Yaringa Harbour Expansion
Flora and Fauna Expert Witness
Statement
Mornington Peninsula Shire Planning
Scheme Amendment C161
Project: 15-026
Prepared for:
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
©2015 Ecology Australia Pty Ltd
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Author
Geoff Carr, Bernadette Schmidt, Andrew McMahon
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Shire 15-026\Expert Witness Statement\Yaringa Harbour Expert
Witness Statement V13.docx
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Mornington Peninsula
Shire Council
Document History
Status
Changes
By
Date
Draft 1
G Carr, B Schmidt, A McMahon
22/05/2015
Final
B Schmidt, G Carr, A McMahon
25/05/2015
Ecology Australia Pty Ltd
www.ecologyaustralia.com.au admin@ecologyaustralia.com.au
88B Station Street, Fairfield, Victoria 3078, Australia
Tel: (03) 9489 4191 Fax: (03) 9481 7679
Yaringa Harbour Expansion Flora and Fauna Expert Witness
Statement
Contents
Witness Statement
1
1
Introduction
4
2
Vegetation
6
3
Fauna
9
4
Ramsar and the Wise Use Concept
16
5
The Three-step Approach
20
6
Draft Planning Permit Conditions
22
7
Declaration
24
8
References
25
Figures
Figure 1
Figure 2
Distribution of the Southern Brown Bandicoot around Western Port,
showing the locations of recent records in relation to the proposed
development.
15
The proposed development site, showing the boundary to the Western Port
Ramsar Site, and Western Port Coastal Reserve and North Western Port
Nature Conservation Reserve.
19
Proposed ‘corridor’: northern boundary of Lot 5, adjoined by the
development area, to the left of the cleared path, and pasture, to the right
(12 May 2015)
12
Proposed ‘corridor’: looking north from Lumeah Road, along the North
Road easement (12 May 2015)
12
Plates
Plate 1
Plate 2
Final
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Yaringa Harbour Expansion Flora and Fauna Expert Witness
Statement
Final
iv
Yaringa Harbour Expansion Flora and Fauna Expert Witness
Statement
Witness Statement
This Expert Witness Statement has been prepared in accordance with Planning Panels
Victoria – Guide to Expert Evidence.
Expert 1
Geoffrey William Carr: Director/Principal Botanist, Ecology Australia Pty Ltd, 88B Station
Street, Fairfield, Victoria 3078.
Qualifications and Experience:
Bachelor of Science and Certificate of Gardening, with 36 years of experience as a consulting
botanist.
Expertise to make this report:
Extensive experience in vegetation assessment and documentation, and environmental
effects assessment. This includes numerous projects dealing with the documentation and
management of flora and fauna of urban, peri-urban and rural environments; many of these
studies have been on the Mornington Peninsula.
Expert 2
Bernadette Schmidt: Senior Zoologist, Ecology Australia Pty Ltd, 88B Station Street, Fairfield,
Victoria 3078.
Qualifications and Experience:
Bachelor of Science (with Honours), and 8 years of experience as a consulting zoologist.
Expertise to make this report:
Expertise in zoological assessment, survey and management, with particular expertise on the
Southern Brown Bandicoot. Experience includes numerous studies using motion-sensing
cameras, impact assessment and mitigation, and the preparation of sub-regional
management plans, Environmental Management Plans and contribution to the development
of the Federal Southern Brown Bandicoot Referral Guidelines.
Other significant contributors to the report
Andrew McMahon: Director/Principal Ecologist, Ecology Australia Pty Ltd, 88B Station Street,
Fairfield, Victoria 3078
Qualifications and Experience:
Bachelor of Economics, Bachelor of Science (with Honours), and 30 years of experience in
consultancy
Expertise to make this report:
Extensive experience with flora and fauna across most environments in south-eastern
Australia, decades of experience with projects on the Mornington Peninsula, considerable
involvement with Southern Brown Bandicoot projects, and numerous presentations to VCAT,
planning panels and state and federal courts.
Final
1
Yaringa Harbour Expansion Flora and Fauna Expert Witness
Statement
We discuss matters relating to flora (Expert 1) and fauna (Expert 2) separately in this Expert
Witness Statement.
Facts and matters on which the report is based
This report is based on the documents listed below, and a site inspection undertaken on 12
May 2015.
Documents provided and other material/information upon which the report is based
DSEWPC (2013) Approval Notice: Yaringa Boat Harbour, Western Port, Victoria (EPBC
2011/6014). 26 June 2013 (Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water,
Populations and Communities, Canberra, ACT).
DTPLI (2014) Morning Peninsula Localised Planning Statement (Department of Transport,
Planning and Local Infrastructure, Melbourne).
Ecology Partners (2009) Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis of the proposed
Yaringa Boat Harbour Redevelopment, Lumeah Road, Somerville, Victoria. Report
prepared for Aurecon (Ecology Partners Pty Ltd, Brunswick).
Ecology and Heritage Partners (2011) Yaringa Boat Harbour Redevelopment Project: Targeted
Surveys for Southern Brown Bandicoot Isoodon obesulus obesulus and New Holland
Mouse Pseudomys novaehollandiae. Prepared for Yaringa Boat Harbour on behalf of
Mason Planning (Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd, Brunswick).
Ecology and Heritage Partners (2013 a) Final Public Report: Yaringa Harbour Expansion. EPBC
Referral: 2011/6014. 1 Lumeah Road, Somerville. Prepared for Western Port Boat
Harbour Pty Ltd (Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd, in association with Mason
Planning and Planning and Property Partners).
Ecology and Heritage Partners (2013 b) Draft Environmental Management Plan, Yaringa Boat
Harbour, Western Port, Victoria. Prepared for Western Port Boat Harbour Pty Ltd
(Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd, Brunswick).
Ecology and Heritage Partners (2015 a) Permitted clearing assessment for the Yaringa Boat
Harbour Development, Lumeah Road, Somerville, Victoria (Ecology and Heritage
Partners Pty Ltd, Brunswick).
Ecology and Heritage Partners (2015 b) Yaringa Boat Harbour Offset Strategy – Offset
Potential on French Island, Victoria. Letter to Planning and Property Partners Pty Ltd
(Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd, Brunswick).
Legg M (2010a) Westernport RAMSAR Protection Program: Fauna surveys, Threatened and
Feral Fauna Monitoring at Parks Victoria Management Reserves. Yaringa to Bass
Landing, Victoria. February to October 2010. Report prepared for Parks Victoria (Mal’s
Environmental & Ecological Services, Somerville).
Legg M (2010b) Western Port Ramsar Protection Program. Fauna surveys, Threatened and
Feral Fauna Monitoring at Mornington Peninsula Shire Management Reserves. Yaringa
Foreshore Reserve, Gordon Rolfe Reserve and Bittern Coastal Wetlands, Victoria.
February to October 2010. Report prepared for Mornington Peninsula Shire (Mal’s
Environmental & Ecological Services, Somerville).
Final
2
Yaringa Harbour Expansion Flora and Fauna Expert Witness
Statement
ML Design (2011) Yaringa Boat Harbour Expansion: Site Development Plans (ML Design,
Melbourne).
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council (undated). Proposed Planning Permit Granted Under
Division 5 of Part 4 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987. Permit No. CP09/002.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council (undated), Mornington Peninsula Planning Scheme.
Schedule 9 to the Special Use Zone. Yaringa Boat Harbour: Amendment C161.
Sholto Consulting (2011) Yaringa Boat Harbour Upgrade: Traffic Management Road Upgrade
Recommendations (Sholto Consulting Pty Ltd, Balnarring Beach).
Terramatrix (2014) Bushfire Management Statement for the Expansion of the Yaringa Boat
Harbour, Lumeah Rd Someville, Vic, 3912. Report prepared for Western Port Boat
Harbour Pty Ltd (Terramatrix Pty Ltd, Collingwood).
Western Port Boat Harbour (2011) Yaringa Harbour Expansion. EPBC Referral (EPBC
2011/6014) 20 June 2011. Referral to the Federal Department of Sustainability,
Environment, Water, Population and Communities (Western Port Boat Harbour Pty Ltd,
Somerville).
Final
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Yaringa Harbour Expansion Flora and Fauna Expert Witness
Statement
1 Introduction
1.1.
Our brief was to prepare an Expert Witness Statement in accordance with Planning Panels
Victoria - Guide to Expert Evidence and appear at an independent panel hearing as an
expert witness on matters of flora and fauna concerning the proposed expansion of
Yaringa Harbour, for the purpose of assisting Mornington Peninsula Shire Council in its role
as a planning and responsible authority. We were commissioned on 11 May 2015.
Instructions that define the scope of this Witness Statement
1.2.
1.3.
Final
We were instructed to address the following:

