FINAL REPORT:
Flora and Fauna Assessment, and Net Gain Analysis
Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
PREPARED FOR:
St Quentin Consulting
July 2011
Ecology Partners Pty Ltd
HEAD OFFICE: 420 Victoria Street, Brunswick VIC 3056 MELBOURNE: PO Box 298, Brunswick VIC 3056 GEELONG: PO Box 8048 Newtown VIC 3220
Table of Contents
Summary ....................................................................................................................6
1
Introduction .....................................................................................................9
1.1
Background .......................................................................................................9
1.2
Scope of Assessment .......................................................................................9
1.3
Study Area ......................................................................................................10
2
Methods .........................................................................................................11
2.1
Nomenclature ..................................................................................................11
2.2
Desktop Assessment ......................................................................................11
2.3
Flora and Fauna Assessment .........................................................................11
2.4
Habitat Hectare Assessment ...........................................................................12
2.4.1
Tree Assessment ..................................................................................................................... 13
2.6
Best or Remaining 50% of Habitat for Threatened Species ............................14
2.7
Assessment Qualifications and Limitations .....................................................14
3
Results ...........................................................................................................16
3.1
Flora ................................................................................................................16
3.2
Ecological Vegetation Classes ........................................................................16
3.2.1
Vegetation Condition .............................................................................................................. 16
3.3
Significant Flora Species and Communities ....................................................17
3.3.1
National .................................................................................................................................... 17
3.3.2
State .......................................................................................................................................... 17
3.3.3
Regional and Local ................................................................................................................. 18
3.3.4
Significant Communities ........................................................................................................ 18
3.4
Best or Remaining 50% of habitat for Threatened Flora Species ...................18
3.5
Fauna ..............................................................................................................18
3.5.1
Fauna Species ......................................................................................................................... 18
3.6
Fauna Habitats ................................................................................................19
3.7
Significant Fauna ............................................................................................22
3.7.1
National .................................................................................................................................... 22
3.7.2
State .......................................................................................................................................... 23
3.7.3
Regional and Local ................................................................................................................. 24
3.8
Ecological Significance of the Study Area .......................................................25
4
Implications of the Findings.........................................................................26
4.1
Legislative and Policy Implications ..................................................................26
4.1.1
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 .................................... 26
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
2
4.1.2
Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 .................................................................................... 28
4.1.3
Planning and Environment Act 1987 ..................................................................................... 29
4.1.4
Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 ............................................................................ 30
4.1.5
Wildlife Act 1975 and Wildlife Regulations 2002 .................................................................. 31
4.1.6
Corangamite Native Vegetation Plan .................................................................................... 32
4.1.7
The Native Vegetation Framework ........................................................................................ 32
4.1.8
Local Planning Schemes ........................................................................................................ 33
5
Net Gain Analysis ..........................................................................................34
5.1
Habitat Hectare Assessment ...........................................................................34
5.2
Tree Assessment ............................................................................................34
5.2.1
Scattered Tree Assessment ................................................................................................... 34
5.2.2
Summary of Tree Assessments ............................................................................................. 35
5.3
Net Gain Implications ......................................................................................35
5.3.1
Avoidance (Step 1) .................................................................................................................. 35
5.3.2
Minimisation (Step 2) .............................................................................................................. 36
5.3.3
Offset Calculations (Step 3) ................................................................................................... 37
5.3.4
Scattered Trees ....................................................................................................................... 37
5.3.5
Overall Summary of Targets .................................................................................................. 38
5.4
Potential Measures to Achieve Net Gain .........................................................38
5.5
Potential Net Gain Strategies ..........................................................................39
6
Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures ................................................40
6.1
Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures .....................................................40
7
Conclusion ....................................................................................................42
Figures ......................................................................................................................44
References ...............................................................................................................49
Appendices ..............................................................................................................52
Tables
Table 1. Benchmark tree measurements for EVCs within the study area. ............................. 13
Table 2. Scattered trees present within the study area ........................................................ 34
Table 3. Protect and recruit offset requirements for scattered trees ..................................... 37
Table 4. Recruit only offset requirements for scattered trees ............................................... 38
Table A1.1. Rare or threatened categories for listed Victorian taxa. ..................................... 53
Table A1.2. Defining Ecological Significance. ....................................................................... 54
Table A1.3. Defining Site Significance. ................................................................................ 56
Table A1.4. Defining Vegetation Condition. .......................................................................... 57
Table A1.5. Defining Habitat Quality. .................................................................................... 58
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
3
Table A2.1. Flora recorded during the field survey............................................................... 59
Table A2.2. Significant flora recorded within 10 kilometres of the study area. ....................... 62
Table A3.1. Fauna recorded during the survey and previously recorded within 10 kilometres
of the study area. .......................................................................................................... 65
Table A3.2. Significant fauna within 10 kilometres of the study area. ................................... 78
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
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Acknowledgements
We thank the following people for their contribution on the project.

Chris Mason (St Quentin Consulting) for project and site information.

Kevin Rule (Royal Botanic Gardens – Melbourne) for advice on the identification of
Eucalyptus species.

Department of Sustainability and Environment for access to the data on the Flora
Information System and Atlas of Victorian Wildlife.
The following Ecology Partners Pty Ltd employees either undertook the field assessments and/or contributed to
the preparation of this report: Andrew Hill, Andrew Taylor, Liza James and Amanda Feetham.
Project # 2851
Copyright © Ecology Partners Pty Ltd
This document is Subject to copyright and may only be used for the
purposes for which it was commissioned. The use or copying of this
document in whole or part without the permission of Ecology Partners
Pty Ltd is an infringement of copyright.
Disclaimer
Although Ecology Partners Pty Ltd have taken all the necessary steps
to ensure that an accurate document has been prepared, the company
accepts no liability for any damages or loss incurred as a result of
reliance placed upon either the report or its content.
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
5
SUMMARY
Introduction
Ecology Partners Pty Ltd was commissioned by St Quentin Consulting to undertake a flora
and fauna assessment and Net Gain analysis for a proposed residential rezoning and planning
application of land located west of Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria.
The flora and fauna assessment was undertaken to ascertain the likely occurrence of National
and State listed threatened flora and fauna species within the study area, and identify any
potential ecological constraints associated with the proposed development of the study area.
The assessment also identified potential Net Gain implications under Victoria’s ‘Native
Vegetation Management’ – A Framework for Action.
Study Area
The study area is located west of Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria and is approximately 12
kilometres south east of Geelong and covers 25 hectares of private land. The study area is
bounded by residential properties on Como Road to the south and Hazelwood Crescent to the
north and to the west by residential properties currently under construction. Lake Connewarre
is located approximately one kilometre south of the study area and contributes to the Port
Phillip Bay (Western Shoreline) and Bellarine Peninsula Ramsar site complex.
Methods
Several resources were reviewed as part of a desktop assessment. These included:

Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) Victorian
Biodiversity Atlas (VBA)

DSE Atlas of Victorian Wildlife (AVW);

DSE Flora Information System (FIS);

DSE Biodiversity Interactive Map; and,

Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population
and Communities (SEWPaC) Protected Matters Search Tool.
The site assessment was undertaken on 21 April 2011 to obtain information on the terrestrial
flora and fauna values within the study area and immediate surrounds. The study area was
traversed on foot, with all vascular plants and terrestrial fauna recorded and the overall
condition of vegetation noted. A list of flora and fauna species was compiled and vegetation
mapping was transposed onto aerial photographs. A habitat hectare and scattered tree
assessment was undertaken concurrently, in accordance with DSE manuals.
All areas within the study area were assessed, excluding the property located at 21-29 Walkers
Road, Leopold, due to limited site access.
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
6
Results
Flora
A total of 93 plant taxa (20 indigenous (22%), 73 introduced species (78%)) were recorded in
the study area during the field assessment.
No flora species of national significance were recorded within the study area; however one
flora species of state significance (Yellow Gum Hybrid Eucalyptus leucoxylon X) was
recorded during the current assessment.
The study area was highly modified, characterised by small areas of cropland and exotic
dominated grasses in open areas. A small plantation of introduced Eucalyptus species was
located within the study area. The majority of the original Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC)
(Grassy Woodland [EVC 175]) within the study area has been removed as a result of previous
and current land use activities (i.e. land clearing and grazing).
Two small areas identified as Modified Treeless Vegetation (totalling 0.29 hectares) were
recorded in the north east section of the study area. Both areas were dominated by typically
opportunistic native colonising grasses, with a low diversity, and were not representative of a
pre-1750 cohort.
Eight indigenous scattered trees were recorded within the study area and may have once
comprised the canopy component of Plains Grassy Woodland (EVC 55) and Grassy
Woodland (EVC 175).
Fauna
Thirty nine fauna species were recorded during the assessment, comprising six mammals (two
native and four exotic species), 32 birds (24 native and eight exotic species) and one native
frog species. A list of the fauna species previously recorded within the local area, and
recorded during the survey is provided in Appendix 3.1.
No national, state or regionally significant fauna species were recorded within the study area
during the assessment.
Legislative and policy implications
No EPBC Act listed flora species are considered likely to occur within the study area, as no
suitable habitat is present. Suitable habitat is present within the study area for one EPBC Act
listed fauna species (Growling Grass Frog). Targeted surveys are recommended and a referral
to the Federal Minister for the Environment should be prepared for consideration of the
proposal under the EPBC Act if detected within the study area.
On private property, an FFG Act permit is generally not required. Therefore, an FFG Act
permit will not be required for any proposed development following rezoning.
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
7
DSE is likely to be a mandatory referral authority for removal of indigenous vegetation within
the study area. A permit is to be referred to DSE due to scattered indigenous trees occurring
onsite greater than 5 trees with a diameter more than 40 centimetres at 1.3 metres above
ground. A Planning Permit from the City of Greater Geelong (CoGG) is also required to
remove or disturb vegetation.
Net Gain Assessment
The study found a total of eight scattered indigenous trees (three Medium Old Trees and five
Small Trees). A further 0.29 hectares of Modified Treeless Vegetation in two areas was also
identified. No formal offset is required for the Modified Treeless Vegetation; however DSE
will need to be in agreement for the area to qualify as Modified Treeless Vegetation.
The proponent when preparing development designs must consider the objectives of the Net
Gain policy and demonstrate actions to avoid and minimise native vegetation loss, specifically
avoiding scattered indigenous trees and retaining them within the development.
The Net Gain targets for the removal of all scattered indigenous trees consist of:

For the ‘protect and recruit’ option there is a requirement to protect 3 Medium Old
Trees and recruit 208 new trees or plants.

Alternatively, the ‘recruitment only’ option would require a total of 343 new trees or
plants that would need to be recruited.
All gains are required to be generated from the Otway Plain bioregion, in order meet Net Gain
policy objectives.
Further Requirements
Once a development plan is known, a Net Gain offset management plan should be developed
if there is to be loss of any native vegetation. If native vegetation on site cannot be retained,
offsets are likely to be required to be sourced off site, and approved by regulatory authorities
(DSE and City of Greater Geelong).
Targeted surveys should be undertaken for Growling Grass Frogs within suitable habitat.
Should the species be detected, a referral to the Federal Minister for the Environment should
be prepared for consideration of the proposal under the EPBC Act. A conservation
management plan for the species may also be required.
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
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1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
Ecology Partners Pty Ltd was commissioned by St Quentin Consulting to undertake a flora
and fauna assessment, and Net Gain analysis of the proposed residential rezoning,
development plan and planning application at land located on Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria.
The assessment was aimed at identifying the potential likelihood of any significant flora and
fauna species that may be present or potentially using the site, and to address potential Net
Gain implications under Victoria’s ‘Native Vegetation Management’ – A Framework for
Action (NRE 2002).
1.2 Scope of Assessment
Flora and fauna assessment
The flora and fauna assessment included the following tasks:







Review the relevant flora and fauna databases (e.g. Flora Information System, Atlas
of Victorian Wildlife, Victorian Biodiversity Atlas and BioSite Register) and available
literature;
Conduct a site assessment by a qualified botanist and zoologist (2 staff) to identify
flora and fauna habitat values within the study area;
Map any significant flora and fauna records and any native vegetation remnants;
Provide information in relation to any implications of Commonwealth and State
environmental legislation and Government policy associated with the proposed
development;
Recommend if additional surveys are required, such as targeted surveys for threatened
flora and fauna species;
Determine any potential impacts on ecological values at a national, state, regional and
local level; and
Identify and describe measures which may be undertaken to avoid and/or mitigate
against potential adverse impacts on flora and fauna values.
Net Gain Assessment
If the study area contains remnant patches of vegetation, the following tasks were carried out
to address the implications under the State Government’s ‘Native Vegetation Management’ –
A Framework for Action:




Conduct a detailed site survey and a habitat hectare assessment of areas of remnant
native vegetation (i.e. habitat hectare polygons and trees);
Complete DSE field assessment sheet;
Assess any opportunities to avoid and minimise impacts to vegetation;
Document how the three step approach of avoid, minimise and offset could be
considered;
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
9


