Bunyip Main Drain Rehabilitation Works Project (EPBC 2011/5992) Fox Control Strategy Background: The Waterways Alliance, on behalf of Melbourne Water, will complete the final stage of works to improve the flood capacity and structural integrity of the Bunyip Main Drain (BMD) from the Yallock Outfall at Cora Lynn to Thirteen Mile Road in Vervale. The project along the southern bank of the BMD between 11 Mile Road and 13 Mile Road, as shown in Appendix A, involves reconstructing and raising the existing levee bank to significantly reduce the risk of embankment failure and increase the capacity of the drain to ensure a minimum 1 in 15 year ARI flood protection capacity. Melbourne Water recognises that the BMD provides important habitat and ecological connectivity for Southern Brown Bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus obesulus, SBB) and that project works will impact this habitat by removal of 7.7ha of vegetation along the banks of the drain and the adjoining road reserve of the adjacent Main Drain Road. While the BMD provides an important link between clusters of SBB, nevertheless the habitat currently provided is considered to be opportunistic and of low quality. By providing SBB with high quality and well managed habitat post-construction, the aim is to attract and support increased numbers of SBB populations within the corridor. The proposed construction methodology has been developed taking into account the environmental and other risk factors associated with delivery of the project. A staged construction approach within the BMD to minimise erosion and sediment losses, and to assist with revegetation and stabilisation will be implemented. It is proposed to undertake the project between September 2012 and June 2013, as outlined in the attached timeline (Appendix B), which highlights impacts and mitigation measures. In-stream works will be limited to a construction period of October 2012 to March 2013 to manage environmental risks by reducing; the potential impact on Southern Brown Bandicoot; the potential impact on the spawning seasons of Australian Grayling (April - July) and Dwarf Galaxias (August - September); the potential of inclement weather delays by undertaking the levee works during periods of low flows within the BMD and low rainfall, and; the potential for sediment and erosion loss during levee embankment earthworks. Commencement of the project in September 2012 is to ensure that activities with the greatest potential for impact on SBB and aquatic fauna i.e. vegetation removal and earthworks within the drain are carried out from October 2012 to March 2013. In addition, the October to March period is too short to accommodate the entire project scope of works taking into account the staged construction approach within the drain. Terrestrial planting is constrained by seasonal requirements and is scheduled to be undertaken in Autumn 2013 to ensure plant survival and establishment expectations are met. The proposed activities that fall outside the October to March period are considered to have a low potential for impact and can be adequately managed through the nominated onsite environmental control measures. Fox Control Strategy – September 2012 This proposed fox control strategy forms a key part of the overall suite of measures to be implemented to mitigate impacts on SBB caused by removal of vegetation and loss of habitat. Aims/Objective: Melbourne Water’s objective is to mitigate the impacts on SBB by: Providing temporary habitat/nesting shelters and refuge during construction and while revegetation is establishing; Providing improved post-construction vegetation and habitat to higher biodiversity and ecological value than pre-construction quality; and Implementing a fox control strategy; during and post construction over the area surrounding the project site, that links in with existing programs in the broader region. Fox control during construction will be implemented to offset the loss of habitat and shelter caused by removal of vegetation and existing habitat. Fox control will be maintained post-construction, while revegetation establishes, to provide the SBB with a higher likelihood of survival compared to the pre-construction condition and predation rate within the Bunyip Main Drain. This fox control strategy, coupled with other habitat restoration measures will allow for a higher quality habitat, with less predation. It will provide a more desirable environment for the SBB to repopulate and inhabit, and for connectivity between other key populations and habitat. Fox control to reduce predatory pressures on SBB is the preferred approach agreed by all parties as the single most important and effective mitigation measure that Melbourne Water can undertake. It is acknowledged that feral and domestic cats also impact on SBB. However, the preferred approach to minimise the impact of cats on the SBB population is to exclude them from SBB activity by providing temporary or artificial refuges for SBB. These refuges will be placed to varying extents along the north and south banks of