Issues arising from a review of the Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain
Analysis, undertaken by Ecology and Heritage Partners, May 2009, specifically
regarding suitability of mitigation or amelioration measures on the ecological
values of the study area and specifically regarding maintenance of a habitat
corridor within the land that will facilitate connectivity of Southern Brown
Bandicoot populations identified to occur on public and private land located to the
north and south of the land;

The suitability and identification of any gaps in the current assessment of loss and
off-setting of native vegetation associated with the proposed development,
specifically in areas potentially requiring to be subject to vegetation clearance
located external to the subject land in association with proposed reticulated sewer
connection and road and intersection upgrades;

Suitability of the existing off-sets proposed to be located on French Island,
particularly having regard to the loss of Southern Brown Bandicoot habitat on the
land in accordance with the requirements of the Permitted Clearing of Native
Vegetation - Biodiversity Guidelines and the Mornington Peninsula Localised
Planning Statement - July 2014; and

Suitability and adequacy of the Draft Permit Conditions proposed by the
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.
This Witness Statement provides an evaluation of the proposal according to the following
main components:

Vegetation – including floristic inventories, threatened species, Ecological Vegetation
Classes, and vegetation condition;

Fauna – with a focus on loss of habitat and connectivity for the Southern Brown
Bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus obesulus);

Ramsar – an evaluation of the proposal in the context of the Wise Use Concept;