Provide a figure showing ‘habitat hectare’ areas and remnant trees; and,
Liaise with any key stakeholders (e.g. DSE, local government) when required.
Marking and numbering Large Old Trees (LOTs)
Marking and numbering all LOTs within the study area with hand held GPS and small
identification tags were completed during the flora, fauna and Net Gain survey.
1.3 Study Area
The study area is located west of Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria, approximately 12 kilometres
south east of Geelong and covers 25 hectares of private land currently used for hobby farms.
The study area is bounded by existing residential development on Como Road to the south
and Hazelwood Crescent to the north. New areas of residential development are currently
being constructed to the west of the study area. Lake Connewarre is located approximately
one kilometre south of the study area and contributes to the Port Phillip Bay (Western
Shoreline) and Bellarine Peninsula Ramsar site complex.
According to the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) Biodiversity
Interactive Map (DSE 2011), the study area occurs within the Otway Plain bioregion. The
study area also falls within the jurisdiction of the Corangamite Catchment Management
Authority and the City of Greater Geelong municipality. The study area is currently zoned
Farming Zone (FZ) and is not subject to any environmental overlays (DPCD 2011).
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
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2 METHODS
2.1 Nomenclature
Common and scientific names of vascular plants follow the Flora Information System (FIS)
(2011). Vegetation community names follow DSE’s Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC)
benchmarks (DSE 2011) and Oates and Taranto (2001). The names of terrestrial vertebrate
fauna (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians) follow the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas (VBA
2010).
2.2 Desktop Assessment
The following resources and databases were reviewed:

The FIS (2011) and VBA (2010) databases for historic flora and fauna records;

DSE’s Biodiversity Interactive Maps showing historic and current EVCs (DSE 2011);

Information relating to matters of National Environmental Significance (NES) (listed
taxa and ecological communities) protected under the Environment Protection and
Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) was obtained from the Protected
Matters Search Tool (SEWPaC 2011);

Planning Schemes Online to ascertain current zoning and environmental overlays
(DPCD 2011); and

Relevant environmental legislation and policies.
2.3 Flora and Fauna Assessment
A field assessment was undertaken on 21 April 2011, to obtain information on terrestrial flora
and fauna values within the study area. All observed vascular plants were recorded, any
significant species records mapped with a hand held GPS (+/- five metres accuracy) and the
overall condition of vegetation noted. Remnant vegetation in the local area was also reviewed
to assist in determining the original EVCs within the study area, with boundaries of EVCs and
different quality patches transcribed onto aerial photography. Indigenous large old trees and
scattered trees were marked and numbered within the study area. All areas within the study
area were assessed, excluding the property located at 21-29 Walkers, Leopold, as a result of
limited access.
Binoculars were used to scan the area for birds, and observers also listened for calls and
searched for other incidental signs such as nests, remains of dead animals, droppings and
footprints. Habitat features including ground cover composition and structure, and the
presence of hollows and fallen ground debris was also noted. The presence of hollows in
isolated trees was also noted, and any other features likely to be important for fauna.
The site significance assessment criteria are presented in Appendix 1.
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
11
2.4 Habitat Hectare Assessment
A habitat hectare assessment was undertaken concurrently with the flora and fauna survey on
21 April 2011. Vegetation within the study area was assessed according to the habitat hectare
methodology, which is described in the Vegetation Quality Assessment Manual (DSE 2004).
Habitat hectare is a unit of measurement, which combines both quality (relative to an EVC
Benchmark) and quantity (EVC type) for a remnant patch (DSE 2004).
Under the DSE guidelines, three categories of vegetation have been defined (DSE 2007a).
The three categories are ‘remnant patches’, ‘scattered trees’ and ‘degraded treeless
vegetation’. Habitat hectare assessments were only undertaken in areas of vegetation
considered to be remnant patches or scattered trees.

A remnant patch is defined as:
o An area of vegetation, with or without trees, where less than 75% of the total
understorey plant cover is weeds or non-native plants (i.e. at least 25%
understorey cover is indigenous); or,
o A group (i.e. three or more) of trees where the tree canopy cover is at least
20%.

Scattered Trees are defined as canopy trees within an area where at least 75% of the
total understorey plant cover are non-native and the overall canopy cover for a group
(i.e. three or more) of trees is less than 20%.

Degraded treeless vegetation is all other vegetation that does not meet the thresholds
for a remnant patch or scattered trees (DSE 2007a).
DSE (2010b) has further defined degraded treeless vegetation into two categories:

Minor Treeless Vegetation – Vegetation comprising less than 25% native understorey
cover. No offset or habitat hectare assessment is required.

Modified Treeless Vegetation – Vegetation comprising greater than 25% native
understorey cover, it does not support habitat for rare or threatened species, and the
native species present are unlikely to have originally dominated the site. No offset or
habitat hectare assessment is required.
The decision as to whether vegetation qualifies as Modified Treeless Vegetation is determined
by DSE. If DSE consider that the vegetation is not Modified Treeless Vegetation or it is
Modified Treeless Vegetation that provides habitat for rare or threatened species, then
assessments and offsets are required. No formal offsets are required for the proposed removal
of Minor Treeless Vegetation or Modified Treeless Vegetation. However, a planning permit
is required for the removal of any native vegetation associated with Minor Treeless
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
12
Vegetation or Modified Treeless Vegetation unless an exemption clause under 52.17-6 of the
Victorian Planning Schemes applies.
Where losses are permitted, the definition of conservation significance and offset objectives is
guided by the Framework (Appendices 3 and 4, Tables 5 and 6; NRE 2002) and the
Corangamite Native Vegetation Plan (CCMA 2005).
2.4.1 Tree Assessment
The Framework recognises that old trees are important environmental assets and these can be
found in remnant patches, or as relicts of vegetation that formerly occupied the site (scattered
trees). The Framework includes minimum protection/replacement ratios for trees that are to
be removed as part of permitted clearing, based on the Diameter at Breast Height (DBH).
Ratios apply to large old trees in ‘remnant patch’ and to scattered old trees where the
indigenous understorey cover is less than 25% of the total understorey cover (Table 1). Small
scattered trees (i.e. not old trees) are also considered to be environmental assets, and any
permitted clearance would require offset ratios.
The removal of scattered trees that are reproductively mature, but that are smaller in diameter
than medium old trees for that EVC, will also require replacement ratios. Regardless the
Conservation Status of the EVC to which these trees belong, they are considered to have a
Conservation Significance of "Low", unless the tree species itself has the status of a
threatened species (CCMA 2005).
Table 1. Benchmark tree measurements for EVCs within the study area.
Bioregion
Ecological Vegetation Class
(number)
Canopy
cover
Very
Large Old
Tree (cm)
Large
Old Tree
DBH (cm)
Medium
Old Tree
DBH (cm)
Large Old
Tree
density/ha
Otway Plain
Grassy Woodland (EVC 175)
15%
105
70
53
15/ha
Otway Plain
Plains Grassy Woodland (EVC 55)
20%
120
80
60
10/ha
Key: DBH = Diameter at Breast Height
Trees within Remnant Patches
In relation to remnant patches that contain large old trees, the Framework states:
For each large old tree removed as part of permitted clearing a certain number of other large old
trees have to be protected and a certain number recruited (NRE 2002).
Net Gain is the overall outcome where native vegetation and habitat gains are greater than the
losses and where losses are avoided, where possible.
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
13
Scattered Trees
In relation to scattered old trees in parcels of land the Framework states:
For each medium or large old tree removed as part of permitted clearing an appropriate number of
new trees must be recruited. The number of new trees that must be recruited will be specified in
regional Native Vegetation Plans and may be graded according to conservation
significance….However where it better suits their circumstances, landholders may use the ‘protect
other trees and ensure supplementary recruitment’ approach to meet this criteria (NRE 2002).
The Corangamite Native Vegetation Plan (CCMA 2005) contains offset ratios for losses of
scattered trees, which are:

Protect and recruit options for Very Large, Large and Medium Old Trees; or,

Recruit only options for Very Large, Large, Medium Old Trees and other/small
scattered trees.
2.6 Best or Remaining 50% of Habitat for Threatened Species
In order to determine the best or remaining 50% of habitat for rare and threatened flora and
fauna, species that are considered likely to be present within each EVC were assessed
according to the steps outlined in Table 2 in the Guide for Assessment of Referred Planning
Permit Applications (DSE 2007a).
Threatened flora species considered likely to be present (i.e. species given a likelihood rating
of at least 2 in Appendix 2.2) within each EVC, was based on previous records, habitat type
present and the requirements of each flora species.
Threatened fauna species considered likely to use the study area for foraging and/or breeding
due to the high quality of habitat (i.e. species given likelihood rating of at least 2 in Appendix
3.1 and are listed as endangered, vulnerable or rare).
For significant flora and fauna species not recorded within the study area but recorded in the
local area or with potential habitat present in the local area (Appendices 2 and 3), if they were
not considered to be a ‘resident’ or to ‘make significant use of the study area’, there was no
further consideration given to these flora and fauna species in regards to determining best or
remaining 50% habitat (Table 2, DSE 2007a).
2.7 Assessment Qualifications and Limitations
Terrestrial flora and fauna data collected during the field survey and information obtained
from relevant sources (e.g. biological databases and relevant literature) were reviewed.
Although the objective of the assessment was to document terrestrial flora and fauna species
and communities within the study area, an assessment of the interaction of species over a
longer survey period was beyond the scope of this study. The short duration of the survey
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
14
meant that migratory, transitory or uncommon fauna species are likely to have been missed.
Thus, it is possible that a small number of additional fauna species of conservation
significance may have been detected, had the fauna assessment been conducted over a greater
number of days.
Flora surveys were conducted in early autumn which is not ideal for the identification for
many flowering plants. Further surveys at different times of the year, particularly spring, is
likely to identify a small number of additional plant species, such as highly cryptic species or
those subsisting as underground tubers.
One property, within the study area, located at 21-29 Walkers, Leopold was not assessed due
to restricted access, awaiting approval. Due to this there may be some limitations to the
overall flora and fauna assessment that contribute to identifying the potential likelihood of any
significant flora and fauna species that may be present or potentially using the site.
Nevertheless, terrestrial flora and fauna data collected during the field surveys and
information obtained from relevant sources (e.g. biological databases and relevant literature)
were reviewed and summarised to meet the overall objectives of the assessment. The survey
also fulfils other obligations, such as developing species lists and undertaking Net Gain
assessments.
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
15
3 RESULTS
3.1 Flora
A total of 93 plant taxa (20 indigenous (22%), 73 introduced species (78%)) were recorded in
the study area during the field assessment (Appendix 2.1). Planted trees and shrubs were not
recorded unless they were seen to be naturally spreading on site. No flora species of national
significance were recorded within the study area; however, one flora species of state
significance and one protected species were recorded during the current assessment.
A consolidated list of flora species recorded during the field survey is provided in Appendix
2.1. The likelihood of occurrence of significant flora species within study area is listed in
Appendix 2.2.
3.2 Ecological Vegetation Classes
DSE modelled pre-1750 EVC mapping for the region shows that the study area would have
predominantly contained Grassy Woodland (EVC 175), and immediate surrounding areas of
Plains Grassy Woodland (EVC 55) (DSE 2011). Current (2005) vegetation mapping indicates
that the study area still contains isolated areas of Grassy Woodland (EVC 175) and
surrounding areas of Plains Grassy Woodland (EVC 55). Native vegetation comprised two
small areas identified as Modified Treeless Vegetation, located in the north east section of the
study area. Eight scattered indigenous trees were recorded within the study area and were
attributed to both Grassy Woodland (EVC 175), and Plains Grassy Woodland (EVC 55) listed
as Endangered within the Otway Plain bioregion (DSE 2011).
3.2.1 Vegetation Condition
The study area is highly modified, characterised by small areas of cropland and exotic
dominated grasses in open areas. Exotic grasses comprised Paspalum Paspalum dilatatum,
Perennial Ryegrass Lolium perenne, Sweet Vernal-grass Anthoxanthum odoratum, Cocksfoot
Dactylis glomerata and Annual Veldt-grass Ehrharta longiflora. A small plantation of
introduced Eucalyptus species, mostly River Red-gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Manna
Gums Eucalyptus viminalis, was located on the property bounded by Walkers Road and Ash
Road. The majority of the original EVC (Grassy Woodland) within the study area has been
removed as a result of previous and current land use activities (i.e. land clearing and grazing).
Two small areas identified as Modified Treeless Vegetation (totalling 0.29 hectares) were
recorded in the north east section of the study area. Both areas were dominated by typically
opportunistic native colonising grasses, with a low diversity, and were not representative of a
pre-1750 cohort. In the far north east corner of the study area, a patch of Modified Treeless
Vegetation comprised Slender Wallaby-grass Rytidosperma racemosum var. racemosum with
a vegetative cover of greater than 25%. Exotic species recorded within the patch included
Chilean Needle-grass Nassella neesiana, Paspalum and Cocksfoot.
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
16
A second patch of Modified Treeless Vegetation also within the study area, is comprised of
Slender Wallaby-grass and Bristly Wallaby-grass Rytidosperma setaceum and supported
similar exotic species (Figure 2).
Eight indigenous scattered trees were recorded within the study area and may have once
comprised the canopy component of Plains Grassy Woodland (EVC 55) and Grassy
Woodland (EVC 175). Six scattered indigenous trees, (Manna Gums Eucalyptus viminalis),
were within close proximity to the dwelling, located on the corner property bounded by
Walkers Road and Ash Road. In addition was an isolated River Red-gum Eucalyptus
camaldulensis, recorded near a single remnant understory shrub (Golden Wattle Acacia
pycnantha) located in the north west section of the study area. On the property at the end of
Walkers Road, was a scattered tree identified as an intergraded between two subspecies of
Yellow-gums Eucalyptus leucoxylon, these subspecies were Melbourne Yellow-gum
Eucalyptus leucoxylon subsp. connata and Bellarine Yellow-gum Eucalyptus leucoxylon
subsp. bellarinensis (K, Rule. pers. comm. 21 May 2011) (Figure2).
3.3 Significant Flora Species and Communities
No nationally listed significant flora species were recorded; however one significant flora
species and one protected flora species was recorded during the current field assessment. No
nationally significant communities were recorded in the study area. A discussion on the
potential for significant species to occur within the study area is provided below.
3.3.1 National
No nationally listed flora species were recorded during the field assessment. Two nationally
listed flora species have previously been recorded within the local area (within 10 kilometres
of the study area) (VBA 2010) and the SEWPaC Protected Matters Search Tool (SEWPaC
2011) lists a further six nationally significant flora species as having the potential to occur
within the local area due to the occurrence of suitable habitat (Appendix 2.2). The likelihood
of occurrence of nationally threatened species within the study area is outlined in Appendix
2.2. Based upon the site conditions and field assessment, it is unlikely that any nationally
listed flora species are present within the study area.
3.3.2 State
One state significant flora species, a hybrid of two state significant Yellow Gums was
recorded during the field assessment. This was based on a recorded indigenous scattered tree
that exhibited intermittent features of two Yellow-gum subspecies (K. Rule, pers. comm. 21
May 2011) (Figure 2). Subspecies were Bellarine Yellow-gum, endemic to the area, and
Melbourne Yellow-gum, both listed as state significant (Appendix 2.2; Figure 3). A protected
flora species (Golden Wattle) was also recorded during the assessment (Figure 3). The
Victorian Biodiversity Atlas (DSE 2010) contains records of a further 27 state significant
species within the local area (Appendix 2.2; Figure 3). The likelihood of occurrence of state
listed threatened species within the study area is outlined in Appendix 2.2. Based upon the
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
17
site conditions and field assessment, it is unlikely that any further state listed flora species are
present within the study area.
3.3.3 Regional and Local
Sixteen regionally significant flora species were recorded within the study area. The
remainder of the indigenous flora species within the study area are considered to be of local
significance.
3.3.4 Significant Communities
The EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool (SEWPaC 2011) identified two nationally
significant vegetation communities (Grassy Eucalypt Woodland of the Victorian Volcanic
Plain and Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain) as occurring within
a 10 kilometre radius of the study area. No significant vegetation communities were recorded
within the study area during the field assessment.
3.4 Best or Remaining 50% of habitat for Threatened Flora Species
Additional significant flora species that were not recorded within the study area, but with
potential habitat present within the local area or recorded in the local area are presented in
Appendix 2.2. However due to the degraded nature of the study area it was considered
unreasonable to expect that these species are present. Therefore no further consideration was
given to these species in regards to determining best or remaining 50% habitat, according to
the steps outlined under Section D of Table 2 in DSE (2007a).
3.5 Fauna
3.5.1 Fauna Species
Thirty nine fauna species were recorded during the assessment, comprising six mammals (two
native and four exotic species), 32 birds (24 native and eight exotic species) and one native
frog species. No fauna species of national, state or regional significance were recorded during
the assessment. A list of the fauna species previously recorded within the local area, and
recorded during the survey is provided in Appendix 3.1.
The VBA (2010) contains records of 383 fauna species in the local area (within 10 kilometres
of the study area) (Appendix 3.1).
The majority of records were for birds, with relatively low numbers of mammals, reptiles and
frogs. This suggests the local area contains a broad range of fauna species, some of which are
expected to use the study area either as residents, or visitors on a regular or irregular basis.
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
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3.6 Fauna Habitats
The study area supports five broad habitat types: Scattered remnant trees, ephemeral drainage
lines,
artificial
waterbodies/farm
dams,
modified
grassland
and
planted
vegetation/windrows/gardens. Fauna habitats located within the study area have been
assigned a general designation by grouping similar EVCs together. Some habitat types do not
relate to any EVC (i.e. introduced pasture, artificial dams), and are based on general habitat
characteristics and not vegetation type.
Scattered remnant trees (Corresponding EVCs: Plains Grassy Woodland and Grassy
Woodland)
Overall habitat value - Scattered remnant trees are considered to be of low to moderate
habitat value for fauna although likely to act as ‘stepping stone’ habitats for mobile species
(principally birds).
Description – Due to the extensive areas of cleared agricultural land within the study area,
there were eight scattered trees located throughout the study area of which none were hollow
bearing (Figure 2). The understorey included some indigenous grasses and sedges, with
introduced pasture grasses also present.
Terrestrial fauna - Remnant trees provide habitat for a range of native mammals such as
Brush-tailed Possums Trichosurus vulpecula. When in flower, remnant woodland trees
provide an important nectar resource for a variety of honeyeaters, cockatoos, parrots and
lorikeets. Diurnal raptors (i.e. Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides and Black-shouldered Kite
Elanus axillaris), may also use mature trees for perching, roosting and foraging activities.
Common bat species such as the White-striped Freetail-bat Tadarida australis are likely to
use hollows and loose bark for breeding habitat and refuge during the day.
Larger patches of vegetation are also expected to support a multifaceted ground fauna
component, such as reptiles (e.g., lizards, snakes), native frogs and mammals, particularly in
areas where there is adequate vegetation cover.
Ephemeral drainage lines (Corresponding EVC: Not Applicable)
Overall habitat value – Ephemeral drainages are considered to provide low habitat value for
fauna species within the study area, especially birds and frogs.
Description – Ephemeral drainage lines located along Walkers Road and Ash Road are not
likely to contain water during warmer months and therefore are not likely to act as potential
fauna habitat when dry. These drainage lines lacked fringing aquatic and semi-aquatic
vegetation, and suitable refuge sites such as logs while the surrounding vegetation typically
comprises introduced grasses.
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Terrestrial fauna – Ephemeral drainage lines may provide foraging habitat for several native
fauna including waterbirds such as Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis and Whitefaced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae.
Spotted Marsh Frog Limnodynastes tasmaniensis were heard calling within drainage lines
during the assessment.
Artificial waterbodies/farm dams (Corresponding EVC: Not Applicable)
Overall habitat value – Artificial waterbodies and/or ephemeral wetlands are considered to be
of moderate to high habitat value for fauna.
Description – Numerous waterbodies exist within the study area (Figures 2). They currently
support varying levels of emergent macrophytes and aquatic vegetation, with few refuge sites
such as logs or rocks. The surrounding vegetation typically comprises introduced pasture
grass or crops.
Terrestrial fauna – Existing waterbodies throughout the study area may provide suitable
breeding or foraging habitat for the EPBC Act listed Growling Grass Frog. This habitat is
also likely to support waterbirds such as Australian Wood Duck Chenonetta jubata or Pacific
Black Duck Anas superciliosa, Chestnut Teal Anas castanea, Little Black Cormorant
Phalacrocorax sulcirostris, Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles, Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus
novaehollandiae, Black-tailed Native-hen Gallinula ventralis, Dusky Moorhen Gallinula
tenebrosa and Eurasian Coot Fulica atra for breeding or foraging purposes.
Waterbodies supporting protective cover within, and around their margins offer protection for
reed dwelling birds such as Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis.
Frog species such as Common Froglet Crinia signifera, Southern Brown Tree Frog Litoria
ewingii and Spotted Marsh Frog are expected to use this habitat for breeding or foraging
purposes also.
Modified Grassland (Corresponding EVC: Plains Grassland)
Overall habitat value – Modified grasslands classified as Predominantly Introduced
Vegetation are of low habitat value. This habitat is floristically and structurally deficient,
lacking key habitat components such as a high diversity of flora species and suitable refuge
sites and unlikely to act as suitable habitat for fauna species.
This habitat may also act as ‘stepping stone’ habitats for mobile species (principally birds)
adapted to modified environments.
Description – Past extensive land clearing has resulted in fragmentation and isolation of this
habitat type to private properties throughout the study area.
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Terrestrial fauna – Common open country species (primarily birds) are also likely to use this
habitat. Larger patches are likely to support a suite of grassland birds such as Australian
Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen, Little Raven Corvus mellori, Galah Eolophus roseicapilla and
Superb Fairy Wren Malurus cyaneus which were recorded during the assessment (Appendix
3.1).
Raptors (Brown Falcon Falco berigora, Nankeen Kestrel, Black-shouldered Kite) would
search for prey items over these areas, and introduced species (Common Starling Sturnus
vulgaris, House Sparrow Passer domesticus) were also prevalent in this habitat during the
survey.
Although introduced grasses and crops do not provide optimal habitat for fauna, they do
provide dispersal opportunities (cover) for reptiles, frogs and other species into more optimal
habitats throughout the local area.
Planted vegetation/Windrows/Gardens (Corresponding EVC: None)
Overall habitat value – Habitat value for planted vegetation ranges from low for immature
plantings, to moderate for mature plantings.
Description – A range of native and introduced trees and shrubs have been planted,
throughout the study area. Many of these trees are mature and reach a height of up to 10
metres. The understorey generally consisted of predominantly introduced vegetation.
A range of introduced trees and shrubs surrounding landowners garden was observed and
generally consisted of introduced vegetation.
Terrestrial fauna – Many of these trees provide foraging resources for species adapted to
modified environments such as Australian Magpies, wattlebirds, and honeyeaters.
Additionally, low growing shrubs would be used by smaller passerine species such as wrens,
thornbills, and fantails for nesting and foraging purposes.
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3.7 Significant Fauna
Note: All marine associated species were excluded from this section as they will not be directly affected by the
proposed development.
3.7.1 National
No nationally significant fauna species were recorded during the assessment. Twenty one
nationally listed fauna species have previously been recorded within the local area (within 10
km of the study area) (VBA 2010), or have habitat that either occurs or is predicted to occur
throughout the local area (SEWPaC 2011) (Figure 4; Appendix 3.2). The likelihood of
occurrence of nationally significant fauna species within the study area is outlined in
Appendix 3.2.
These species include:
 Four terrestrial mammals: Eastern Barred Bandicoot Perameles gunnii, Southern
Brown Bandicoot Isoodon obesulus obesulus, Long-nosed Potoroo Potorous
tridactylus and Spot-tailed Quoll Dasyurus maculates;
 Two bat species: Common Bent-wing Bat Miniopterus schreibersii bassani Greyheaded Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus;
 Three coastal-associated birds: Orange bellied Parrot Neophema chrysogaster,
Hooded Plover Thinornis rubricollis rubricollis and Rufous Bristlebird Dasyornis
broadbenti caryochrus;
 Two woodland dependent birds: Regent Honeyeater Xanthomyza phrygia and Swift
Parrot Lathamus discolor;
 Two grassland/heathland dependent birds: Plains Wanderer Pedionomus torquatus and
Ground Parrot Pezoporus wallicus wallicus;
 Two wetland dependent birds: Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus and
Australian Painted Snipe Rostratula australis;
 One reptiles: Striped Legless Lizard Delma impar;
 One frog: Growling Grass Frog Litoria raniformis;
 Three fish: Australian Grayling Prototroctes maraena, Dwarf Galaxias Galaxiella
pusilla and Yarra Pygmy Perch Nannoperca obscura; and,
 One invertebrate: Small Ant Blue Acrodipsas myrmecophila.
There are nine records of Growling Grass Frog within a 10 kilometre radius of the study area
(VBA 2010), with the majority of these occurring from the margins of Reedy Lake
approximately two kilometres west of the study area (Figure 4).
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22
While there appears to be no direct link between Reedy Lake and the study area (i.e. vegetated
creeklines or drainage lines), Growling Grass Frog may move between farm dams after
extended periods of rainfall. As existing farm dams along the western boundary of the study
area may provide potential breeding or foraging habitat for this species (Figure 2), it would be
prudent to undertake targeted surveys during the 2011/12 active period (October – December)
to quantify their presence/absence within the study area.
Grey-headed Flying-fox may fly over the study area on an occasional basis, where eucalypt
species may provide a potential foraging resource for this species. However, it is unlikely that
Grey-headed Flying-fox would reside within the study area for extended periods or on annual
regular basis.
There are 34 records of Swift Parrot less than one kilometre north of the study area (VBA
2010), and may forage among flowering eucalypts on an infrequent basis, however, due to the
nomadic nature of this species and the lack of intact remnant woodland habitat, it is unlikely
to reside within the study area for extended periods of time (Appendix 3.2). Regent
Honeyeater may fly over or feed within flowering eucalypts within the study area on an
occasional basis; however, there is no suitable breeding habitat for this species.
There is a low likelihood of occurrence for any additional listed significant fauna species
within the study area (Appendix 3.2).
3.7.2 State
No state significant fauna species were recorded during the assessment. There are thirty
documented records of state significant fauna species within the local area (within 10 km of
the study area) (VBA 2010) (Figure 4; Appendix 3.2). The likelihood of occurrence for state
significant fauna species within the study area provided (Appendix 3.2).
These species include:
 One mammal: Brush-tailed Phascogale Phascogale tapoatafa tapoatafa;
 Two nocturnal raptors: Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae novaehollandiae and
Powerful Owl Ninox strenua;
 Four diurnal raptors: Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura; Black Falcon Falco
subniger, Grey Goshawk Accipiter novaehollandiae novaehollandiae and Whitebellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster;
 Fourteen wetland associated birds: Australian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis, Baillon's
Crake Porzana pusilla, Brolga Grus rubicund, Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta,
Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia, Hardhead Aythya australis, Blue-billed Duck,
Oxyura australis, Lewin’s Rail Lewinia pectoralis, Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus
dubius, Little Egret Egretta garzetta nigripes, Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa,
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23
Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalmata, Musk Duck Biziura lobata and Royal
Spoonbill Platalea regia;
 Five woodland associated birds: Brown Treecreeper (south-eastern spp.) Climacteris
picumnus victoriae, Diamond Firetail Stagonopleura guttata, Grey-crowned Babbler
Potmatostomus temporalis temporalis, Hooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata and
Speckled Warbler Chthonicola sagittata;
 Two grassland/heathland associated birds: King Quaill Coturnix chinensis victoriae
and Red- chested Button-quail Turnix pyrrhothorax;
 One frog species: Brown Toadlet Pseudophyryne bibronii; and,
 One invertebrate species: Yellow Sedge-skipper Hesperilla flavescens flavescens.
Potential breeding habitat was identified within the study area for a variety of wetland
associated birds such as: Australian Shoveler, Cattle Egret, Blue-billed Duck, Freckled Duck,
Hardhead, and Musk Duck. Suitable foraging habitat for these birds includes existing
waterbodies located throughout the study area (Figure 2).
Additional wader records throughout the local area are likely to be associated with Lake
Connewarre located two kilometres south of the study area. Species such as sandpipers, terns
and plovers are not likely to use the study area for foraging purposes, given the lack of
suitable foraging habitat (i.e. coastal habitat such as beaches, mudflats and mangroves) (see
Appendix 3.1).
Black Falcon, Grey Goshawk and White-bellied Sea-Eagle may fly over the study area on the
occasional basis, whilst foraging for prey over open paddocks or waterbodies throughout the
study area (Figure 2).
It is unlikely that woodland associated bird species would reside or use patches of remnant
vegetation for breeding purposes. There is a low likelihood that the remaining state listed
fauna species occur within the study area for breeding or foraging purposes (Appendix 3.2).
3.7.3 Regional and Local
The VBA (2010) contains ten regionally significant fauna species previously recorded from
within the local area (within 10 km of the study area) (Appendix 3.2).
These species include:
 One diurnal raptor: Spotted Harrier Circus assimilis;
 Four wetland associated birds: Glossy Ibis Plegadis faclinellus, Latham’s Snipe
Gallinago hardwickii, Nankeen Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus and Pied
Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius; and,
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 Five woodland associated birds: Spotted Quaill-thrush Cinclosoma punctatum, Brown
Quail Coturnix ypsilophora, Azure Kingfisher Alcedo azurea, Black-eared Cuckoo
Chrysococcyx osculans and Little Button-quail Turnix velox.
Latham’s Snipe may use the margins of existing waterbodies for foraging purposes along with
other ephemeral or inundated areas throughout the study area (Figure 2). Whiskered Tern and
Glossy Ibis may forage within existing waterbodies on an occasional basis. Brown Quail and
Spotted Harrier may also forage throughout open grassland areas on rare occasions.
All other native fauna (primarily grassland dependent birds) are of local significance, as they
are not listed as rare or threatened on a national, state and/or regional level.
3.8 Ecological Significance of the Study Area
Based on the available information and the results of the site assessment, remnant vegetation
within the study area is considered to be of at least high local ecological significance. This is
due to the presence of:

Eight scattered indigenous trees from two Endangered EVC’s within the Otway Plain
bioregion (Grassy Woodland and Plains Grassy Woodland) (DSE 2010);

The presence of one flora species of state significance (Hybrid Yellow Gum); and,

Suitable habitat for one nationally listed fauna species (Growling Grass Frog).
The significance assessment criteria of flora and fauna species and vegetation communities
are presented in Appendix 1.
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25
4 IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
4.1 Legislative and Policy Implications
This section identifies biodiversity policy and legislation relevant to the current assessment,
principally:

Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
(EPBC Act) (Commonwealth);

Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) (Vic);

Planning and Environment Act 1987 (P&E Act) (Vic);

Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (CALP Act) (Vic);

Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management Framework (the Framework).
4.1.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
The EPBC Act establishes a Commonwealth process for assessment of proposed actions that
are likely to have a significant impact on matters of National Environmental Significance
(NES), or on Commonwealth land. An action (i.e. project, development, undertaking,
activity, or series of activities), unless otherwise exempt, requires approval from the
Commonwealth Environment Minister if they are considered likely to have an impact on any
matters of NES. A referral under the EPBC Act is required if a proposed action is likely to
have a ‘significant impact’ on any of the following matters of NES:

World Heritage properties

National heritage places

Ramsar wetlands of international significance

Threatened species and ecological communities

Migratory and marine species

Commonwealth marine area

Nuclear actions (including uranium mining)

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
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Matters of NES
Ramsar wetlands of international significance
The EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool (SEWPaC 2011) identified one wetland of
international significance Port Phillip Bay (Western Shoreline) and Ballerine Peninsula as
occurring within a 10 kilometre radius of the study area. The study area contains a drainage
line that supplies water to Lake Connewarre, which forms part of the Port Phillip Bay
(Western Shoreline) and Bellarine Peninsula RAMSAR site. If potential impacts from the
proposed development to Lake Connewarre cannot be avoided, then an Environment
Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 referral to the Commonwealth
Environment Minister is recommended
Listed flora and fauna species, and ecological communities
An action requires approval from the Commonwealth Environment Minister if it will, or if it
is likely to, have a significant impact on an endangered or critically endangered species, or on
an ‘important population’ or critical habitat of a listed vulnerable species.
Flora – No nationally listed flora species were recorded during the field assessment. Two
nationally listed flora species have previously been recorded within the local area (within 10
kilometres of the study area) (VBA 2010) and the SEWPaC Protected Matters Search Tool
(SEWPaC 2011) lists a further six nationally significant flora species as having the potential
to occur within the local area due to the occurrence of suitable habitat (Appendix 2.2). The
likelihood of occurrence of nationally threatened species within the study area is outlined in
Appendix 2.2. Based upon the site conditions and field assessment, it is unlikely that any
nationally listed flora species are present within the study area.
Fauna – No fauna species listed under the EPBC Act were recorded during the field
assessment. Twenty one nationally listed fauna species have previously been recorded within
the local area (within 10 km of the study area) (VBA 2010), or have habitat that either occurs
or is predicted to occur throughout the local area (SEWPaC 2011) (Figure 4; Appendix 3.2).
One EPBC Act listed fauna species (Growling Grass Frog) may occur within the study area,
as suitable habitat is present. Targeted surveys are recommended to ascertain the likelihood
of occurrence for Growling Grass Frog within the study area.
Ecological Communities – No ecological communities listed under the EPBC Act were
recorded within the study area.
Listed migratory and marine species
A substantial number of migratory and marine species have been recorded from the local area
(VBA 2010; Appendix 3.1). However, there is no important wetland or marine habitats
within the study area, and therefore the study area is unlikely to support an ecologically
significant population of any migratory and/or marine species.
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
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Commonwealth marine area, nuclear actions and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
The study area is not within a marine area, nor is the proposed works related to nuclear
actions.
Implications for development following rezoning
No EPBC Act listed flora species are considered likely to occur within the study area, as no
suitable habitat is present. Suitable habitat is present within the study area for one EPBC Act
listed fauna species (Growling Grass Frog). Therefore, it is recommended that targeted
surveys are undertaken to quantify the presence/absence of this species within the study area.
If the species is detected as a result of targeted surveys, a referral to the Commonwealth
Environment Minister should be prepared for consideration of the proposal under the EPBC
Act. A conservation management plan for the species may also be required.
4.1.2 Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988
The primary legislation for the protection of flora and fauna in Victoria is the FFG Act. The
broad objectives of the FFG Act are to: 1) ensure native flora and fauna survive, flourish and
maintain in situ evolutionary potential; 2) manage threatening processes; 3) encourage the
conserving of flora and fauna through cooperative community endeavours; and 4) establish a
regulatory structure for the conservation of flora and fauna in Victoria.
The FFG Act contains protection procedures such as the listing of threatened species and/or
communities of flora and fauna, and the preparation of action statements to protect the longterm viability of these values.
Flora - One state significant flora species (Hybrid Yellow Gum) was recorded during the field
assessment (Figure 2). One of the parent plants, Bellarine Yellow-gum is listed under the
FFG Act, however the other parent Melbourne Yellow-gum is not. Given the hybrid is not a
recognized taxa, nor is it listed under the FFG Act, it is unlikely that there need to be further
consideration of it under the FFG Act.
A protected flora species (Golden Wattle) was also recorded during the assessment. The VBA
(2010) contains records of a further 27 state significant species within the local area
(Appendix 2.2; Figure 3). The likelihood of occurrence of state listed threatened species
within the study area is outlined in Appendix 2.2. Based upon the site conditions and field
assessment, it is unlikely that any further state listed flora species are present within the study
area.
Vegetation Communities – No vegetation communities listed under the FFG Act occur within
the study area.
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Fauna – Forty four fauna species listed as threatened under the FFG Act have previously been
recorded from the local area (i.e. within a 10 kilometre of the study area) (Appendix 3.2).
No FFG Act listed fauna were recorded during the assessment; however, suitable habitat was
identified for Growling Grass Frog, Freckled Duck, Blue-billed Duck and Freckled Duck.
Threatening processes – Threatening process listed under Schedule 3 of the FFG Act that
requires consideration include:

The invasion of native vegetation by environmental weeds.
Implications for development following rezoning
One protected flora species (Golden Wattle) was recorded within the study area during the
assessment. On private property, an FFG Act permit is generally not required. Therefore, an
FFG Act permit will not be required for the proposed development.
4.1.3 Planning and Environment Act 1987
All planning schemes contain native vegetation provisions at Clause 52.17. A planning
permit is required under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 to remove, destroy or lop
native vegetation on a site of more than 0.4 hectares, unless:

The application is exempt under the schedule to Clause 52.17

A Native Vegetation Precinct Plan (NVPP) applies.
Planning schemes may contain other provisions in relation to the removal of native vegetation.
Recent changes to the planning provisions (DSE 2007) have altered the criteria for when DSE
is the mandatory referral authority. A permit must be referred to DSE if there is one or more
of the following:
Scattered Trees (may include trees from patches of vegetation)

Greater than 15 trees with a diameter less than 40 centimetres at 1.3 metres above
ground.

Greater than 5 trees with a diameter more than 40 centimetres at 1.3 metres above
ground.
Areas of vegetation (may include trees)

Greater than 0.5 hectares of vegetation in an EVC with Bioregional Conservation
Status of Endangered, Vulnerable or Rare.

Greater than 1 hectare of vegetation in an EVC with Bioregional Conservation Status
of Depleted or Least Concern.
Other circumstances

On Crown land managed by the responsible authority.

Where a property vegetation plan applies to the site.
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
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Implications for development following rezoning
In this instance, DSE is likely to be a mandatory referral authority for removal of indigenous
vegetation within the study area. A permit must be referred to DSE due to scattered
indigenous trees occurring onsite greater than 5 trees with a diameter more than 40
centimetres at 1.3 metres above ground (Section 5.2.1; Table 3). A Planning Permit from the
City of Greater Geelong (CoGG) is also required to remove or disturb native vegetation.
4.1.4 Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994
The Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (CaLP Act) contains provisions relating to
catchment planning, land management, noxious weeds and pest animals.
The CaLP Act also provides a legislative framework for the management of private and public
land and sets out the responsibilities of land managers, stating that they must take all
reasonable steps to:
any native Avoid causing or contributing to land degradation which causes or may cause
damage to land of another land owner;

Protect water resources;

Conserve soil;

Eradicate regionally prohibited weeds;

Prevent the growth and spread of regionally controlled weeds; and

Prevent the spread of, and as far as possible eradicate, established pest animals
Essentially the CaLP Act establishes a framework for the integrated management and
protection of catchments, and provides a framework for the integrated and coordinated
management, which aims to ensure that the quality of the State’s land and water resources and
their associated plant and animal life are maintained and enhanced.
Implications for development following rezoning
While not directly associated with proposed works, any infestation of noxious weeds (e.g.
Blackberry and Gorse), which may become established during and/or after the completion of
works should be appropriately controlled in areas of native vegetation to minimise their
spread and overall impact on ecological values. In addition, increased levels of sediment
should not enter any drainage lines during construction works (i.e. soil disturbance).
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
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4.1.5 Wildlife Act 1975 and Wildlife Regulations 2002
Wildlife Act 1975
The Wildlife Act 1975 is the primary legislation in Victoria providing for protection and
management of wildlife.
The Act requires people engaged in wildlife research (e.g. fauna surveys, salvage and
translocation activities) to obtain a permit under the Act to ensure that these activities are
undertaken in a manner consistent with the appropriate controls.
The Wildlife Act 1975 has the following objectives:

To establish procedures for the promotion of protection and conservation of wildlife,
the prevention of species extinctions, and the sustainable use and access to wildlife;
and,

To prohibit and regulate the conduct of those involved in wildlife related activities.
Wildlife Regulations 2002
The objectives of the Wildlife Regulations are:

To make further provision in relation to the licensing system established by section 22
of the Wildlife Act 1975;

To prescribe fees, offences, royalties and various other matters for the purposes of the
Wildlife Act 1975; and,