the Bunyip Main Drain and along the road reserve of Main Drain Road in the vicinity of the proposed vegetation removal works to provide temporary shelter during the vegetation removal and restoration stages of the project. Scope of program: Given the linear and narrow nature of the project area, Melbourne Water is linking into an existing regional fox control program and recognises this as the most effective mitigation measure. The Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has managed a fox control program since 2010, as part of the Habitat Protection and Conservation project (HPAC), which is a Federal government program. This program signs-up local landowners to undertake baiting on their properties, in areas of existing SBB clusters. The program primarily targets foxes, though cats can also be targeted if property owners are in agreement. Details of the existing CMA program are provided in Appendix C. Melbourne Water will implement a fox control program in the project area, during the BMD works construction period and then continue it as an annual program. Melbourne Water will fund the program which will link into the existing fox control program delivered by the CMA. Melbourne Water will support this program during years 1 to 4 of the BMD project. Following review by a Technical Reference Group (TRG – see below) of the objectives and targets after 4 years, Melbourne Water is committed to implementing a program for a further 3 years, as required, making 7 years in total. 2 The extent of the program is to cover a target area of 1km radius around the BMD works site (being approximately 1,200Ha) at a density of one baiting station per one square kilometre. This will be in the order of 12 stations. A targeted fox control program will be implemented at the commencement of the proposed Bunyip Main Drain works and continue over the following 12 months during the vegetation removal and restoration stages when SBB are expected to be most at risk from disturbed and removed habitat. The targeted control program will be consistent with the control measures implemented by the CMA in nearby areas for the recently conducted HPAC project. The measures to be included in the targeted program will include: Immediate engagement of relevant landowners and pest control contractors and establishment of TRG; Baseline monitoring of fox and SBB numbers in the fox control program area; Weekly baiting for periods up to 12 weeks; Baiting over a 6 to 9 month period, likely to be from September to December 2012 and February to May 2013 (depending on seasonal conditions and variations in fox and SBB numbers in the area); One baiting station per square kilometre; Monitoring of bait stations for both target fox and non-target species interactions using motion cameras, land owner and contractor observations and other potential means including sand-plotting; Monthly reporting by control contractors; Risk assessment and program review at each site after 12 week baiting cycles; and Review and adoption of additional fox control measures as required, including shooting and den fumigation and destruction. The above measures are expected to build on the predator control works conducted in nearby areas and significantly reduce the number of foxes in the immediate area surrounding the proposed Bunyip Main Drain over the first 12 months of the program while maintaining and enhancing the presence of SBB. The TRG will develop and review relevant targets or performance measures for the reduction of fox numbers over the initial stages of the fox control program. The TRG will review and recommend the structure of the remaining six years of the control program, with a number of the above measures expected to be included in the ongoing control program. The control measures for the ongoing program will be based on the outcomes of the initial stages of the program and the requirement to ensure that foxes do not re-establish in the area following any reduction of foxes achieved by the initial targeted control program. The area of the control program is shown in Appendix D. A communication plan will be aimed at recruiting properties in this area, followed up by targeted recruitment depending on the level of uptake. The program logic for the fox control program is outlined in Appendix E. 3 The success of other programs such as shooting will be monitored and anecdotal information gathered and appropriately recorded (including location, time, date, size of fox, cause of death if possible) in association with the data collected from the baiting program, but regulated independently (e.g. baiting yielded 5 foxes per week, shooting yielded 3 foxes per week, anecdotal evidence yielded 2 foxes per week) in order to avoid biasing overall information and provide an accurate measure of the program’s success. An integrated control strategy is proposed given the potential issues that can occur with baiting. Other techniques such as soft jaw trapping, den fumigation and shooting will be considered, as recommended by the TRG. Control measures will be implemented consistent