Three-step Approach – an assessment of compliance with the process of avoidance,
minimisation, and offsetting; and

Draft Permit Conditions – comments on the appropriateness of the Council’s Draft
Permit Conditions.
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Yaringa Harbour Expansion Flora and Fauna Expert Witness
Statement
Summary of findings
1.4.
Final
The key issues identified from our review include:

Considerable uncertainty around the presence or otherwise of several threatened
flora and fauna species on the subject land;

Out-of-date vegetation condition assessments;

Potentially significant impacts to the Southern Brown Bandicoot relating to habitat
loss and connectivity;

Inadequate mitigation of Southern Brown Bandicoot impacts and lack of any offsets
for the species;

Inadequate analysis and treatment of the interface of the development with the
Western Port Ramsar Site;

Poor compliance with the three-step approach of avoidance, minimisation and
offsetting; and

Possibile review of some Draft Permit Conditions in the context of the findings above.
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Yaringa Harbour Expansion Flora and Fauna Expert Witness
Statement
2 Vegetation
Floristic inventory
2.1.
The Ecology Partners (2009) report identifies four significant limitations to vegetation field
survey: the survey was brief; it was conducted during a major drought; it was conducted in
summer (seasonal species not evident); and the site was being grazed by cattle at the time.
2.2.
We have substantial reservations about the quantity and quality of their floristic data,
including the adequacy of survey effort and its timing.
2.3.
Ecology Partners (2009) recorded 79 indigenous and 24 exotic plant species on the site. On
our 12 May 2015 site inspection we opportunistically recorded an additional 26 indigenous
plant species to test the extent of their floristic inventory. Some of these are seasonal
species (e.g. orchids) while others are perennials and sometimes localised structural
dominants or co-dominants (e.g. Bare twig-sedge Baumea juncea and Coarse Twine-rush
Apodasmia brownii) which would have been evident all year, including during drought
conditions.
Ecological Vegetation Classes
2.4.
The authors identified three Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs) on the subject land
(Ecology Partners 2009, p.15): EVC 48 Heathy Woodland, EVC 53 Swamp Scrub, and EVC
707 Sedgy Swamp Woodland. EVCs have been correctly identified and presumably
correctly mapped.
Rare and threatened species
2.5.
To overcome potential limitations in detecting Rare or Threatened species, particularly
species listed at the National or State levels [under the Environment Protection and
Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988
(FFG Act)] the authors used database records within a 10-kilometre radius, to indicate
species potentially occurring on the subject land. The authors do not acknowledge the
limitations of database searching to reveal threatened species.
2.6.
Of the nationally-significant (EPBC-listed) species that the authors considered, suitable
habitat does not exist on site for Swamp Everlasting Xerochrysum palustre, while suitable
habitat does exist for Swamp Fireweed Senecio psilocarpus. Of the five State-significant
species they considered, the site is plausible habitat for only one: Marsh Sun-orchid
Thelymitra longiloba. The other four species would not occur on habitat grounds: Blotched
Sun-orchid Thelymitra benthamiana (laterised soils derived from Tertiary geology), Coastal
Ballart Exocarpus syrticola (dune limestone), Creeping Rush Juncus revolutus and Marsh
Saltbush Atriplex paludosa subsp. paludosa (saltmarsh).
Final
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Yaringa Harbour Expansion Flora and Fauna Expert Witness
Statement
2.7.
A number of species were overlooked or ignored because they did not appear in the 10kilometre radius Data Review Area, yet they occur in similar environments on the
Mornington Peninsula, e.g. Pallid Sun-orchid Thelymitra pallida and Gaping Sun-orchid T.
reflexa (both critically endangered Victorian endemics), Slender Flax-lily Dianella sp. aff.
revoluta (Crib Point) (endangered), and Green-striped Greenhood Pterostylis
chlorogramma (EPBC-listed, vulnerable). Pterostylis chlorogramma may occur on site as
we recorded a vegetatively similar species, not yet in flower.
2.8.
The authors do not appear to display a sound understanding of probable flora species and
the habitats they occupy.
2.9.
We conclude that the assessment and evaluation for the presence of listed threatened
plant species (at federal and state levels) on the proposed development area has been
inadequate.
2.10. Furthermore the targeted surveys for listed Rare or Threatened Species (plants) as
advocated in the authors’ own report (Ecology Partners 2009) have not been carried out,
despite a five-year window of opportunity from the initial survey until 2013 (when the
Public Environment Report was published).
Vegetation condition
2.11. The condition of the indigenous vegetation in the proposed development area was
evaluated on the basis of habitat scores in identified zones (Ecology Partners 2009, pp.1618). The authors noted the vegetation to be in moderate condition (most) and good to very
good condition depending on the particular area/lot in question. These evaluations were
carried-out during a major drought (December 2008 – January 2009), and cattle grazing
(Lot 4).
2.12. We believe that the vegetation condition is likely to have improved markedly with the
cessation of the drought and the removal of cattle grazing, thus the condition (and habitat
scores so derived) should be re-evaluated. Five years have elapsed since the original
assessment and the 2013 Public Environment Report (Ecology and Heritage Partners
2013a), but the site has not been re-assessed.
Survey extent
2.13. Ecology and Heritage Partners (2015a) has not addressed vegetation losses resulting from
road upgrades and the provision of services to the proposed development. These include
water, sewer connection to the mains, power and telecommunications. Lumeah Road for
example, currently with considerable remnant Heathy Woodland vegetation in the road
reserve, on both sides, will be upgraded from a 6.1 m pavement to an 8 m pavement and
swale drains (to be grassed) will be constructed to dispose of surface-runoff (Sholto
Consulting 2011; p. 3). Similarly, there has been no assessment of the potential impacts of
these road upgrades and service provisions on fauna.
Final
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Yaringa Harbour Expansion Flora and Fauna Expert Witness
Statement
Summary of limitations
2.14. In summary we consider the vegetation assessment has the following key limitations:
Final

