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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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APPENDIX B
Fox Control Strategy – September 2012
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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
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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