To provide for exemptions from certain provisions of the Wildlife Act 1975.
Authorisation for habitat removal may be obtained under the Wildlife Act 1975; through a
licence granted under the Forests Act 1958, or under any other Act such as the Planning and
Environment Act 1987.
Implications for the proposed development
While a permit will be required for removal of habitat vegetation within the study area, this
could be in the form of a permit to remove native vegetation under the Planning and
Environment Act 1987.
Consequently, a separate permit to remove fauna for this project under either the Wildlife Act
1975 or the Wildlife Regulations 2002 is unlikely to be required if a permit under the Planning
and Environment Act is obtained.
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
31
4.1.6 Corangamite Native Vegetation Plan
The Corangamite Native Vegetation Plan (CCMA 2005) is a guide for local government in
assessing planning applications for vegetation removal and determining permit conditions
(Net Gain requirements) to ensure that ecological values across the region are not
compromised.
The Plan provides information on biodiversity values across the Region and gives guidance to
local municipalities on how clearing applications should be assessed. The document also
outlines actions to ensure there is more strategic and coordinated approach to address ongoing
degradation in quantity and quality of native vegetation throughout south western Victoria.
The recommendations made in the Native Vegetation Plan, should be taken into consideration
in the planning phase of any proposed works, following rezoning.
Implications for development following rezoning
Any development within the study area should consider the biodiversity objectives of the
Corangamite Native Vegetation Plan (CCMA 2005).
4.1.7 The Native Vegetation Framework
Since 1989, most proposals to clear native vegetation have required a planning permit from
the local Council (Responsible Authority), under the native vegetation provisions of Clause
52.17 of the Victoria Planning Provisions (“VPPs”).
In 2002, the Victorian Government released the Framework, which establishes a ‘strategic
direction for the protection, enhancement and revegetation of native vegetation across the
State’.
Amendment (VC19) to Victoria’s Planning Provisions introduced the Framework in July 2003
as an incorporated document to Clause 81 for all Victorian Planning Schemes. This
established the goal of Net Gain in Clause 15.09 (Conservation of Native Flora and Fauna) in
the State Planning Policy Framework, and in the decision guidelines at Clause 52.17 (Native
Vegetation) of Particular Provisions.
The VC19 amendment requires the Responsible Authority to now consider, amongst other
planning issues, the goal of Net Gain for most planning permit applications and planning
scheme amendments where potential impacts on native vegetation arise.
Implications for development following rezoning
A Net Gain assessment has been undertaken in Section 5 of this report.
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
32
4.1.8 Local Planning Schemes
Under the CoGG Planning Scheme the study area is zoned Farming Zone (FZ) and is not
subject to any environmental overlays (DPCD 2011)
Implications for development following rezoning
A planning permit is required from CoGG to clear or disturb any native vegetation within the
study area.
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
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5 NET GAIN ANALYSIS
A Net Gain analysis of the study area has been prepared, and includes the results of the tree
assessment and Net Gain implications. A fundamental premise of Net Gain is to achieve an
‘outcome for native vegetation and habitat where overall gains are greater than loss and
individual losses are avoided where possible’ (NRE 2002). Therefore, in line with the threestep approach as defined within the Framework, the principles of avoid and minimise are
essential to initially assess any proposed removal of remnant vegetation. Any proposed
removal of remnant native vegetation within the study area should be seen in the context of
the on-going vegetation loss in the area.
5.1 Habitat Hectare Assessment
Modified Treeless Vegetation was identified in two areas of the study site totalling 0.29
hectares. Both areas are unlikely to support habitat for rare or threatened species, and the
native species present are unlikely to have originally dominated the site. Due to this no
habitat hectare assessment is required.
5.2 Tree Assessment
5.2.1 Scattered Tree Assessment
Eight scattered indigenous trees were recorded within the study (Table 3, Figure 2).
Scattered trees were classified as Large Old Trees (LOT), Medium Old Trees (MOT) and
Small Trees (ST) according to EVC Benchmarks of Plains Grassy Woodland (EVC 55) and
Grassy Woodland (EVC 175) within the Otway Plain Bioregion (DSE 2010).
Table 2. Scattered trees present within the study area
Location (GPS
number)
Tree Tag
Number
Species
(Common Name)
39
1
Manna Gum
40
2
Manna Gum
41
3
Manna Gum
42
4
Manna Gum
43
5
Manna Gum
44
6
Manna Gum
EVC
55: Plains
Grassy
Woodland
55: Plains
Grassy
Woodland
55: Plains
Grassy
Woodland
55: Plains
Grassy
Woodland
55: Plains
Grassy
Woodland
55: Plains
Grassy
Woodland
DBH (cm)
Tree Size
77 cm
MOT
66.5 cm
MOT
42.5 cm
ST
78.5 cm
MOT
47 cm
ST
29cm
ST
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
34
Location (GPS
number)
Tree Tag
Number
Species
(Common Name)
EVC
DBH (cm)
Tree Size
45
7
Bellarine Yellow-gum x
Melbourne Yellow-gum
175: Grassy
Woodland
54 cm
ST
46
8
River Red Gum
55: Plains
Grassy
Woodland
53.5 cm
ST
Notes: LOT = Large Old Tree, MOT, Medium Old Tree, ST = Small Tree.
5.2.2 Summary of Tree Assessments
In summary, the study area consists of:

Eight scattered indigenous trees (three MOTs and five ST).
Proposed losses and targets outlined in sections 5.3.3 and 5.3.4 below are based on a ‘worst
case scenario’ for removal of scattered indigenous trees from any development following
rezoning.
5.3 Net Gain Implications
Net Gain is an overall outcome where native vegetation and habitat gains are greater than
vegetation and habitat losses. The Framework has defined a three-step approach for applying
Net Gain to protection and clearance decisions. Emphasis is placed on the first two steps, and
only after these two steps have been taken should offsets (actions undertaken to achieve
commensurate gains) be considered (NRE 2002).
The three-step approach is:
1. To avoid adverse impacts, particularly through vegetation clearance.
2. If impacts cannot be avoided, to minimise impacts through appropriate
consideration in planning processes and expert input to project design or
management.
3. Identify appropriate offset options.
5.3.1 Avoidance (Step 1)
The Framework (NRE 2002) requires avoidance as the first step in considering the impacts of
development on native vegetation. Therefore, any proposed development within the study
area needs to demonstrate how native vegetation avoidance has been achieved in the design
process. Avoidance may generally be interpreted as avoiding adverse impacts on trees or
habitat patches, particularly through vegetation clearance, with the vegetation being retained
post construction (NRE 2002).
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
35
DSE (2010) states that trees are deemed lost and an offset is required if one or more of the
following occurs:

Earthworks encroach on more than 10% of a Tree Retention Zone (TRZ) during
construction activities;

Directional drilling is less than 600 mm below the surface;

Lopping removes more than 1/3 of the tree crown; or,

The tree trunk is damaged.
A TRZ is a specific area above and below the ground, with a radius of 12 x the DBH of the
tree (DSE 2010).
Trees can only be considered retained if they are fenced off to at least the drip line, and do not
become a public risk (i.e. under the tree it is landscaped to prevent human access).
Based on the study area is proposed for a residential rezoning a development plan has not
been designed. Therefore once a final development designed has been settled, the three step
approach may be adopted and a final Net Gain will be reviewed.
5.3.2 Minimisation (Step 2)
Minimisation may generally be interpreted as minimising impacts on scattered trees or habitat
patches through appropriate consideration in planning processes and expert input to project
design or management (NRE 2002). If the modification of development plans does not enable
the proponent to avoid all adverse impacts to native vegetation, there are several activities that
can assist to minimise impacts to native vegetation on site and in adjoining areas, thus
satisfying the first two stages of avoid and minimising under the Framework (NRE 2002).
To minimise the loss of vegetation within the study area the following should be considered:

Appropriate consideration of the planning processes and expert input into project
design.

Temporary fencing should be installed around remnant vegetation to minimise
disturbance (i.e. designated ‘no-go’ areas) prior to construction.

Tree Retention Zones should be implemented to prevent indirect losses of native
vegetation during construction activities (DSE 2010), and at a minimum standard of a
TRZ should include:
o A TRZ of trees should be no less than 2 metres or greater than 15 metres;
o Construction, construction related activities and encroachment (i.e. earthworks
such as trenching that disturb the root zone) should be excluded from the TRZ;
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
36
o Where encroachment exceeds 10% of the total area of the TRZ, the tree should
be considered as lost and offset accordingly;
o Subject to qualified arborist confirming that it is appropriate for the specific
works, directional drilling may be used for works within the TRZ without
being considered encroachment. The directional bore should be at least 600
mm deep. An arborist should also confirm that the radius of the bore will not
significantly damage the tree causing it to be lost in the future.
o Where the minimum standard for a TRZ has not been met an offset may be
required (DSE 2010b).
5.3.3 Offset Calculations (Step 3)
Once steps 1 and 2 have been considered, then offsets or Net Gain targets can be calculated
for any permitted vegetation clearance. The Framework (NRE 2002) sets out responses,
including like for like criteria and Net Gain ratios, to proposals to clear and offset native
vegetation, based on the conservation significance of the vegetation, (NRE 2002).
The losses of indigenous scattered trees within the study area has been summarised above.
Net Gain targets based on these losses are summarised in Table 3 and 4.
5.3.4 Scattered Trees
The scattered trees are assigned the lowest conservation status rating from the EVC in which
they would have originated. As these trees represent Plains Grassy Woodland (EVC 55) and
Grassy Woodland (EVC 175) both with a conservation status of Endangered within the Otway
Plain bioregion, they are assigned a conservation significance rating of ‘high’ (NRE 2002).
Scattered small trees are assigned a conservation significance of ‘low’. Table 3 and Table 4
outlines the offset requirements for the loss of scattered trees within the study area.
Table 3. Protect and recruit offset requirements for scattered trees
Conservation
significance
High
Size
MOT
No. trees
to be
removed#
Multiplier*
Protect
Offset total
Multiplier*
Recruit
Offset total
3
X1
3
X5
15
DBH (cm)
Low
1
42.5
X 31
31
1
47
X 47
47
1
29
X 15
15
1
54
X 50
50
1
53.5
X 50
50
ST
Total
3
Total
208
Notes: LOT = Large Old Tree, MOT = Medium Old Tree; *Multipliers relate to the CCMA (2005)
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
37
Table 4. Recruit only offset requirements for scattered trees
Size
class
No.
proposed to
be removed#
Offset requirement per tree*
Total plants required for offset
MOT
3
Recruit 50 new plants
Recruit 150 new plants
ST
5
Recruit 193 new plants
Recruit 193 new plants
Total
343
Notes: LOT = Large Old Tree, MOT = Medium Old Tree; *Multipliers relate to the CCMA (2005)
In order to locate an offset site for trees of high conservation significance, there is a
requirement that the offset be:

The same vegetation/habitat type OR a Very High significance vegetation/habitat in
the same bioregion;

Similar or more effective ecological function OR land protection function as
impacted by the loss.
5.3.5 Overall Summary of Targets
The total Net Gain targets for removal of scattered indigenous trees consist of:

To offset for the loss of 8 scattered indigenous trees (3 MOTs, 5 ST) using the ‘protect
and recruit’ option there is a requirement to protect 3 LOTs and recruit 208 new trees
or plants. Alternatively, the ‘recruitment only’ option would require a total of 343 new
trees or plants that would need to be recruited.
All gains are required to be generated from the Otway Plain bioregion, in order meet the
objectives of the Net Gain policy.
5.4 Potential Measures to Achieve Net Gain
In determining the appropriate offset responses for permitted vegetation clearance, the
Framework sets out several ‘like for like’ criteria in Table 6, Appendix 4, which must
generally be considered for any offset site (NRE 2002).
In order to locate an offset site for vegetation of high conservation significance, there is a
requirement that the offset be:

The same vegetation/habitat type OR a Very High significance vegetation/habitat in
the same bioregion;

Similar or more effective ecological function OR land protection function as
impacted by the loss.

At least 75% of the quality of the vegetation being lost.
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
38
5.5 Potential Net Gain Strategies
Several Net Gain offset strategies exist, including considering protecting the retained
indigenous trees, undertaking appropriate revegetation works within the study area, and/or
locating a third-party off-site offset (i.e. via the BushBroker or Trust for Nature register). It
should also be noted that the required Net Gain offset targets may be reduced by avoiding
large old trees within the study area through appropriate design/planning.
Old tree offsets (of the appropriate size class) may consist of the protection of isolated trees in
cleared areas and/or remnants, or revegetation works. DSE (2007a) defines protection of a
tree as ‘an area with twice the canopy diameter fenced and protected from adverse impacts:
grazing, burning and soil disturbance not permitted, fallen timber retained, weeds controlled
and intervention/management if necessary to ensure adequate natural regeneration or planting
can occur’. If any retained trees within the study area are treated as protected, they could be
used to meet part of the Net Gain target.
Habitat hectare offsets may be in the form of (1) enhanced management of existing
vegetation, and/or (2) revegetation (or natural recruitment). Generally it is more sensible to
manage remnant vegetation as greater gains can be achieved, in both ecological and economic
terms (i.e. it costs less and greater ecological gains can be achieved). However, it should be
noted that management requires a high level of skills, knowledge and resourcing for at least a
10-year period and the remnants are protected in perpetuity.
Any proposed options to achieve Net Gain should be negotiated between the proponent, DSE
and Council. For any offset measures (for habitat hectares) an audit process and management
plan are required in order to ensure that the Net Gain outcomes are achieved, and that the
gains are on-going and of a secure nature (i.e. Section 173 agreements, Public Authority
Management Agreement, vegetation covenants etc. negotiated between Council and relevant
parties).
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
39
6 POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
6.1 Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Any loss of ecological values should be viewed in the overall context of on-going loss,
fragmentation, and deterioration in the quality of remnant vegetation throughout the greater
Otway Plain bioregion. The proposed development is likely to have a localised impact on
indigenous flora and fauna species habitats, within an otherwise modified landscape.
Potential impacts include:

The loss of eight scattered indigenous trees from two Endangered EVC’s within the
Otway Plain bioregion (Grassy Woodland and Plains Grassy Woodland) (DSE 2010);

Loss of one state significant flora species (Yellow Gum hybrid);

Suitable habitat for one nationally listed fauna species (Growling Grass Frog); and,

Loss of indigenous flora species considered to be of at least local significance.
Indirect effects on adjacent areas supporting ecological values (i.e. Lake Connewarre) are also
possible if construction activities are not appropriately managed. Further, there is the
potential for the further spread of weeds and soil pathogens during construction.
One EPBC Act listed fauna species (Growling Grass Frog) may occur within the study area,
as suitable habitat is present. Targeted surveys are recommended to ascertain the likelihood
of occurrence for Growling Grass Frog within the study area.
No additional flora and fauna species of national significant are likely to be directly affected
as a result of any development following the rezoning of the study area. Measures to
mitigate/ameliorate potential impacts on the ecological values in the study area include:

Any future development should address the first two principles of three-step approach
in the Framework to ‘avoid’ and ‘minimise’ impacts to remnant native vegetation,
which reduces the requirement for vegetation removal, and can reduce the Net Gain
targets;

Where development is identified adjacent to areas of ecological value (i.e. retained
remnant trees), these sites should be fenced and identified as ‘no go’ areas to avoid
disturbance during the construction phase of the project;

Implement Tree Retention Zones (TRZs) at minimum DSE standards (2010) to
prevent indirect losses of native vegetation and minimise the potential for tree
damage/mortality during construction activities;
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
40

Implement appropriate sediment and erosion controls during construction to
minimise/avoid sedimentation and deterioration in water quality to significant
wetlands adjacent to the study area (i.e. Lake Connewarre);

A Construction Environment Management Plan should be developed prior to any
works commencing on the project;

A Weed Management Plan should be developed to control weeds (particularly noxious
species such as Blackberry, Gorse and African Box thorn), targeting areas adjacent to
native vegetation;

A zoologist or wildlife handler should be present at the time of tree removal (if
required) to ensure the safety of any fauna living in trees; and,

Use indigenous plants associated with the relevant EVC as part of any landscaping
works to increased habitat for native fauna.
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
41
7 CONCLUSION
A total of 93 plant taxa (20 indigenous (22%), 73 introduced species (78%)) were recorded in
the study area during the field assessment. No flora species of national significance were
recorded within the study area; however one flora species of state significance (Hybrid
Yellow-gum) was recorded during the current assessment.
The study area was highly modified, characterised by small areas of cropland and exotic
dominated grasses in open areas. A small plantation of introduced Eucalyptus species was
located within the study area. The majority of the original EVC (Grassy Woodland) within
the study area has been removed as a result of previous and current land use activities (i.e.
land clearing and grazing).
Two small areas identified as Modified Treeless Vegetation (totalling 0.29 hectares) were
recorded in the north east section of the study area. Both areas were dominated by typically
opportunistic native colonising grasses, with a low diversity, and were not representative of a
pre-1750 cohort.
Thirty nine fauna species were recorded during the assessment, comprising six mammals (two
native and four exotic species), 32 birds (24 native and eight exotic species) and one native
frog species. No fauna species of national, state or regional significance were recorded during
the assessment.
The study area supports five broad habitat types: Scattered remnant trees, ephemeral drainage
lines, artificial waterbodies/farm dams, modified grassland and planted vegetation/windrows/
gardens.
Ecological Significance
Based on the available information and the results of the site assessment, the study area is of
at least high local ecological significance due to the presence of eight scattered indigenous
trees from two Endangered EVC’s within the Otway Plain bioregion (Grassy Woodland and
Plains Grassy Woodland), presence of one state significant flora species and the presence of
potential habitat for Growling Grass Frogs (DSE 2010).
Legislative and policy implications
One EPBC Act listed fauna species (Growling Grass Frog) may occur within the study area,
as suitable habitat is present. Targeted surveys are recommended to ascertain the likelihood
of occurrence for Growling Grass Frog within the study area.
If the species is detected as a result of targeted surveys, a referral to the Federal Minister for
the Environment should be prepared for consideration of the proposal under the EPBC Act. A
conservation management plan for the species may also be required.
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
42
On private property, an FFG Act permit is generally not required. Therefore, an FFG Act
permit will not be required for any proposed development following rezoning.
DSE is likely to be a mandatory referral authority for removal of indigenous vegetation within
the study area. A permit is to be referred to DSE due to scattered indigenous trees occurring
onsite greater than 5 trees with a diameter more than 40 centimetres at 1.3 metres above
ground. A Planning Permit from the City of Greater Geelong (CoGG) is also required to
remove or disturb vegetation.
Net Gain Assessment
The study found a total of eight scattered indigenous trees (three Medium Old Trees and five
Small Trees). A further 0.29 hectares of Modified Treeless Vegetation in two areas was also
identified. No formal offset is required for the Modified Treeless Vegetation; however DSE
will need to be in agreement for the area to qualify as Modified Treeless Vegetation.
The proponent when preparing development designs must consider the objectives of the Net
Gain policy and demonstrate actions to avoid and minimise native vegetation loss, specifically
avoiding scattered indigenous trees and retaining them within the development.
The Net Gain targets for the removal of all scattered indigenous trees consist of:

For the ‘protect and recruit’ option there is a requirement to protect 3 Medium Old
Trees and recruit 208 new trees or plants.