Inadequate floristic inventory;

Significant uncertainty as to the presence of threatened species; and

An out-of-date habitat hectare assessment which fails to reflect any vegetation
change from the summer of 2008/09 to the preparation of either the Environmental
Management Plain in 2013 or the Offset Plan in 2015 (Ecology and Heritage Partners
2015 b).
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Yaringa Harbour Expansion Flora and Fauna Expert Witness
Statement
3 Fauna
3.1.
Our review identified a number of material issues regarding the assessment and mitigation
of impacts to fauna from the proposed development. Our main concerns surround the
treatment of potential impacts to Southern Brown Bandicoots, and we deal with these
issues here first.
Southern Brown Bandicoot
3.2.
The proposed development site has been described as supporting areas of low to
moderate quality habitat for the Southern Brown Bandicoot (Ecology and Heritage
Partners 2011). This assessment appears to be made primarily on the basis of past
disturbance, recent drought conditions and rabbit grazing, and without reference to the
site’s habitat characteristics, and how these relate to the habitat and distribution of
Southern Brown Bandicoots.
3.3.
Our analysis differs substantially from that of Ecology and Heritage Partners:

The proposed development site falls within the current local distribution of Southern
Brown Bandicoots (see Figure 1);

Records of the Southern Brown Bandicoot have recently been obtained north and
south of the proposed development; and

Based on the habitat requirements of the species, and the habitat characteristics
observed on the proposed development site, we consider the site to support good
quality habitat for the Southern Brown Bandicoot.
3.4.
Southern Brown Bandicoots occur in a wide variety of vegetation types with low, dense
cover, including Swamp Scrub, Heathy Woodland, Coastal Heathland and Lowland Forest,
often on well-drained, sandy soils (Braithwaite and Gullan 1978, Stoddart and Braithwaite
1979, Brown and Main 2010, DOE 2015). The species shows little direct association with
land use (Brown and Main 2010). In many areas south-east of Melbourne, bandicoots have
also been recorded in highly degraded remnant vegetation, with high levels of weed
invasion. In these cases, weeds such as Blackberry (Rubus spp.) can, and often have,
provided important habitat (Coates et al. 2008, Ecology Australia 2009, DOE 2015). Thus,
vegetation structure is more important than floristics, with low, dense vegetation up to 2m
high, considered to be the primary habitat requirement (Claridge and Barry 2000,
Sanderson and Kraehenbuehl 2006, Paull et al. 2013).
3.5.
The development site supports Swamp Scrub, Sedgy Swamp Woodland and Heathy
Woodland vegetation on sandy soil, including a dense understorey of sedges, grasses and
bracken, typical of Southern Brown Bandicoot habitats. These habitats are interspersed
with smaller areas that support a more open structure; small clearings adjacent to, or
amongst, dense cover are considered to be important for foraging (Heinsohn 1966, Quin
1985, Ferla 2007).
Final
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Yaringa Harbour Expansion Flora and Fauna Expert Witness
Statement
3.6.
Ecology and Heritage Partners’ habitat assessment, together with the results of the
targeted survey (Ecology and Heritage Partners 2011) are used to draw the conclusion that
bandicoots have a low likelihood of occurrence on the proposed development site, which
they contend, provides ‘supplementary foraging habitat’, that is ‘less likely to be relied
upon by individuals in the local population’. This gives insufficient regard to the ecology or
local distribution of the species, and the landscape context of the proposed development
site.
3.7.
Ecology and Heritage Partners (2013b) place repeated emphasis on the results of the
targeted survey to support this view, with the assertion that the surveys were extensive
and robust (Ecology and Heritage Partners 2013 b). However, the surveys sampled the
local population at a single point in time, and were undertaken outside of the dispersal
period, when population numbers and the rate of detection are likely to be highest.
3.8.
The biology and ecology of the species means that the occupancy and use of habitats by
bandicoots may vary considerably over time, with local environmental conditions, such as
rainfall, food availability and predation, which influence local distribution (Brown and Main
2010, DOE 2015). The high dispersal capability of juveniles enables the bandicoot to
respond to the ephemeral nature of these environmental factors. This means that
bandicoots may occupy certain habitats in some years, but not others. Hence, the
detection probability for the species can vary significantly, particularly when population
densities are low.
3.9.
Mapping of Southern Brown Bandicoot records shows that bandicoots have been recorded
north and south of the proposed development site, as recently as 2010, with the nearest
record approximately 250 m north of the site (Legg 2010 b; see Figure 1). Mapping of
records across the broader landscape shows that the Southern Brown Bandicoot has a
near-continuous distribution along the Western Port coastline, from The Inlets, at Koo Wee
Rup, to Hastings (Figure 1). The coastal vegetation supports some of the largest and most
contiguous areas of suitable habitat in the region. The proposed marina expansion site (Lot
4) occupies almost the entire width of the coastal vegetation in that location, with the
property situated between the individuals recorded around Hastings, from the remainder
of the local population.
3.10. Although we understand that approval for the development has been granted under the
EPBC Act, this approval is based on the documentation submitted, and the assessment of
potential impacts. Our analysis is that this documentation was inadequate.
3.11. The assessment provided within the Referral (Western Port Boat Harbour 2011) and the
Public Environment Report (Ecology and Heritage Partners 2013 b), submitted under the
EPBC Act, states that the proposed development is unlikely to have a significant impact on
the Southern Brown Bandicoot. However, neither document provides reasonable
justification or assessment against the criteria given in either the:
Final