with relevant Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) guidelines to avoid impacts on non-target species. Fox Control Program management/Responsible parties Melbourne Water is the agency responsible for delivery of the program for its duration. However, Melbourne Water may provide funding to other agencies with expertise in pest animal management to undertake the program at specific times. Flexibility in the approach will enable a number of agencies to support delivery of the program depending on their recurrent funding and resourcing of their own programs. In particular in the first year the program will be delivered by the CMA to match in with their existing program. Melbourne Water will fund the establishment and monitoring of bait stations and will cover the costs of program management for the CMA, including; project planning development and implementation of a communications plan, including collateral material (brochures, posters, information packs) provision of information sessions to recruit landowners collecting, collating, mapping and reporting on fox management data administration and oncosts The communications plan to recruit landowners will be overseen by Melbourne Water with input from the CMA and other agencies as required. It is expected that bait stations will be established on private rural properties, hence the landowners and contract pest controllers will be involved in on-ground delivery of the program. Based on current unit rate costs for establishment and monitoring of bait stations provided by the CMA, plus annual management costs, a total annual cost of $27,000 is estimated. A Technical Reference Group (TRG) will be established to oversee the implementation, monitoring, evaluation and review of the strategy, including consideration of alternative techniques and adaptation of measures. A Terms of Reference outlining the roles and responsibilities of the TRG is attached as Appendix F. The TRG will comprise representatives invited from DSE, the CMA, the Western Port Biosphere, Royal Botanical Gardens, Deakin University, Melbourne Water and the Waterways Alliance. 4 The TRG will endorse the Fox Control Strategy and its own Terms of Reference; contribute their skills, knowledge and experience of SBB; share information and oversee implementation activity; oversee reporting on implementation and evaluation; and provide advice to Melbourne Water and the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and the Community about SBB conservation issues and adaptation of implementation techniques and measures endorsed within the Fox Control Strategy. Monitoring and Review of the Fox Control Program Melbourne Water will provide quarterly reports on the program covering: Number of landowners contacted (letters); Number of landowners participating in the fox control program, including copies of landholder agreements; GPS data and maps showing the location of bait stations; Baseline estimates of fox numbers in the control area; Standard record sheets of the fox control program, including number of bait takes, the location and timing of the control measure, site conditions, fox mortalities/age/sex/weight and catch per unit effort report; Photos of bait stations, required pest animal control signage, animal species observed (invasive and indigenous); Invasive species (An invasive species is a species occurring, as a result of human activities, beyond its accepted normal distribution and which threatens valued environmental resources by the damage it causes); Indigenous species (Species that is believed to have occurred in a specified part of Australia prior to European settlement.); Non-target interactions and impacts; and Number and copies of letters re pest animal control to abutting neighbours Immediately following its establishment the TRG will also develop performance criteria to determine the success of the control program, including changes in numbers and/or presence of foxes and SBB, effectiveness of control methods deployed and stakeholder engagement and appropriateness of scope of program. Melbourne Water will publish an Annual Report that summarises implementation activities for each year, as outlined in the Quarterly Reports, evaluates effectiveness of the annual program against the relevant performance criteria and makes recommendations for adaptation of measures for the following year. The annual reports will be published on Melbourne Water’s website. 