in secondhand corrugated iron. The
condition of the iron on the roof is very good and has possibly been replaced at some stage. At the north
end of the building there are two posts in the ground adjacent to a set of double doors and these may be
all that remains of a small landing or loading platform. Internally the timber framed shearing pens and
gates are intact. There is no machinery or furniture remaining but there are several old empty branding
fluid and oil cans on shelving in the building.
The condition of the building is generally very good. Although there are some inactive termite galleries
on one stump in the southwest corner there does not appear to have been any significant damage apart
from the end of one bearer under the west wall. The timbers beneath the door at the south end of the
west wall have been damaged by water possibly from the overflow of the roof gutter above. The roof
gutter on the east side is missing and the west side is rusted out.
Shearing shed site
Features around the shearing shed include a brick and concrete sheep dip and the remains of yards.
Some parts of the yards are fenced with closely spaced hardwood timber staves and twisted wire (an
older style of fencing also found at Day's Mill). There are termite galleries on many of the
staves and active termites were found on one. Termite damage to date however appears to have been
only minor. The more recent yards are to the south west of the shed and are constructed
of hardwood timber and steel mesh.
Hayshed
The hayshed is a simple timber framed open sided corrugated iron roofed building about 10m x 10m in
area. The posts are round bush poles and the roof framing is sawn hardwood. A timber rail fixed to the
outside of the posts at about 1m high surrounds the perimeter of the building supporting a chain mesh or
wire netting barrier. The main structure is an east-west gabled roof that is extended by a skillion roof to
the south.
The condition of the building is only fair and not as good as the shearing shed. The structure is not
braced in any way and relies on the strength of the posts in the ground. It is leaning to the west and the
bases of some posts may have rotted.
Comments
Shearing sheds like this one are a common or typical building type in this area and country Victoria
generally. There are at least 3 or 4 similar corrugated iron sheds visible from the road between the block
and Euroa. My preliminary view is that the building is not likely to be of more than local historic interest
but it may have some value in interpreting the past land use of the site and it could be argued that it
contributes to the rural landscape character of the area. Its relatively good condition and attractive siting
could make it suitable for a new use on the site if appropriate. I think the hay shed is of considerably less
interest and value.
Chris Smith
Heritage Planner
Parks Victoria.
Central Region Office
Brimbank Park Keilor
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
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APPENDIX 7: INDIGENOUS HERITAGE – INITIAL REPORT
Summary
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On the 6 April 2001 Brian Nelson (Indigenous Team Leader, Central Region), accompanied by Julie
Flack (Ranger, Murray Central District), conducted a visual inspection of Balmattum Nature
Conservation Reserve. The aim of the inspection was to note and record any visible evidence of prior
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use of the area by indigenous people. The inspection covered approximately 2/3 of the Reserve. The
inspection found four scar trees within the area inspected and a grafted ring tree on the adjoining
roadside frontage.
Methodology
Transects were walked ad hoc in roughly north-east and south-west directions, commencing in the
western corner of the Reserve, adjacent to the shearing shed, and running for the length of the Reserve.
Every potential scar tree (based on a diameter of greater than 1.5 metres at 1.5 metres above ground
level) was inspected for visible scars. Ground was also visually checked, however the grass cover was
very thick and long, with percentage of visible bare ground <1% - negating the likelihood of finding
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artefacts. Approximately 2/3 of the Reserve was covered using this methodology, to a line running
north-east from the two bulokes located on the southern boundary.
Outcomes
During the inspection a total of four scar trees, comprising one coolamon scar and three shield scars
were located. Two of the shield scar trees and the coolamon scar tree are located in the dense stand of
trees near the shearing shed. The third shield scar tree is located approximately geographically centrally
within the Reserve.
Additionally, a grafted ring tree was located on the opposite side of the Old Euroa Road from the
Reserve, within the roadside reserve, towards the northwest corner of the Reserve.
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Given the size of the trees, there is high potential for further scar trees in the 1/3 of the Reserve not
inspected. This part of the Reserve also has potential for scattered artefacts, a work site or campsite
given the slightly higher and stonier (hence drier) characteristics.
Future Works & Protection
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A more thorough survey should be conducted, especially in the 1/3 not yet inspected. However this
survey should be postponed until the grass cover is removed to a level where a detailed ground survey
can also be conducted. If grazing, rather than burning, is to be used to reduce biomass, the uninspected
section could be broken into two sections (using electric fencing) and grazed out prior to survey. Prior to
commencing any further survey, the Traditional Owners and appropriate Aboriginal Council should be
determined, and notified of and invited to attend the survey.
Aboriginal Affairs Victoria is yet to be notified of the scar trees and grafted ring tree. It is recommended
that notification does not occur until after grass mass is reduced. Notification would involve a site visit
with AAV and would probably occur during additional survey work. Following full survey work, all
Aboriginal archaeological and cultural sites recorded, will come under the protection of the
Archaeological and Aboriginal Relics Preservation Act 1972 (Vic.) and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 (C’wlth).
The biggest threats to the site and the scar trees and possible artefacts are from fire and illegal wood
(including firewood) removal. To mitigate the possibility of wood removal the Reserve must be securely
fenced and clearly signed as a Nature Conservation Reserve. In the event of fire, controlled or
otherwise, trees must be protected by applying foam and raking around the base.
Individual scar trees must not be signed or otherwise specially marked.
The Shire Council responsible for managing the roadside reserve should be notified of the grafted ring
tree. It is located well away from the road edge and should be safe from mechanical disturbance. In the
event of fire, the tree should be foamed down and/or raked around.
Brian Nelson
Indigenous Team Leader
Central Region
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
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APPENDIX 8: ADJOINING LANDHOLDERS
Name
Address
Adjoins Reserve
G.J. & P.M. Belcher
“Elmslea”
RMB 1430
Euroa 3666
Southeast
R. & I.M. Pitman
7 Pinelodge Court
Templestowe 3106
South
I.C. & J.H.M. Chanter
“Lamingunyah”
RMB 4018
Violet Town 3669
Southwest
K.S.E. Dean
13 Graham Street
Euroa 3666
Southwest
West
Ector Pty Ltd
2 Frederick Street
Doncaster 3108
West
Northwest
N.C. Chanter
RMB 4019
Violet Town 3669
Northwest
North
A.L. & J.H. Haygarth
“Larapinta”
Violet Town 3669
Northeast
Yandea Pty Ltd
11 Graham Street
Euroa 3666
East
Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement
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