Southern Brown Bandicoot Referral Guidelines (DSEWPC 2011); or

Significant Impact Guidelines EPBC Policy Statement 1.1 (DEH 2006).
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Yaringa Harbour Expansion Flora and Fauna Expert Witness
Statement
3.12. Our analysis of potential impacts differs from that in the EPBC Referral. Notably, the
development appears to fulfil the criteria for a ‘High risk of significant impacts’ under the
Southern Brown Bandicoot Referral Guidelines (DSEWPC 2011), namely:

Loss or long-term modification of suitable habitat; and

Reduced connectivity or fragmentation of suitable habitat known or likely to support
Southern Brown Bandicoots.
3.13. Similarly, we consider that under the EPBC Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1, significant
impact criteria for endangered species, the development would potentially:

Reduce the area of occupancy of the species; and

Fragment the existing population into two or more populations.
3.14. The degree of fragmentation that exists between populations is understood to be a
particularly important consideration in the ability of the species to persist or recover
(Bennett 1990, Reese and Paull 2000, NSW DEC 2006). Low levels of connectivity, coupled
with predation, are widely thought to have resulted in the apparently lower densities and
lower detection rates of bandicoots in habitats to the east (e.g. Lang Lang) and west (e.g.
Hastings) of Western Port, compared with land to the north (e.g. Koo Wee Rup, Bayles,
Bunyip) of Western Port (Coates et al. 2008, Ecology Australia 2009). We believe that the
proposed development would result in continued habitat fragmentation, one of the main
threatening processes contributing to the decline of the species, both regionally and
nationally (Brown and Main 2010).
3.15. The only measure proposed for the mitigation of potential impacts to the Southern Brown
Bandicoot, centres on a ‘corridor’ around the perimeter of Lots 4 and 5, and along the
western boundary of Lot 1 (Plates 1 and 2). Contrary to suggestions made in the Public
Environment Report, this is not a designated wildlife corridor specifically designed to
facilitate the dispersal of fauna; rather, it appears to be simply an artefact of the
development not extending to the limit of the site boundaries.
3.16. The Environmental Management Plan claims that the proposed mitigation measures are
‘best practice’, and that ‘there is a high likelihood that the safeguards and mitigation
measures are effective in their intended task’. However, there is no evidence submitted
on how or why this ‘corridor’ would work, the risks attached, or precedents available. Our
assessment of this ‘corridor’ is that it lacks credibility and that the risk to Southern Brown
Bandicoots is very high.
3.17. Furthermore, the Bushfire Management Statement indicates that approximately half of the
‘corridor’ falls within the area required to be designated as ‘defendable space’ (Terramatrix
2014). The vegetation management requirements for defendable space would result in a
major alteration of the vegetation structure, with the complete loss of the key habitat
requirements for Southern Brown Bandicoots; namely, the removal of shrubs and mowing,
to maintain a vegetation height of 50 mm or less, in the understorey.
Final
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Yaringa Harbour Expansion Flora and Fauna Expert Witness
Statement
Proposed ‘corridor’
Development area
Final
Plate 1
Proposed ‘corridor’: northern boundary of Lot 5, adjoined by the
development area, to the left of the cleared path, and pasture, to the right
(12 May 2015)
Plate 2
Proposed ‘corridor’: looking north from Lumeah Road, along the North
Road easement (12 May 2015)
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Yaringa Harbour Expansion Flora and Fauna Expert Witness
Statement
Other threatened fauna
3.18. The Swamp Skink (Lissolepis coventryi) (FFG-listed, Vulnerable), Glossy Grass Skink
(Pseudemoia rawlinsoni) (Vulnerable) and Southern Toadlet (Pseydophryne
semimarmorata) (Vulnerable) were identified as ‘possible residents’ within the
development area (Ecology Partners 2009). These species are well known from the region,
with numerous records of the species around the Western Port coast, and in relatively
close proximity to the proposed development site (Legg 2010 a, b; VBA 2015). Suitable
habitat for these species is present within and around the proposed development site.
Despite this, there have been no targeted surveys, and no further consideration given to
potential impacts on any of these species or specific mitigation measures.
Environmental Management Plan
3.19. This Witness Statement comments on two particular aspects of the Environmental
Management Plan; namely, management and mitigation measures identified for fauna, in
general, and those identified specifically for shorebirds.
3.20. The Environmental Management Plan (Ecology and Heritage Partners 2013 b) appears to
imply that impacts to other significant and non-threatened native fauna can be ‘managed’
through Pre-construction and Construction ‘salvage and relocation’. The adoption of this
approach is inappropriate as a mitigation strategy, as it fails, in the first instance, to
mitigate habitat loss, and assumes that fauna will be able to relocate themselves to
adjacent habitats and/or survive in these habitats. This notion is contrary to mainstream
theories of population ecology (e.g. Clemann 2015).
3.21. The Environmental Management Plan recommends a program of shorebird monitoring to
address specific concerns raised by the (then) Federal Department of Sustainability,
Environment, Water, Populations and Communities in relation to potential increased
disturbance from construction activities and increased numbers of watercraft, adjacent to
an area of primary shorebird foraging habitat (Ecology and Heritage Partners 2013 b). Our
review finds that the measures outlined in the Environmental Management Plan do not
adequately, address the concerns raised regarding potential impacts of disturbance to
shorebirds.
3.22. Ecology and Heritage Partners (2013 b) recommends a monitoring program (Section 6.14;
p. 61), which they contend will enable:

Any changes in the use of habitats by shorebirds to be detected;

Associations between these changes and the potential impacts of proposed
development to be delineated; and

Further recommendations to be made for the avoidance, minimisation or reversal of
these impacts, if detected.
3.23. Detection of changes in the use of habitats by shorebirds, and more importantly, the
determination of whether these changes are caused by the proposed development are
highly unlikely to be possible within the scope outlined in the Environmental Management
Plan. Specifically, this is because shorebirds are highly mobile and respond to changes in
Final
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Yaringa Harbour Expansion Flora and Fauna Expert Witness
Statement
climate and other environmental factors at a continental and global scale (Hansen et al.
2011). Thus, any changes due to the proposed development are likely to be masked by:

Annual variation in reproductive success at breeding grounds in the northern
hemisphere, and the resulting numbers of migrating birds; and

Annual variation in the use of tidal habitats by shorebirds due to variation in:
-
Local food availability (intertidal invertebrates);
-
Other disturbance factors in the region; and
-
Suitability and availability of other foraging habitats in south-eastern Australia.
3.24. Furthermore, the Environmental Management Plan (Ecology and Heritage Partners 2013 b)
recommends that the main construction activities be undertaken between October and
March; this is during the peak period for shorebirds in Victoria, and encompasses the
critical feeding period (January to April), when birds must gain weight prior to their
northward migration.
Final
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Yaringa Harbour Expansion Flora and Fauna Expert Witness Statement
Figure 1
Final
Distribution of the Southern Brown Bandicoot around Western Port, showing the locations of recent records in relation to the proposed development.
15
Yaringa Harbour Expansion Flora and Fauna Expert Witness
Statement
4 Ramsar and the Wise Use Concept
The Wise Use Concept
4.1.
The proposed development abuts the Western Port Ramsar site – a Wetland of
International Importance – to the immediate east; the proponent’s land and the Ramsar
area share a common boundary. Vegetation of the proposed development area is
contiguous with the adjoining Ramsar site at its eastern boundary (Figure 2), i.e. Heathy
Woodland and Swamp Scrub. An extensive Coastal Saltmarsh zone and Mangrove
Shrubland occurs further seaward in the Ramsar site, and then expansive tidal mudflats.
4.2.
Clearing for the proposed development will go as close as approximately 10 m from the
Ramsar boundary.
4.3.
In Ecology and Heritage Partners (2013 a), the authors outline ‘Likely or Potential Impacts’
on Ramsar values. Those identified include (pp. 21 - 23):

modification to fauna habitats via edge effects;

changes in hydrology, pollution etc.;

accidental chemical spills;

exposure to Acid Sulphate Soils;

noise and light disturbance (to fauna);

spread of diseases and pest plants;

increase in (introduced) pest species (competition, predation, disturbance);