5 Habitat Restoration, Shelters and SBB Monitoring The aim of the SBB monitoring program is to monitor the occurrence of SBB and determine activity levels and trends, so as to inform the implementation of this strategy, including adaptation of mitigation techniques and measures. Specific actions at a minimum will include; A pre-construction survey undertaken along the south embankment of the BMD and the Bunyip Main Drain Road reserve to determine the presence of SBB, and the need for recovery and removal in line with DSE requirements. A pre-construction survey undertaken along the north embankment of the BMD, to determine base line SBB activity levels. Monitoring of the numbers of SBB post-construction, undertaken every 3 months in the first year of the monitoring program, then annually for years 2 and 3. To achieve the above, monitoring sites for SBB will be established within the project area on the north bank, south bank and Main Drain roadside, and at areas up and downstream on both banks as control sites. Hair tubes are an effective, non-invasive method for detecting SBB presence, as SBB hairs are distinct. Hair tubes will be set at 250m intervals along the north bank, south bank and Main Drain roadside, for the 4km disturbance section and 2km either side. The interval of 250m is based on preliminary research that suggests the average SBB home range is at least 200m and up to 700m within linear corridors. Motion cameras will also be used where appropriate (where there is sufficient cover for them to be effectively concealed) at approximately 1km intervals to provide further evidence of SBB activity. Where SBB presence is detected, trapping will commence and any captured individuals will be fitted with tracking devices to monitor their movements. In this way, use of temporary shelters and/or revegetation will be assessed. These details will be confirmed in the relevant reporting arrangements for the fox control program and the restoration of SBB habitat during and after the Bunyip Main Drain works. The TRG will consider SBB monitoring data in its review of this Fox Control Strategy. 6 APPENDIX A – Location of Proposed Works along Bunyip Main Drain and Road Reserve Legend Project Area for Fox Control Strategy North Bank – Establishment of artificial SBB shelters Bunyip Main Drain – Centre Line South Bank – Vegetation removal, lower embankment revegetation & establishment of temporary SBB shelters. Grass establishment on upper embankment Main Drain Road Reserve – Vegetation removal and establishment of temporary SBB wood pile shelters Main Drain Road Reserve – Revegetation plots 7 APPENDIX B Fox Control Strategy – September 2012 2 APPENDIX C Details of the PPWCMA fox control program along Bunyip Main Drain (September 2011 – 8 May 2012) The Port Phillip and Westernport CMA are implementing the Habitat Protection and Conservation (HPAC) project during 2010 – 2013. This project is funded by the Caring for Our Country program and aims to: increase the skills and capacity of landowners to implement land management actions achieve habitat protection & conservation for nationally threatened species (the Southern Brown Bandicoot, Leadbeater’s Possum and Helmeted Honeyeater) The project is advised by a Technical Reference Group, which is made up of representatives from each of the 3 threatened species Regional Recovery Teams (for Southern Brown Bandicoots, John Hick [Biodiversity Officer] from DSE). Pest animal management is a high priority action to manage the critical threat which foxes pose to the Southern Brown Bandicoot (SBB) population in the Waterways Alliance (WA) Bunyip Main Drain project area. The protection and conservation of the SBB habitat has been achieved until May 2012 with habitat protection (fencing to exclude stock), improvement (pest plant & animal management) and restoration (revegetation). The HPAC project has reached the project target of managing critical threats to the threatened species (393 hectares) and as a result, no further pest animal management will occur in the HPAC project. The HPAC project engaged with landowners in the initial 2011 target area of the former Koo Wee Rup swamp between Koo Wee Rup and Bayles (see Map 1 below). Site inspections & baiting plans were negotiated with 14 landowners and agreements for each site were drafted and signed by landowners and the pest control contractor. The contractor carried out pest animal (fox) management between September – December 2011 and February – 8 May 2012. During this period 43 bait stations were constructed and serviced weekly (~20 of them are indicated in Map 1, others not yet mapped). This has managed 400 hectares of Southern Brown Bandicoot habitat area for foxes. Anecdotal reports from landowners and scientific reports from ecologists have indicated an increase in SBB activity in the Westernport area since this and similar Department of Sustainability and Environment, Westernport Biosphere, Royal Botanic Gardens (Cranbourne) and PPWCMA RAMSAR fox control projects have been carried out (2009 -10 to May 2012). Fox Control Strategy – September 2012 Map 1 - PPWCMA pest animal management target area Sept – Dec 2011 2 APPENDIX D Extension of Fox Control Program into BMD Project PPWCMA has the capacity to work in partnership with Melbourne Water staff to carry out landowner engagement in the BMD project area, coordinate a contract delivering the negotiation of fox control plans and related Land Management Agreements with landowners on up to 12 properties, followed by implementation of the required works and reporting. 