Boroondara
Community Voice
Panel Report
Topic 6 - Draft Urban Biodiversity Strategy
August 2013
Prepared by Communications and Engagement Department
1
Executive Summary
Topic name
Draft Urban Biodiversity Strategy
Date
Survey May 2013
Report August 2013
Audience
All Boroondara Community Voice Panel members
Purpose
Boroondara has a surprising diversity of indigenous flora and fauna and
biologically significant sites. The City of Boroondara has created a Draft
Urban Biodiversity Strategy to protect and restore local biodiversity.
The Draft Urban Biodiversity Strategy includes a vision which is
supported by a set of eight guiding principles, four objectives, strategies
to support each objective and some example actions.
A survey and online forum discussion were developed and put to
community members, including the Panel, to ascertain community
support for the Draft Urban Biodiversity Strategy.
Key Analytics
Survey:
A total of 188 people completed the online survey.
Forum:
Average visit time 8 minutes and 14 seconds.
Total number of visits 99.
Total page views 525.
Average word count of comments 124 words.
Findings
Respondents to the survey indicated that the protection of indigenous
flora and fauna was important with 77% commenting they enjoy and
value access to nature and wildlife and the abundance of parks.
There was support increasing the areas of biodiversity by managing
and improving passive recreational sites. A total of 84% of respondents
supporting increasing the amount of public land managed for
biodiversity up from 36.5 hectares in 2013 to 45 hectares in 2023.
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Survey respondents indicated that a balance needs to be achieved
between maintaining current streetscapes, including retaining nonnative trees, and the improvement of habitats for native flora and fauna.
There were varying opinions on the topic of using streetscapes to
increase the level of biodiversity. A strong majority supported (86%)
using areas near biodiversity corridors to increase the level of
biodiversity, but opinions were divided on the use of non-native street
trees. Respondents commented that these non-native street trees are a
part of the character of Boroondara and important to preserve.
3
Background
Boroondara has a surprising diversity of indigenous flora and fauna, and biologically
significant sites. Some of the native animal and plant species found in Boroondara are
threatened or even endangered in other parts of Victoria, so their protection locally is
important on a state-wide level.
Under the guidance of Council’s 2003 Biodiversity Strategy, a range of actions were taken to
protect and restore local biodiversity, address threats to flora and fauna, and educate our
community through workshops, special projects, vouchers and other activities.
Having substantially completed the 2003 Biodiversity Strategy, Council developed a new
draft biodiversity strategy, which proposed a long term vision for healthy biodiversity areas
and encouraged:

robust populations of indigenous flora and fauna

an increase in the area of land managed for biodiversity

more residents actively protecting biodiversity

assisting with 'citizen science' projects.
The vision was supported by a set of eight guiding principles, four objectives, strategies to
support each objective and some example actions.
Council sought community feedback on the guiding principles and objectives to finalise the
strategy.
This report contains the responses to the online survey and forum discussion.
Online survey:

all residents and the Panel members

Panel members were invited to complete the survey and it was also available online
for the general public. Surveys could be completed on ekiosks located at Ashburton,
Kew and Balwyn libraries.
Online discussion forum:
The online discussion was open to members of the Panel only. Members were invited to
comment on their level of support for increasing the area of land managed for biodiversity.
Also discussed was the level of support for using streetscapes to support indigenous flora
and fauna.
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Findings: Online survey
Below is a summary of the 188 responses to the online survey.
Question 1. Please indicate your age group
Question 2. Please tell us your postcode
Responses came from across Boroondara. The two largest groups of respondents were
from Hawthorn (19%) and Camberwell (15%).
Question 3. Are you involved, either professionally or personally, in protecting
biodiversity?
Of the responses to this question, 28% were involved in protecting biodiversity either
professionally or on a voluntary basis.
5
Question 4. Could you please tell us about your involvement in protecting
biodiversity?
The 28% (52 people) involved in biodiversity answered this question with a range of
responses. Most common was volunteering in local parks and encouraging biodiversity in
private gardens (75%).
Question 5. How would you rate your level of knowledge on urban biodiversity before
reading the Strategy?
Most respondents indicated a 'Medium' (47%) or 'Low' (30%) level of knowledge about urban
biodiversity.
Question 6. Were you surprised by any information in the Strategy? If so, what?
Around one third (30%) of respondents said they were not surprised by information in the
Strategy. One fifth (21%) were surprised at the number of species of native plants and
animals remaining in Boroondara.
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Question 7. What do you, personally, most value about biodiversity in Boroondara?
And why?
Of the responses, 77% were comments around enjoying and valuing access to nature and
wildlife, the abundance of parks and the balance between urban-living and natural
environment that characterises Boroondara.
Example responses include:
'Having plentiful wildlife and trees and rivers makes a nice place to live'
'I value the closeness to native vegetation, largely shady trees and open spaces that are
spread across Boroondara that provide a pleasant and relaxed inner urban suburb.....'
'That it provides a soft/healthy contrast to the hard rest of the area (roads, buildings, traffic).
'As a family living in a small flat, we really appreciate all the different areas to explore in
Boroondara, along Gardiners Creek for example; there is always something interesting to
show the children. '
'I love the fact that I can leave my house and walk for several kilometres through parks or
along bush tracks and hardly cross any roads.'
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Question 8. To what extent do you agree with these aspirations?
This question asked people to indicate support for the key aspirations set out in the
Strategy's Vision for the future of biodiversity within Boroondara.
Aspirations within the Strategy's Vision
Do not
support
Healthy indigenous plant communities and robust
2.4%
populations of native birds and other wildlife.
Healthier and more connected biodiversity sites
through more intensive weed management and
3.3%
restoration/revegetation works.
Forty-five hectares of public land managed for
4.1%
biodiversity in 2023 up from 36.5 hectares in 2013.
Boroondara provides a dynamic example of
integrating biodiversity and habitat into an intense
9.1%
urban environment.
Our residents are active participants in protecting
our urban biodiversity on both public and private
13.1%
land.
Would you like to comment further about these aspirations?
Neither
disagree
nor agree
Support
Response
Count
4.9%
90.2%
123
4.9%
91.8%
122
15.4%
80.5%
123
27.3%
63.6%
121
36.1%
50.8%
122
answered question
skipped question
57
123
65
There was overwhelming support for the key aspirations within the Vision, although there
was less agreement on the final statement that 'residents are active participants in protecting
our urban biodiversity'. It is not clear whether this reflects respondents' views on current
resident participation (rather than as an aspiration) and/or a perception that residents need
not be actively involved.
Written comments (57) were supportive of these aspirations; however respondents took the
opportunity to raise various concerns:






not enough controls on urban development - concerned for loss of vegetation
permit for tree removal prior to building requires offset by replanting - often not done
as there is no enforcement by Council
new single dwellings ('McMansions') occupy a large proportion of suburban blocks
with little land remaining for vegetation and large areas of hard surfaces contributing
to urban waterway pollution
target of 45ha of land managed for biodiversity by 2023 is too low
need to educate and engage residents and developers
'Stick to your guns and get moving'.
Question 9. To what extent do you agree with these principles?
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This question asked people to indicate support for the eight guiding principles set out in the
draft Strategy.
Principles
Do Not
support
Neither
disagree nor
agree
Support
Response
Count
21.0%
70.6%
119
5.1%
89.7%
117
9.2%
87.5%
120
4.2%
89.9%
119
7.5%
92.5%
120
14.3%
76.5%
119
14.3%
83.2%
119
12.8%
84.6%
117
Principle 1: The community protects what it
8.4%
loves.
Principle 2: Biodiversity is worth protecting for
5.1%
its intrinsic value alone.
Principle 3: Healthy ecosystems are critical to
3.3%
the health of the community.
Principle 4: Biodiversity is a community asset
that should be protected for future
2.5%
generations.
Principle 5: Projects can be designed to
deliver multiple benefits rather than single
3.3%
outcomes.
Principle 6: Biodiversity protection will be
balanced with other uses of our open space
9.2%
network.
Principle 7: Prioritise actions according to
2.5%
impact.
Principle 8: Leadership by Council with the
2.6%
community.
Would you like to comment further about these principles?
answered question
skipped question
45
120
68
There was support for all of the principles, with very strong majority supporting Principles 2,
3, 4 and 5.
Written comments (45) mainly focused on three principles:

Principle 8: Leadership by Council with the community (27%): Responses were
varied. Some suggested Council needs to involve the community more in decisionmaking; others suggested Council had not shown leadership in the past and is too
influenced by special interest groups; others suggested that there are a lot of community
members who do not really care or are not well-informed and therefore leadership by
Council was essential.
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
Principle 6: Biodiversity protection will be balanced with other uses of our open
space network (22%): Respondents were critical of the description related to this
principle because it seemed to prioritise other uses of open space (above biodiversity).
Some comments reflected the view that protecting biodiversity should be given priority
over other open space uses.
'Balancing biodiversity with competing uses is a tricky one and biodiversity often gets
bumped lower.'
'....trying to please everyone will compromise the needs of our environment.'

Principle 1: The community protects what it loves (0.08%): Most respondents
supported this principle, but some were confused by its meaning. Another suggested
increasing community awareness through education and 'experiences' to improve
awareness of local biodiversity values.
'The community will only protect what it loves, can only love what it experiences, and
what it has easy access to.'
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Question 10. Which of the following issues do you believe are the most urgent?
The above graph reflects the four (out of 12) most urgent issues threatening local
biodiversity as perceived by survey respondents. They include; urban development (36%),
climate change impacts (13%), degrading waterways (10%) and environmental weeds (8%).
Question 11. Were any of these issues/threats a surprise to you?
There were 64 written responses, with a majority indicating 'No' with 56%. A total of 13% of
respondents indicated they had not heard of Myrtle Rust. Others (8%) indicated they were
not aware that Indian Mynah birds or foxes were a threat to urban biodiversity in
Boroondara.
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Question 12. Are there any additional threats to biodiversity that concern you?
There were 60 responses to this question with a range of comments. Urban development
and the clearing of vegetation on private land was the most common theme (28%).
Question 13. The Strategy proposes a number of approaches to protecting biodiversity on
public land that could be undertaken as 'business as usual' or at relatively low cost. To what
extent would you agree with these approaches?
Answer Options
Continue to respond to existing threats (e.g.
foxes, significant weeds).
Protect significant habitat trees on public (and
private) land via Boroondara's Significant Tree
Register and/or Tree Protection Local Law.
Use streetscapes to support indigenous flora
(eg. through use as street trees), especially in
streets near biodiversity corridors.
Any further comments?
Do not
support
Neither
agree nor
disagree
Support
Response
Count
3.4%
4.3%
92.2%
116
2.6%
7.8%
89.7%
116
6.0%
7.8%
86.2%
116
answered question
skipped question
46
117
71
The written responses (46) were varied. The most common comment at 20%, expressed
support for the use of indigenous trees in appropriate streets (ie near biodiversity corridors).
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Question 14. The Strategy proposes a combination of approaches to enhance
biodiversity on public land that would require increased funding from existing or new
sources. To what extent would you agree with Council investing additional funds to:
Answer Options
Progressively extend habitat zones at key
biodiversity sites through revegetation and
regeneration (without compromising
recreational opportunities).
Protect waterways from pollution by harvesting
and treating stormwater (eg artificial wetlands).
Consider purchase of private land, especially
along waterway corridors, where it would
significantly improve habitat connectivity.
Any further comments?
Do not
support
Neither
agree nor
disagree
Support
Response
Count
6.8%
9.4%
83.8%
117
3.5%
7.0%
89.6%
115
8.5%
12.8%
78.6%
117
answered question
skipped question
32
117
71
The majority of respondents supported all the approaches. The strategy that attracted the
highest level of support was to 'Protect waterways from pollution by harvesting and treating
stormwater' (89%).
The 32 written comments were varied: two opposed any rates increase; one respondent
suggested introducing a levy to provide additional funding; one suggested reallocating
funding; and one respondent suggested it would depend on project costs.
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Question 15. The Strategy recommends strengthening the Boroondara Planning
Scheme to provide greater protection for ecologically significant sites. New overlays
could set planning conditions (eg set-backs, height restrictions, landscaping, etc) for
developments on land adjacent to significant sites. To what extent would you agree
with this approach?
The majority of responses 'Strongly agreed' (60%) or 'Agreed' (21%) to Question 15 with a
combined total of 81%.
A total of 74% of the 39 written comments supported strengthening biodiversity protection in
the planning scheme and some suggested this was long overdue. Four respondents (10%)
opposed the approach.
'Hurry up and act now'
'But it should not only be land adjacent to significant sites. All land has a potential role to play
and while the same measures may not be able to be enforced, all private landholders and
developers should be encouraged to develop/maintain their properties with biodiversity in
mind'.
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Question 16. The Strategy proposes a range of activities to increase the community's
awareness and involvement in protecting local biodiversity. To what extent do you agree with
these activities?
Answer Options
Providing indigenous plant vouchers to new
residents, schools, 'Friends of' group members
and businesses.
Continuing the roll-out of the Backyard
Biodiversity project to residents living near
biodiversity corridors.
Installing interpretive/educational displays
(signs) at sensitive sites.
Encouraging responsible pet ownership to
minimise impacts on wildlife.
Working with 'Friends of' groups and other
community organisations that contribute to local
biodiversity conservation.
Any further comments?
Do not
support
Neither
agree nor
disagree
Support
Response
Count
6.8%
14.5%
78.6%
117
2.6%
14.7%
82.8%
116
9.4%
14.5%
76.1%
117
3.4%
6.9%
63.8%
116
1.7%
6.8%
91.5%
117
32
answered question
skipped question
117
71
There were 32 written responses to these strategies. 18% of the comments focussed on the
importance of education around responsible pet ownership including a suggested cat curfew
for Boroondara.
Other ideas and themes included:







more support for Friends Groups
engagement of sporting clubs in caring for nearby biodiversity sites
greater acknowledgement of indigenous heritage
reinstatement of Park Advisory Committees
continued support for the Backyard Biodiversity project
recognising some residents in flats and units are keen to be involved not just those with
gardens
continued focus on community education and engagement activities.
Question 17. The Strategy sets a final objective to ensure decision-making and
actions are based on sound knowledge and up-to-date evidence. Please indicate the
extent you agree with this objective.
A total of 94% percent of respondents either 'Strongly agreed' (61%) or 'Agreed' (33%) to the
objective stated in the question. There were 18 additional written responses. Some of the
comments (28%) stressed the need to involve the community in decision-making.
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Question 18: If you are interested in hearing more about this project and 'citizen
science' activities please provide your email address.
55 residents provided their email address for later contact.
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Findings: Boroondara Community Voice Panel - online discussion
Four questions were presented to the Boroondara Community Voice Panel. These questions
to the Panel aimed to explore results and feedback drawn from the Urban Biodiversity online
survey.
Prompter questions about increasing land managed for biodiversity
1. What do you think of the proposal to increase in the area of land managed for
biodiversity from 36 hectares to 45 hectares over the next ten years?
2. Would you support an increase in the area of land managed for biodiversity from 45
hectares to 65 hectares in the longer term?
Prompter questions about indigenous flora in streetscapes
3. What do you think about the planting of indigenous and native street trees
o across all streetscapes?
o specifically along streets around biodiversity corridors?
4. Would you be interested in planting your nature strip with habitat plants such as
native grasses and groundcovers? Why or why not?
Discussion summary
Discussion about increasing land managed for biodiversity (six comments)
All comments were supportive of protecting and enhancing biodiversity in Boroondara and
include the following themes:



Vision target (45 hectares) is reasonable
Vision target (45 hectares) is too low
Street lighting and its impact on nocturnal native species, eg owls, moths
A suggestion was made to include information on biodiversity in Boroondara's welcome pack
for new residents.
Discussion about indigenous flora in streetscapes (seven comments)
Six out of seven comments (86%) strongly supported retaining established exotic trees in
heritage areas and include the following themes:


Prioritising planting of indigenous or native trees near biodiversity corridors or where
biodiversity preservation is a key consideration.
People living near biodiversity corridors should be encouraged to have native
gardens.
17

While most comments supported planting of nature strips with low growing indigenous
species, one resident suggested this should be avoided in heritage areas.
18