increased fire risk; and

increased recreational activity disturbance.
4.4.
The authors then outline (pp. 24 - 65) a range of mitigation, management and monitoring
measures and protocols which they believe will address these potential impacts. However,
the key mitigation strategy is to maintain a narrow (10-25m) band of vegetation along the
property boundary, which also needs to accommodate Defendable Space (Terramatrix
2014). Furthermore, the authors (Ecology and Heritage Partners 2013 a, b) do not consider
two central tenants of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance:
Ecological Character and Wise Use.
4.5.
‘Ecological Character’ is defined as the combination of the ecosystem components,
processes, and benefits/services that characterise the Ramsar wetland at a given point in
time (DEH 2006, Ramsar 2006, DEWHA 2008).
4.6.
The act of designating (listing) under the Ramsar Convention, a wetland that is
internationally important, is a first step along a conservation and sustainable-use pathway,
the endpoint of which is achieving the long-term ‘wise (sustainable) use’ of the site
(Ramsar 2006, DEWHA 2008). Contracting parties are expected to manage their Ramsar
sites so as to maintain the Ecological Character, remain vigilant and informed of any
changes to the Ecological Character and notify the Ramsar Secretariat of any changes at
the earliest opportunity (Ramsar 2006, DEWHA 2008). ‘Changes’ to the Ecological
Final
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Yaringa Harbour Expansion Flora and Fauna Expert Witness
Statement
Character of the wetland outside the natural variations may signal that uses or externally
derived impacts on the site are unsustainable and may lead to the degradation of natural
processes and thus, the ultimate breakdown off the ecological, biological and hydrological
functioning of the wetland (DEWHA 2008). Thus, ‘Wise Use’ is defined as the maintenance
of Ecological Character, achieved through the implementation of ecosystem approaches,
within the context of sustainable development (DEWHA 2008).
4.7.
The issue for the present proposal is whether such a development, on the boundary of the
Ramsar site, is consistent with the Wise Use concept, and by extension, what is the
appropriate type and extent of mitigation.
Proposed Buffers
4.8.
The primary purpose of an ecological buffer zone is to insulate areas, where biodiversity
conservation is the primary objective, from potentially damaging external influences.
4.9.
There is a large body of literature on buffers, and particularly for wetlands. Some salient
references which include buffers for Ramsar sites are Paton et al. (2000), Taylor (2006),
Melbourne Water (2006), Birds Australia (2008), Antos et al. (2007) and DEWHA (2009). In
these studies buffers from 100 – 500 m wide are advocated, for example:

500 m buffer for Fivebough Swamp (Fivebough and Tuckerbil Swamps Ramsar Site,
Leeton) (NSW NPWS 2002; Iain Taylor, Charles Sturt University, pers. comm.).

350 m strips of pasture are used to buffer wetlands at the Western Treatment Plant,
in the Port Phillip Bay Western Shoreline and Bellarine Peninsula Ramsar Site
(Melbourne Water 2006).

A buffer of at least 250 m from the landward edge of the wetland would be needed
at Cheetham Wetlands based on human intrusion levels into the wetland beginning
to decline beyond this point (Antos et al. 2007).

Paton et al. (2000) recommended a buffer zone width of 350 m around a wetland, to
reduce the impact of disturbance of waterbirds at the Coorong Ramsar Site.

Toolibin Lake Ramsar site is a seasonal fresh to brackish water perched lake or
wooded swamp, in south-western Australia that has a buffer zone of at least 100 m
width around most of the lake (DCLM 2003).
4.10. Effective buffers to protect the Ramsar values – that is, ecological character – have not
been developed by Ecology Partners (2009) or Ecology and Heritage Partners (2013).
Buffers need to be external to the Ramsar boundary, and by implication be located on the
proposed development site. The authors also suggest that the Ramsar site itself will
‘buffer’ shorebirds from disturbance – this is untenable as it ignores all other Ramsar
values. As shown on the development plan the buffers adjoining the Ramsar site will be 10
– 25 m wide.
4.11. Similarly, buffers identified by Ecology and Heritage Partners (2013), that will protect the
North Western Port Nature Conservation Reserve are inadequate under the proposed
development scenario. The authors claim that retained vegetation will function as an
appropriate buffer to this area: on the development plan these are 10 – 25 m wide.
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Yaringa Harbour Expansion Flora and Fauna Expert Witness
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4.12. We conclude that a 10 – 25 m buffer, which also includes modification to achieve
Defendable Space, will be inadequate to effectively insulate the Ramsar site from the
development.
Final
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Yaringa Harbour Expansion Flora and Fauna Expert Witness Statement
Figure 2
Final
The proposed development site, showing the boundary to the Western Port Ramsar Site, and Western Port Coastal Reserve and North Western Port Nature Conservation Reserve.
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Yaringa Harbour Expansion Flora and Fauna Expert Witness
Statement
5 The Three-step Approach
5.1.
The three-step approach is the foundation of environmental policy, including the EPBC Act
1999, the former Native Vegetation Management Framework, and the current Permitted
Clearing Regulations.
Avoidance
5.2.
The proposal does not satisfy the first principle of avoidance, as 8.122 ha (6.012 ha of
remnant vegetation and 30 scattered trees) would be removed.
Minimisation
5.3.
Our analysis suggests that there are three substantiative issues requiring the development
of mitigation:

Loss of some six hectares of suitable Southern Brown Bandicoot habitat, also
corresponding to vegetation with a high strategic biodiversity score of 0.963 out of 1;

Loss of connectivity, with potential for a complete barrier to Southern Brown
Bandicoot movement; and