Alternatively, the ‘recruitment only’ option would require a total of 343 new trees or
plants that would need to be recruited.
All gains are required to be generated from the Otway Plain bioregion, in order meet Net Gain
policy objectives.
Potential Net Gain Strategies
Several Net Gain offset strategies exist, including consideration of retaining and protecting
indigenous trees (as on-site offsets) within the study area, undertaking appropriate
revegetation works within the study area, and/or locating a third-party off-site offset (i.e. via
the BushBroker or Trust for Nature register). It should also be noted that the required Net
Gain offset targets may also be reduced by avoiding large old trees within the study area
through appropriate design/planning.
Any proposed options to achieve Net Gain should be negotiated between the proponent, DSE
and Council. For any offset measures (for habitat hectares) an audit process and management
plan are required in order to ensure that the Net Gain outcomes are achieved, and that the
gains are on-going and of a secure nature (i.e. Section 173 agreements, Public Authority
Management Agreement, vegetation covenants etc. negotiated between Council and relevant
parties).
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
43
FIGURES
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
44
Figure 1: Location of the study area.
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
45
Figure 2: Ecological values of the study area.
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
46
Figure 3. Previous records of significant flora within the local area.
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
47
Figure 4. Previous records of significant fauna within the study area.
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
48
REFERENCES
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
49
References
Briggs, J.D. & Leigh, J.H. 1996. Rare or Threatened Australian Plants. CSIRO Australia &
Australian Nature Conservation Agency.
CCMA 2005. Corangamite Catchment Management Authority Native Vegetation Plan.
Corangamite Catchment Management Authority.
Cogger, H.G., Cameron, E.E., Sadlier, R.A., & Eggler, P 1993. The Action Plan for Australian
Reptiles. Australian Nature conservation Agency, Canberra, ACT.
DPCD 2011. Planning Schemes Online: http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/. Department of Planning
and Community Development.
DSE 2004. Vegetation Quality Assessment Manual: Guidelines for Applying the Habitat
Hectares Scoring Method. Biodiversity and Natural Resources Division, Department of
Sustainability & Environment, Victoria
DSE 2005. Advisory List of Rare or Threatened Plants in Victoria - 2005. Department of
Sustainability and Environment, Victoria, East Melbourne, Victoria.
DSE 2007a. Native Vegetation: Guide for Assessment of Referred Planning Permit
Applications. Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria.
DSE 2007b. Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria.
Sustainability and Environment, Victoria.
Department of
DSE 2010. Native Vegetation – Technical Information Sheet August 2010. Department of
Sustainability and Environment, Victoria.
DSE 2011. Biodiversity Interactive Maps: http://www.dse.vic.gov.au
Duncan, A., Baker, G.B. and Montgomery, N. (Eds) 1999. The Action Plan for Australian
Bats. Environment Australia. Canberra, ACT.
FIS 2011. Flora Information System. Viridians Biological Databases Pty Ltd, Melbourne.
Garnett, S.T. and Crowley, G. M. 2000. The Action Plan for Australian Birds 2000.
Environment Australia.
IUCN 2009. 2009 IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals. International Union for the
Conservation of Nature & Natural Resources, Geneva.
Lee, A. K. 1995. Action Plan for Australian Rodents. Australian Nature Conservation
Agency, Canberra.
Maxwell, S., Burbidge, A A., And Morris, K (Eds) 1996. The 1996 Action Plan for Australian
Marsupials and Monotremes. Wildlife Australia for Australasian Marsupial and
Monotreme Specialist Group and the IUCN Species Survival commission, Switzerland.
NRE 2002. Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management; A Framework for Action. Department
of Natural Resources and Environment, East Melbourne, Victoria.
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Sands, D.P.A. & New, T.R. 2002. The Action Plan for Australian Butterflies. Environment
Australia, Canberra.
SEWPaC 2011. Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 Protected
Matters Search Tool http://www.environment.gov.au/erin/ert/epbc/index.html. Department
of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.
Tyler, M.J. 1997. The Action Plan for Australian Frogs. Wildlife Australia: Canberra.
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‘VBA_FLORA100’, August 2010. Department of Sustainability and Environment,
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Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
51
APPENDICES
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
52
Appendix 1 – Significance Assessment
Criteria used by Ecology Partners Pty Ltd to define conservation significance, vegetation
condition and habitat quality is provided below.
A1.1. Rare or Threatened Categories for listed Victorian taxa
Table A1.1. Rare or threatened categories for listed Victorian taxa.
Rare or Threatened Categories
CONSERVATION STATUS IN AUSTRALIA
(Based on the EPBC Act 1999, Briggs and Leigh 1996*)
EX – Extinct: Extinct is when there is no reasonable doubt that the last individual of the species has died.
CR – Critically Endangered: A species is critically endangered when it is facing an extremely high risk of extinction
in the wild in the immediate future.
EN – Endangered: A species is endangered when it is not critically endangered but is facing a very high risk of
extinction in the wild in the near future.
VU – Vulnerable: A species is vulnerable when it is not critically endangered or endangered but is facing a high risk
of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future.
R* - Rare: A species is rare but overall is not currently considered critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable.
K* - Poorly Known: A species is suspected, but not definitely known, to belong to any of the categories extinct,
critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable or rare.
CONSERVATION STATUS IN VICTORIA
(Based on DSE 2005, DSE 2007b, FIS 2011)
x – Presumed Extinct in Victoria: not recorded from Victoria during the past 50 years despite field searches
specifically for the plant, or, alternatively, intensive field searches (since 1950) at all previously known sites have
failed to record the plant.
E – Endangered in Victoria: at risk of disappearing from the wild state if present land use and other causal factors
continue to operate.
V – Vulnerable in Victoria: not presently endangered but likely to become so soon due to continued depletion;
occurring mainly on sites likely to experience changes in land-use which would threaten the survival of the plant in
the wild; or, taxa whose total population is so small that the likelihood of recovery from disturbance, including
localised natural events such as drought, fire or landslip, is doubtful.
R – Rare in Victoria: rare but not considered otherwise threatened – there are relatively few known populations or
the taxon is restricted to a relatively small area.
K – Poorly Known in Victoria: poorly known and suspected, but not definitely known, to belong to one of the above
categories (x, e, v or r) within Victoria. At present, accurate distribution information is inadequate.
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
53
A1.2. Defining Ecological Significance
Table A1.2. Defining Ecological Significance.
Criteria for defining Ecological Significance
NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE
Flora
National conservation status is based on the EPBC Act list of taxa considered threatened in Australia (i.e.
extinct, critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable).
Flora listed as rare in Australia in Rare or Threatened Australian Plants (Briggs and Leigh 1996).
National conservation status is based on the EPBC Act list of taxa considered threatened in Australia (i.e.
extinct, critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable).
Fauna
Fauna listed as extinct, critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable, Rare or Lower Risk (near threatened,
conservation dependent or least concern) under National Action Plans for terrestrial taxon prepared for the
SEWPaC: threatened marsupials and monotremes (Maxwell et al. 1996), bats (Duncan et al. 1999), rodents
(Lee 1995), birds (Garnett and Crowley 2000), reptiles (Cogger et. Al. 1993), and amphibians (Tyler 1997).
Species that have not been included on the EBPC Act but listed as significance according to the IUCN 2009
Communities
Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN 2009).
Vegetation communities considered critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable under the EPBC Act
and considering vegetation condition.
STATE SIGNIFICANCE
Threatened taxa listed under the provisions of the FFG Act.
Flora
Flora listed as extinct, endangered, vulnerable or rare in Victoria in the DSE Flora Information System (most
recent Version).
Flora listed in the State Government’s Advisory List of Rare or Threatened Plants in Victoria, 2005 (DSE
2005).
Flora listed as poorly known in Australia in Rare or Threatened Australian Plants (Briggs and Leigh 1996).
Threatened taxon listed under Schedule 2 of the FFG Act.
Fauna
Fauna listed as extinct, critically endangered, endangered and vulnerable on the State Government’s
Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria – 2007 (DSE 2007b).
Listed as Data Deficient, Lower risk – Near threatened, or Insufficiently Known under National Action Plans
for terrestrial species prepared for SEWPaC: threatened marsupials and monotremes (Maxwell et al. 1996),
bats (Duncan et al. 1999), rodents (Lee 1995), birds (Garnett and Crowley 2000), reptiles (Cogger et al.
nities
Commu
1993), and amphibians (Tyler 1997).
Ecological communities listed as threatened under the FFG Act.
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
54
Criteria for defining Ecological Significance
Ecological Vegetation Class listed as threatened (i.e. endangered, vulnerable) or rare in a Native Vegetation
Plan for a particular bioregion (DSE Website) and considering vegetation condition.
REGIONAL SIGNIFICANCE
Flora
Flora considered rare in any regional native vegetation plan for a particular bioregion.
Flora considered rare by the author for a particular bioregion.
Fauna
Fauna with a disjunct distribution, or a small number of documented recorded or naturally rare in the Otway
Plain bioregion.
A particular taxon that is has an unusual ecological or biogeographical occurrence or listed as Lower Risk –
Near Threatened, Data Deficient or Insufficiently Known on the State Government’s Advisory List of
Communities
Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria – 2007 (DSE 2007b).
Ecological Cegetation Class listed as depleted or least concern in a Native Vegetation Plan for a particular
bioregion (DSE Website) and considering vegetation condition.
Ecological Vegetation Class considered rare by the author for a particular bioregion.
LOCAL SIGNIFICANCE
Local significance is defined as flora, fauna and ecological communities indigenous to a particular area, which are
not considered rare or threatened on a national, state or regional level.
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
55
A1.3 Defining Site Significance
The following geographical areas apply to the overall level of significance with respect to the
current survey.
National:
Australia
State:
Victoria
Regional:
Otway Plain bioregion
Local:
Within 10 kilometres surrounding the study area
Table A1.3. Defining Site Significance.
Criteria for defining Site Significance
NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE
A site is of National significance if:
- It regularly supports, or has a high probability of regularly supporting individuals of a taxon listed as ‘Critically
Endangered’ or ‘Endangered’ under the EPBC Act and/or under National Action Plans for terrestrial taxon
prepared for the SEWPaC.
- It regularly supports, or has a high probability of supporting, an ‘important population’ as defined under the EPBC
Act of one or more nationally ‘vulnerable’ flora and fauna taxon.
- It is known to support, or has a high probability of supporting taxon listed as ‘Vulnerable’ under National Action
Plans.
- It is known to regularly support a large proportion (i.e. greater than 1%) of a population of a taxon listed as
‘Conservation Dependent’ under the EPBC Act and/or listed as Rare or Lower Risk (near threatened,
conservation dependent or least concern) under National Action Plans.
- It contains an area, or part thereof designated as ‘critical habitat’ under the EPBC Act, or if the site is listed under
the Register of National Estate compiled by the Australian Heritage Commission.
- It is a site which forms part of, or is connected to a larger area(s) of remnant native vegetation or habitat of
national conservation significance such as most National Park, and/or a Ramsar Wetland(s).
STATE SIGNIFICANCE
A site is of State significance if:
- It occasionally (i.e. every 1 to 5 years) supports, or has suitable habitat to support taxon listed as ‘Critically
Endangered’ or ‘Endangered’ under the EPBC Act and/or under National Action Plans.
- It regularly supports, or has a high probability of regularly supporting (i.e. high habitat quality) taxon listed as
‘Vulnerable’, ‘Near threatened‘, ‘Data Deficient’ or ‘Insufficiently Known’ in Victoria (DSE 2005, 2007b), or species
listed as ‘Data Deficient’ or ‘Insufficiently Known’ under National Action Plans.
- It contains an area, or part thereof designated as ‘critical habitat’ under the FFG Act.
- It supports, or likely to support a high proportion of any Victorian flora and fauna taxa.
- It contains high quality, intact vegetation/habitat supporting a high species richness and diversity in a particular
Bioregion.
- It is a site which forms part of, or connected to a larger area(s) of remnant native vegetation or habitat of state
conservation significance such as most State Parks and/or Flora and Fauna Reserves.
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
56
Criteria for defining Site Significance
REGIONAL SIGNIFICANCE
A site is of Regional significance if:
- It regularly supports, or has a high probability of regularly supporting regionally significant fauna as defined in
Table 1.2.
- Is contains a large population (i.e. greater than 1% or 5%) of flora considered rare in any regional native
vegetation plan for a particular bioregion.
- It supports a fauna population with a disjunct distribution, or a particular taxon that has an unusual ecological or
biogeographical occurrence.
- It is a site which forms part of, or is connected to a larger area(s) of remnant native vegetation or habitat of
regional conservation significance such as most Regional Parks and/or Flora and Fauna Reserves.
LOCAL SIGNIFICANCE
Most sites are considered to be of at least local significant for conservation, and in general a site of local
significance can be defined as:
- An area which supports indigenous flora species and/or a remnant Ecological Vegetation Class, and habitats used
by locally significant fauna species.
- An area which currently acts, or has the potential to act as a wildlife corridor linking other areas of higher
conservation significance and facilitating fauna movement throughout the landscape.
A1.4. Defining Vegetation Condition
Table A1.4. Defining Vegetation Condition.
Criteria for defining Vegetation Condition
Good condition – Vegetation dominated by a diversity of indigenous species, with defined structures (where
appropriate), such as canopy layer, shrub layer, and ground cover, with little or few introduced species present.
Moderate condition – Vegetation dominated by a diversity of indigenous species, but is lacking some structures,
such as canopy layer, shrub layer or ground cover, and/or there is a greater level of introduced flora species present.
Poor condition – Vegetation dominated by introduced species, but supports low levels of indigenous species
present, in the canopy, shrub layer or ground cover.
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
57
A1.5. Defining Habitat Quality
Several factors are taken into account when determining the value of habitat. Habitat quality
varies on both spatial and temporal scales, with the habitat value varying depending upon a
particular fauna species.
Table A1.5. Defining Habitat Quality.
Criteria for defining Habitat Quality
HIGH QUALITY
High degree of intactness (i.e. floristically and structurally diverse), containing several important habitat features such as
ground debris (logs, rocks, vegetation), mature hollow-bearing trees, and a dense understorey component.
High species richness and diversity (i.e. represented by a large number of species from a range of fauna groups).
High level of foraging and breeding activity, with the site regularly used by native fauna for refuge and cover.
Habitat that has experienced, or is experiencing low levels of disturbance and/or threatening processes (i.e. weed
invasion, introduced animals, soil erosion, salinity).