3 The target area for the HPAC project (2010 -2013) and Waterways Alliance BMD project fox control project are indicated in Map 2 below. Map 2 Location of PPWCMA & Waterways Alliance projects, including the location of PPWCMA project bait stations between February and Dec 2011 (an additional 20 bait stations were operated between Feb – May 2012 but are not yet mapped). 4 APPENDIX E The PPWCMA’s Program Logic for the proposed fox control program Underpinning knowledge: Foxes prey on Southern Brown Bandicoots Foxes deter the SBB’s from breeding successfully Foxes limit the SBB’s capacity to develop into a healthy, genetically diverse and ecologically resilient population Fox predation leads to increasing isolation of the threatened SBB population in the target area SBB habitat has been predominantly cleared from the project area SBB’s have adapted to use degraded habitat areas successfully as a viable refuge in the project area The recommendations made in the Southern Brown Bandicoot Management Plan for the former Koo Wee Rup Swamp are correct and scientifically based Assumptions: By implementing a fox control program in the site the SBB population will have more opportunity to stabilize and a higher likelihood of success. By coordinating the implementation of the fox control as part of an integrated program, encompassing pest plant and other pest animal (cat) management, and revegetation of the site post works, the area will have optimal habitat for the SBB population. 1080 fox baiting is the most cost-effective fox control method Sufficient landholders/managers will be engaged in the target site to allow effective baiting to the recommended density (as per the TRG). That sufficient number of foxes will be controlled through this and complementary programs to have a long-term benefit to the SBB population in the target area. Contractors will be available for the peak fox control periods Immediate Actions Develop/modify existing PPWCMA EoI forms and processes to provide to landholders within the target area to offer assistance for fox control on their properties. Seek quotes from suitable qualified and experienced contractors to deliver the full scope of works as agreed by the TRG Establish a reporting framework for capturing, consolidating and disseminating progress of the fox control program Distribute letter of offer and EoI form to landholders. EoI process open for nominal period of 2 weeks (subject to revision based on uptake) Appoint preferred contractor Fox Control Strategy – September 2012 Enter into agreement with landholders allowing access to their property to undertake the fox control program. This will be via a signed land management agreement Intermediate outcomes Implementation of the fox control program on 12 sites within the target area ~12 landholders entered into land management agreements All landholders within the target area informed in writing of the fox control work with correspondence retained 12 sites monitored for 2 x 3-4 month periods using motion sensing cameras, sand pits, and other evidence based assessments to capture number/type/frequency visits to bait stations. 12 sites GPS located Robust data collected that assists with the overall integrated program evidence of effectiveness for mitigating the threats to the SBB through the target area. Long-term objective That the target area of the Bunyip Main Drain is managed to reduce threats posed by predation and lack of habitat to the long term survival and viability of the Southern Brown Bandicoot population both during and post the rehabilitation of the drain. Adaptive management The assumptions document will need to be tested and evaluated for accuracy to ensure the program is achieving its intermediate and long-term objectives. It is envisaged that throughout the implementation of the program, the formal reporting and anecdotal feedback from the contract, landholders and project team will assist in identifying potential inaccuracies in the assumptions. Should these arise, it is determined that the TRG will be informed and an appropriate adaptation to the program will be investigated/implemented. 2 APPENDIX F TERMS OF REFERENCE Technical Reference Group Fox Control Strategy Bunyip Main Drain Rehabilitation Works Project (EPBC 2011/5992) 1. Background Melbourne Water has developed and will implement a Fox Control Strategy as a key part of its mitigation measures approved under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999 to offset the impacts on Southern Brown Bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus obesulus, SBB) associated with undertaking rehabilitation works on the south bank of the Bunyip Main Drain (BMD) between 11 Mile Road and 13 Mile Road, Vervale. The EPBC approval conditions require a range of mitigation measures to be implemented before, during and after construction activity. These measures aim to protect, restore and enhance habitat for SBB and reduce predation pressures, particularly from foxes. Monitoring of SBB activity is a key component of the measures adopted. A Technical Reference Group (TRG) will be established to provide technical advice to the project team on the implementation, monitoring, evaluation and review of the strategy. This