Juxtaposition of a major development on the boundary of the Western Port Ramsar
Site, with apparently no consideration of the ‘Wise Use’ concept or a reasoned,
articulated approach to buffer design.
5.4.
The mitigation proposed by Ecology and Heritage Partners amounts to an implausible
‘corridor’ for Southern Brown Bandicoot and a narrow band of vegetation on the Ramsar
boundary. The Environmental Management Plan (Ecology and Heritage Partners 2013 b)
addresses environmental management, and is not central to the first principle of mitigation
or minimisation, which is to reduce impacts in the first instance, through project layout and
design.
5.5.
The Biodiversity Assessment Guidelines for High-risk Pathway applications require the
relevant authorities to consider whether reasonable steps have been taken to ensure that
impacts of the proposed removal of native vegetation on biodiversity have been minimised
(DEPI 2013, Section 8.4).
5.6.
The subject land makes a significant contribution to Victoria’s biodiversity, as identified by
the Department of Environment and Primary Industries modelling, with a score of 0.963
Strategic Biodiversity Units (Ecology and Heritage Partners 2015 a, b). In these cases, the
authorities are required to consider:

Impacts on important habitat for rare or threatened species;

Proportional impacts on remaining habitat for rare or threatened species, including
previous removal of vegetation on the same property; and

Contribution to cumulative impacts that threaten the persistence of rare or
threatened species.
These considerations are particularly relevant to the subject land.
Final
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Yaringa Harbour Expansion Flora and Fauna Expert Witness
Statement
Offsets
5.7.
The potential French Island offset site would readily meet the offset requirements of the
Permitted Clearing Regulations; however, there are no offsets proposed for the Southern
Brown Bandicoot. While we acknowledge that the project has approval under the EPBC
Act, our analysis suggests that documentation presented to the (then) Department of
Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities was inadequate, and
there is a high risk of significant impact on the Southern Brown Bandicoot as a result of the
project.
5.8.
In summary, the proposal falls well short of satisfying the three-step approach. It cannot
meet the avoidance objective, and fails to adequately mitigate the key potential impacts of
the proposal. The proposal relies on offsetting which is contrary to the three-step
approach. While we acknowledge Federal Approval, we consider significant impacts to the
Southern Brown Bandicoot a high risk, in relation to the project. In this context, we
strongly encourage the preparation of a robust mitigation strategy for this species, and
appropriate offsetting.
Final
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Yaringa Harbour Expansion Flora and Fauna Expert Witness
Statement
6 Draft Planning Permit Conditions
6.1.
6.2.
6.3.
Council’s proposed conditions have been reviewed and we believe generally that all
conditions which are required to be met by the proponent of the Yaringa Boat Harbour are
justified. Conditions relating directly and indirectly to the maintenance and protection of
environmental values during the pre-construction and construction phases of the proposed
development are itemised in the following conditions of the Proposed Planning Permit
(environmental considerations are sometimes a minor component):
1
Plans required before start of approved development and uses
2
Potentially contaminated land
14
Waterway establishment and use
19
Amenity conditions
24
Lighting
25, 26
Erosion prevention
27, 28
Landscape maintenance and stabilisation
29
Construction Environmental Management Plan
30
Operational Environmental Management Plan
32
Review of Management Plan
34, 36, 37
Country Fire Authority Conditions
38, 39, 40, 41
Native Vegetation Management
A number of these conditions are based on the documentation by Ecology Partners (2009)
- Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis - and Ecology and Heritage Partners
(2013 b) - Environment Management Plan.
The Flora and Fauna Assessment (Ecology Partners 2009) in particular, is inadequate in its
present form, as the basis for some Conditions. Further flora and fauna assessment work
is required and Conditions may need to be reviewed on the basis of additional findings.
Condition 1
6.4.
Final
Plans required before start of approved development and uses, Section 1l, Native
vegetation offset plan specifies that an offset of suitable habitat for the Southern Brown
Bandicoot must be located within the Mornington Peninsula municipality to the
satisfaction of the Responsible Authority. Additionally, the Condition should specify that
the Environmental Offset Policy of the EPBC Act 1999 should be followed for offsets for the
Southern Brown Bandicoot (DSEWPC 2012 a, b).
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Yaringa Harbour Expansion Flora and Fauna Expert Witness
Statement
6.5.
Final
In addition we consider that the loss of connectivity for the Southern Brown Bandicoot is a
central issue and the current mitigation fundamentally inadequate. A Condition of
Approval should specify a redesign to adequately accommodate a well-designed and
potentially viable habitat link.
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Yaringa Harbour Expansion Flora and Fauna Expert Witness
Statement
7 Declaration
We have made all enquiries that are desirable and appropriate and no matters of significance
which we regard as relevant have, to our knowledge, been withheld from the Panel.
Geoff Carr
Final
Bernadette Schmidt
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Yaringa Harbour Expansion Flora and Fauna Expert Witness
Statement
8 References
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Yaringa Harbour Expansion Flora and Fauna Expert Witness
Statement
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Final
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Yaringa Harbour Expansion Flora and Fauna Expert Witness
Statement
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Yaringa Harbour Expansion Flora and Fauna Expert Witness
Statement
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