Terms of Reference sets out the roles and responsibilities of the TRG. 2. Role of the Technical Reference Group The primary function of the TRG is to provide technical advice to the project team on the implementation, monitoring, evaluation and review of the Fox Control Strategy. To achieve this, the TRG will: comment on and endorse the Fox Control Strategy and this Terms of Reference; contribute their skills, knowledge and experience of the SBB in relation to the implementation measures endorsed within the Fox Control Strategy and in relation to other approved mitigation measures, including habitat protection, restoration and enhancement; hold regular meetings which will have the primary purpose of sharing information and overseeing implementation activity, as a means of ensuring effective implementation of the Fox Control Strategy; assess and review alternate fox control techniques and measures, as needed; review information related to SBB activity and habitat protection, restoration and enhancement; review quarterly reporting on implementation and evaluation of the Fox Control Strategy; undertake an annual review of implementation of the Fox Control Strategy; and provide advice to Melbourne Water and the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and the Community, about SBB conservation issues and adaptation of the implementation measures endorsed within the Fox Control Strategy, and how they integrate with other mitigation measures and other fox control programs. 3. Membership and term of office Fox Control Strategy – September 2012 Membership the TRG will be by invitation. As a general rule the TRG will comprise representatives of agencies within the Port Phillip and Westernport Region active in SBB research, management and community activities. Additional scientific or other expertise may be co-opted as agenda requires. The following organisations will be invited to nominate a TRG representative; - Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority (CMA) Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) Western Port Biosphere Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) Deakin University Melbourne Water, Waterways Alliance Melbourne Water, River Health (South East) Melbourne Water, Maintenance and Minor Capital works (South East) Representation of the TRG will be reviewed annually. 4. Responsibilities of TRG Representatives All TRG members shall: 5. regularly attend meetings, or nominate an alternate representative of their organisation to attend if appropriate; endeavour to align and coordinate the work of their organisation with that of TRG participants, in relation to the Fox Control Strategy; report back as necessary to their nominating organisation to encourage a wide knowledge about progress and issues in SBB conservation and habitat recovery; inform the TRG of any issues/recent information which should be discussed/noted/acted upon; identify conservation and management problems on the ground and where appropriate bring them to the attention of the TRG; identify gaps in the knowledge relevant to the conservation and management of SBB new research projects, progress of current research projects, and threatening processes; and make available relevant information held by the organisations they represent to assist the implementation of the Fox Control Strategy and more generally SBB conservation and habitat recovery. TRG Chair Melbourne Water will nominate a representative to Chair the TRG and will provide secretariat support as detailed in Sections 6 & 7 below. 6. Meeting details Melbourne Water will convene meetings to be held at its offices at either Bangholme or KooWeeRup on a quarterly basis, or alternatively up to four meetings per year to align with review of key activities being undertaken in the Fox Control Strategy. Melbourne Water will provide secretariat support including preparation of agenda and record/minutes of matters discussed. TRG members shall endeavour to display constructive behaviours in the discussion and resolution of matters tabled for consideration. Members shall advise the TRG if any matters discussed are confidential. Decision making will be by consensus. 2 7. Communication The minutes of meetings and records of all correspondence and reports will be kept by Melbourne Water and will be made available to the members of the TRG in an agreed manner. The minutes of all meetings will be prepared by Melbourne Water and include: a listing of the members in attendance and apologies a brief account of the proceedings under each Agenda item conveying resolutions, actions responsibilities, and any statements which members request be recorded. Communication to stakeholders will be facilitated through the dissemination of meeting minutes, reports and other relevant information to TRG members. Reporting will also be provided to relevant agencies and funding organisations. Melbourne Water will endeavour to provide a meeting Agenda for all meetings, five working days in advance of the meeting, and will provide meeting minutes within 5 working days of the meeting. 3