High contribution to a wildlife corridor, and/or connected to a larger area(s) of high quality habitat.
Provides known, or likely habitat for one or more rare or threatened species listed under the EPBC Act, FFG Act, or
species considered rare or threatened according to DSE 2005.
MODERATE QUALITY
Moderate degree of intactness, containing one or more important habitat features such as ground debris (logs, rocks,
vegetation), mature hollow-bearing trees, and a dense understorey component.
Moderate species richness and diversity - represented by a moderate number of species from a range of fauna groups.
Moderate levels of foraging and breeding activity, with the site used by native fauna for refuge and cover.
Habitat that has experienced, or is experiencing moderate levels of disturbance and/or threatening processes.
Moderate contribution to a wildlife corridor, or is connected to area(s) of moderate quality habitat.
Provides potential habitat for a small number of threatened species listed under the EPBC Act, FFG Act, or species
considered rare or threatened according to DSE 2005.
LOW QUALITY
Low degree of intactness, containing few important habitat features such as ground debris (logs, rocks, vegetation),
mature hollow-bearing trees, and a dense understorey component.
Low species richness and diversity (i.e. represented by a small number of species from a range of fauna groups).
Low levels of foraging and breeding activity, with the site used by native fauna for refuge and cover.
Habitat that has experienced, or is experiencing high levels of disturbance and/or threatening processes.
Unlikely to form part of a wildlife corridor, and is not connected to another area(s) of habitat.
Unlikely to provide habitat for rare or threatened species listed under the EPBC Act, FFG Act, or considered rare or
threatened according to DSE 2005.
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
58
Appendix 2.1 – Flora results
Table A2.1. Flora recorded during the field survey.
Species in bold are of regional conservation significance in the Otway Plain bioregion
Common Name
Scientific Name
INDIGENOUS
Acacia pycnantha
Golden Wattle
Azolla filiculoides
Pacific Azolla
Chloris truncata
Windmill Grass
Cotula australis
Common Cotula
Eucalyptus camaldulensis
River Red-gum
Eucalyptus leucoxylon x bellarinensis / connata
Bellarine Yellow-gum
Eucalyptus viminalis
Manna Gum
Euchiton involucratus s.l.
Common Cudweed
Geranium sp.
Crane's Bill
Juncus spp.
Rush
Lachnagrostis filiformis s.l.
Common Blown-grass
Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides
Weeping Grass
Portulaca oleracea
Common Purslane
Rhagodia candolleana subsp. candolleana
Seaberry Saltbush
Rytidosperma caespitosum
Common Wallaby-grass
Rytidosperma duttonianum
Brown-back Wallaby-grass
Rytidosperma fulvum
Copper-awned Wallaby-grass
Rytidosperma racemosum var. racemosum
Slender Wallaby-grass
Typha spp.
Bulrush
INTRODUCED
Acetosella vulgaris
Sheep Sorrel
Agapanthus sp.
Agapanthus
Allium vineale
Crow Garlic
Ameranthus sp.
Amaranth
Anredera cordifolia
Madeira Vine
Anthoxanthum odoratum
Sweet Vernal-grass
Aponogeton distachyos
Cape-pondweed
Arctotheca calendula
Cape Weed
Asparagus asparagoides
Bridal Creeper
Avena fatua
Wild Oat
Brassica fruticulosa
Twiggy Turnip
Bromus catharticus
Prairie Grass
Bromus diandrus
Great Brome
Bromus hordeaceus subsp. hordeaceus
Soft Brome
Carpobrotus aequilaterus
Angled Pigface
Cerastium glomeratum s.l.
Common Mouse-ear Chickweed
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
59
Common Name
Scientific Name
Chenopodium album
Fat Hen
Cirsium vulgare
Spear Thistle
Coprosma repens
Mirror Bush
Cupressus macrocarpa
Monterey Cypress
Cynodon dactylon var. dactylon
Couch
Dactylis glomerata
Cocksfoot
Digitaria sanguinalis
Summer Grass
Ehrharta erecta var. erecta
Panic Veldt-grass
Ehrharta longiflora
Annual Veldt-grass
Epilobium hirsutum
Great Willow-herb
Erodium sp.
Storksbills
Euphorbia peplus
Petty Spurge
Fumaria bastardii
Bastard's Fumitory
Galenia pubescens var. pubescens
Galenia
Gamochaeta purpurea s.s.
Spiked Cudweed
Genista linifolia
Flax-leaf Broom
Hedera helix
English Ivy
Helminthotheca echioides
Ox-tongue
Holcus lanatus
Yorkshire Fog
Hordeum sp.
Barley Grass
Lepidium africanum
Common Peppercress
Lolium sp.
Rye Grass
Lycium ferocissimum
African Box-thorn
Lythrum junceum
Mediterranean Loosestrife
Malva dendromorpha
Tree Mallow
Marrubium vulgare
Horehound
Medicago arabica
Spotted Medic
Medicago polymorpha
Burr Medic
Nassella neesiana
Chilean Needle-grass
Nassella trichotoma
Serrated Tussock
Oxalis sp.
Wood Sorrel
Paspalum dilatatum
Paspalum
Paspalum distichum
Water Couch
Pennisetum clandestinum
Kikuyu
Phalaris aquatica
Toowoomba Canary-grass
Phalaris minor
Lesser Canary-grass
Pinus radiata
Radiata Pine
Plantago coronopus
Buck's-horn Plantain
Plantago lanceolata
Ribwort
Poa annua
Annual Meadow-grass
Polycarpon tetraphyllum
Four-leaved Allseed
Polygonum aviculare s.s.
Hogweed
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
60
Common Name
Scientific Name
Rubus fruticosus spp. agg.
Blackberry
Rumex spp. (naturalised)
Dock (naturalised)
Salix sp.
Willow
Solanum nigrum s.s.
Black Nightshade
Sonchus oleraceus
Common Sow-thistle
Sporobolus africanus
Rat-tail Grass
Stellaria media
Chickweed
Taraxacum officinale spp. agg.
Garden Dandelion
Trifolium repens var. repens
White Clover
Trifolium sp.
Clover
Triticum aestivum
Wheat
Ulex europaeus
Gorse
Urtica urens
Small Nettle
Vulpia sp.
Fescue
Watsonia sp.
Watsonia
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
61
Appendix 2.2 – Flora database results
Table A2.2. Significant flora recorded within 10 kilometres of the study area.
EPBC
FFG
DSE
Environment Protection and biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)
Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act)
Advisory List of Threatened Flora in Victoria (DSE 2005); VROTS
X
Extinct
Critically endangered
Endangered
Vulnerable
Endangered
Vulnerable
Rare
Poorly Known
Listed as threatened under FFG Act
De-listed from the FFG Act
Records identified from EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool.
Native non-indigenous species
CR
EN
VU
e
v
r
k
L
D
#
*
1
2
3
4
5
Known occurrence
Habitat present
Habitat present, but low likelihood
Unlikely
No suitable habitat
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
62
Scientific name
Last documented
records
Common name
Total # of
documented
records
EPBC
FFG
DSE
Likely occurrence
within the study
area
NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE
#Carex tasmanica
Curly Sedge
-
-
VU
L
v
4
#Glycine latrobeana
Clover Glycine
-
-
VU
L
v
4
#Pimelea spinescens subsp. spinescens
Plains Rice-flower
-
-
CE
L
e
4
#Prasophyllum frenchii
Maroon Leek-orchid
-
-
EN
L
e
5
Pterostylis cucullata
Leafy Greenhood
1999
1
VU
L
v
5
#Senecio macrocarpus
Large-fruit Fireweed
-
-
VU
L
e
4
#Thelymitra epipactoides
Metallic Sun-orchid
-
-
EN
L
e
5
#Xerochrysum palustre
Swamp Everlasting
1995
1
VU
L
v
5
STATE SIGNIFICANCE
Acacia cupularis
Cup Wattle
1983
1
-
-
r
5
Acacia uncifolia
Coast Wirilda
2002
6
-
-
r
5
Adriana quadripartita
Coast Bitter-bush
1994
16
-
-
v
5
Adriana quadripartita s.s. (glabrous form)
Rare Bitter-bush
1983
1
-
L
e
5
Amphibolis antarctica
Sea Nymph
1998
5
-
-
k
5
Atriplex paludosa subsp. paludosa
Marsh Saltbush
1992
9
-
-
r
5
Austrofestuca littoralis
Coast Fescue
1980
3
-
-
r
5
Avicennia marina subsp. australasica
Grey Mangrove
1996
10
-
-
r
5
Caladenia venusta
Large White Spider-orchid
1931
2
-
-
r
5
Eucalyptus leucoxylon subsp. bellarinensis
Bellarine Yellow-gum
2007
22
-
L
e
*1
Helichrysum aff. rutidolepis (Lowland Swamps)
Pale Swamp Everlasting
1995
1
-
-
v
5
Heterozostera tasmanica
Tasman Grass-wrack
2005
4
-
-
r
5
Juncus revolutus
Creeping Rush
1993
3
-
-
r
5
Lachnagrostis robusta
Salt Blown-grass
2005
3
-
-
r
5
Lawrencia spicata
Salt Lawrencia
1994
4
-
-
r
5
Lemna trisulca
Ivy-leaf Duckweed
1980
1
-
-
k
4
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
63
Scientific name
Common name
Last documented
records
Total # of
documented
records
EPBC
FFG
DSE
Likely occurrence
within the study
area
Lepidosperma canescens
Hoary Rapier-sedge
1875
2
-
-
r
4
Limonium australe
Malva preissiana s.s. (white-flowered coastal
form)
Nicotiana suaveolens
Yellow Sea-lavender
1996
5
-
-
r
5
Coast Hollyhock
1993
1
-
-
v
5
Austral Tobacco
1921
1
-
-
r
5
Poa poiformis var. ramifer
Dune Poa
2007
1
-
-
r
5
Prostanthera nivea var. nivea
Snowy Mint-bush
1996
2
-
-
r
5
Rhagodia parabolica
Fragrant Saltbush
1988
1
-
-
r
4
Ruppia tuberose
Tuberous Tassel
1979
1
-
-
k
5
Salsola tragus subsp. pontica
Coast Saltwort
1992
3
-
-
r
5
Triglochin minutissima
Tiny Arrowgrass
1980
1
-
-
r
5
Triglochin mucronata
Prickly Arrowgrass
1983
2
-
-
r
5
Zygophyllum billardierei
Coast Twin-leaf
2007
8
-
-
r
5
Data source: Victorian Biodiversity Atlas (DSE 2010); Protected Matters Search Tool (SEWPaC 2011).
Taxonomic order: Alphabetical
Notes: * known occurrence of species, described as an intergrade between Bellarine Yellow-gum Eucalyptus leucoxylon subsp. bellarinensis and Melbourne Yellow-gum Eucalyptus leucoxylon subsp.
connata.
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
64
Appendix 3.1 – Fauna results
Table A3.1. Fauna recorded during the survey and previously recorded within 10 kilometres of the study area.
Type of Record:
H – Heard
S – Seen
I – Incidental (identified from feathers, bones or scats, etc)
Mi
Ma
Migratory (EPBC Act)
Marine (EPBC Act)
T – Trapped / Handheld
* Introduced species
Common name
Brush-tailed Phascogale
Southern Brown Bandicoot
Eastern Barred Bandicoot
Koala
Common Brushtail Possum
Common Ringtail Possum
Eastern Grey Kangaroo
Black Wallaby
White-striped Freetail Bat
Gould's Wattled Bat
Lesser Long-eared Bat
Large Forest Bat
Southern Forest Bat
Little Forest Bat
Water Rat
House Mouse*
Swamp Rat
Brown Rat*
Black Rat*
Dingo / Dog*
Scientific name
MAMMALS
Phascogale tapoatafa tapoatafa
Isoodon obesulus obesulus
Perameles gunnii
Phascolarctos cinereus
Trichosurus vulpecula
Pseudocheirus peregrinus
Macropus giganteus
Wallabia bicolor
Tadarida australis
Chalinolobus gouldii
Nyctophilus geoffroyi
Vespadelus darlingtoni
Vespadelus regulus
Vespadelus vulturnus
Hydromys chrysogaster
Mus musculus
Rattus lutreolus
Rattus norvegicus
Rattus rattus
Canis lupus
Last
documented
record
1963
1968
1760
1995
1993
2006
1969
2009
1988
1986
1985
1998
1998
2001
2007
2007
2002
2005
2001
1979
Total # of
documented
records
Hollow use
2
2
1
5
6
11
1
2
4
3
7
2
2
11
6
9
3
3
9
1
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
Total
Total
Partial
Total
Total
Total
Total
Total
Total
-
Mi/ Ma
-
Present
survey
I
I
I
65
Common name
Scientific name
Last
documented
record
Total # of
documented
records
Red Fox*
Australian Fur Seal
Leopard Seal
Southern Elephant Seal
European Rabbit*
European Hare*
Common Dolphin
Bottlenose Dolphin
Killer Whale
Southern Right Whale
Humpback Whale
Vulpes vulpes
Arctocephalus pusillus
Hydrurga leptonyx
Mirounga leonina
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Lepus europeaus
Delphinus delphis
Tursiops truncatus
Orcinus orca
Eubalaena australis
Megaptera novaeangliae
2007
1999
1990
2004
2007
2005
1988
1987
2009
1997
2000
18
3
5
6
11
2
4
2
2
1
3
Stubble Quail
Brown Quail
King Quail
Magpie Goose
Musk Duck
Freckled Duck
Cape Barren Goose
Black Swan
Australian Shelduck
Australian Wood Duck
Pink-eared Duck
Garganey
Australasian Shoveler
Grey Teal
Chestnut Teal
Northern Mallard*
Pacific Black Duck
Hardhead
Blue-billed Duck
BIRDS
Coturnix pectoralis
Coturnix ypsilophora australis
Coturnix chinensis victoriae
Anseranas semipalmata
Biziura lobata
Stictonetta naevosa
Cereopsis novaehollandiae
Cygnus atratus
Tadorna tadornoides
Chenonetta jubata
Malacorhynchus membranaceus
Anas querquedula
Anas rhynchotis
Anas gracilis
Anas castanea
Anas platyrhynchos
Anas superciliosa
Aythya australis
Oxyura australis
2004
1990
1898
2006
2006
2008
1981
2008
2006
2008
1994
1889
2008
2008
2008
2000
2008
2006
2008
23
4
1
40
41
11
3
435
239
71
12
1
91
215
248
18
391
80
42
Hollow use
-
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
Total
Total
Partial
Total
Total
-
Mi/ Ma
Present
survey
Ma
Ma
Ma
Mi
Mi/Ma
Mi
S
S
S
-
Ma
Ma
Ma
Ma
-
S
S
S
-
66
Common name
Australasian Grebe
Hoary-headed Grebe
Great Crested Grebe
Rock Dove*
Spotted Turtle-Dove*
Common Bronzewing
Brush Bronzewing
Peaceful Dove
Tawny Frogmouth
White-throated Nightjar
White-throated Needletail
Fork-tailed Swift
Wilson's Storm-Petrel
White-faced Storm-Petrel
Wandering Albatross
Black-browed Albatross
Shy Albatross
Yellow-nosed Albatross
Southern Giant-Petrel
Northern Giant-Petrel
Southern Fulmar
Cape Petrel
Blue Petrel
Salvin's Prion
Antarctic Prion
Slender-billed Prion
Fairy Prion
Fulmar Prion
Sooty Shearwater
Short-tailed Shearwater
Fluttering Shearwater
Scientific name
Tachybaptus novaehollandiae
Poliocephalus poliocephalus
Podiceps cristatus
Columba livia
Streptopelia chinensis
Phaps chalcoptera
Phaps elegans
Geopelia striata
Podargus strigoides
Eurostopodus mystacalis
Hirundapus caudacutus
Apus pacificus
Oceanites oceanicus
Pelagodroma marina
Diomedea exulans
Thalassarche melanophris melanophris
Thalassarche cauta
Thalassarche chlororhynchos
Macronectes giganteus
Macronectes halli
Fulmarus glacialoides
Daption capense
Halobaena caerulea
Pachyptila salvini
Pachyptila desolata
Pachyptila belcheri
Pachyptila turtur
Pachyptila crassirostris
Ardenna grisea
Ardenna tenuirostris
Puffinus gavia
Last
documented
record
2001
2006
2006
2005
2006
2001
1999
1993
2000
1898
2008
2008
1985
1983
1979
1988
2008
1979
1988
1988
1978
1988
1999
1985
1981
1988
2000
1984
1978
2000
1999
Total # of
documented
records
165
180
45
73
303
71
6
2
7
1
21
11
2
7
16
13
18
3
25
9
1
5
2
3
7
8
17
1
1
20
13
Hollow use
-
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
Mi/ Ma
Mi/Ma
Mi/Ma
Mi/Ma
Ma
Mi/Ma
Mi/Ma
Mi/Ma
Mi/Ma
Mi/Ma
Mi/Ma
Ma
Ma
Ma
Ma
Ma
Ma
Ma
Ma
Mi/Ma
Mi/Ma
Ma
Present
survey
S
S
S
-
67
Common name
Little Shearwater
Kerguelen Petrel
White-headed Petrel
Great-winged Petrel
Common Diving-Petrel
Little Penguin
Australasian Gannet
Darter
Little Pied Cormorant
Great Cormorant
Little Black Cormorant
Pied Cormorant
Black-faced Cormorant
Australian Pelican
Australasian Bittern
Little Bittern
White-necked Heron
Eastern Great Egret
Intermediate Egret
Cattle Egret
White-faced Heron
Little Egret
Nankeen Night Heron
Glossy Ibis
Australian White Ibis
Straw-necked Ibis
Royal Spoonbill
Yellow-billed Spoonbill
Osprey
Black-shouldered Kite
Letter-winged Kite
Scientific name
Puffinus assimilis
Lugensa brevirostris
Pterodroma lessonii
Pterodroma macroptera
Pelecanoides urinatrix
Eudyptula minor
Morus serrator
Anhinga novaehollandiae
Microcarbo melanoleucos
Phalacrocorax carbo
Phalacrocorax sulcirostris
Phalacrocorax varius
Phalacrocorax fuscescens
Pelecanus conspicillatus
Botaurus poiciloptilus
Ixobrychus minutus dubius
Ardea pacifica
Ardea modesta
Ardea intermedia
Ardea ibis
Egretta novaehollandiae
Egretta garzetta nigripes
Nycticorax caledonicus hillii
Plegadis falcinellus
Threskiornis molucca
Threskiornis spinicollis
Platalea regia
Platalea flavipes
Pandion cristatus
Elanus axillaris
Elanus scriptus
Last
documented
record
1973
1981
1978
1978
2000
2008
2006
2001
2007
2006
2007
2007
1979
2007
2004
2001
2001
2007
2008
2008
2007
2006
2001
2008
2007
2006
2007
2006
2007
2002
1977
Total # of
documented
records
1
4
2
2
10
33
37
14
300
191
193
96
4
259
45
1
79
168
14
96
358
61
39
31
381
243
165
122
2
128
1
Hollow use
-
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
Mi/ Ma
Ma
Ma
Ma
Ma
Ma
Ma
Ma
Mi/Ma
Ma
Mi/Ma
Ma
Ma
Mi/Ma
Ma
Ma
-
Present
survey
-
68
Common name
Square-tailed Kite
White-bellied Sea-Eagle
Whistling Kite
Black Kite
Brown Goshawk
Collared Sparrowhawk
Grey Goshawk
Spotted Harrier
Swamp Harrier
Wedge-tailed Eagle
Little Eagle
Nankeen Kestrel
Brown Falcon
Australian Hobby
Black Falcon
Peregrine Falcon
Brolga
Purple Swamphen
Lewin's Rail
Buff-banded Rail
Baillon's Crake
Australian Spotted Crake
Spotless Crake
Black-tailed Native-hen
Dusky Moorhen
Eurasian Coot
Pied Oystercatcher
Sooty Oystercatcher
Black-winged Stilt
Red-necked Avocet
Banded Stilt
Scientific name
Lophoictinia isura
Haliaeetus leucogaster
Haliastur sphenurus
Milvus migrans
Accipiter fasciatus
Accipiter cirrhocephalus
Accipiter novaehollandiae novaehollandiae
Circus assimilis
Circus approximans
Aquila audax
Hieraaetus morphnoides
Falco cenchroides
Falco berigora
Falco longipennis
Falco subniger
Falco peregrinus
Grus rubicunda
Porphyrio porphyrio
Lewinia pectoralis pectoralis
Gallirallus philippensis
Porzana pusilla palustris
Porzana fluminea
Porzana tabuensis
Gallinula ventralis
Gallinula tenebrosa
Fulica atra
Haematopus longirostris
Haematopus fuliginosus
Himantopus himantopus
Recurvirostra novaehollandiae
Cladorhynchus leucocephalus
Last
documented
record
2007
2005
2007
1981
2006
2001
2008
1997
2006
2006
2005
2006
2007
2001
2008
2001
2008
2005
2006
2004
2001
2001
2006
2005
2002
2008
2008
1992
2008
2006
2008
Total # of
documented
records
1
15
152
1
109
6
13
3
184
15
36
88
146
59
18
14
18
288
5
9
21
32
15
7
226
266
43
5
138
42
37
Hollow use
Partial
Partial
-
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
Mi/ Ma
Mi/Ma
Ma
Ma
Ma
Ma
Mi
Ma
Ma
Ma
Ma
Ma
-
Present
survey
-
69
Common name
Pacific Golden Plover
Grey Plover
Little Ringed Plover
Red-capped Plover
Double-banded Plover
Black-fronted Dotterel
Hooded Plover
Red-kneed Dotterel
Banded Lapwing
Masked Lapwing
Plains-wanderer
Australian Painted Snipe
Latham's Snipe
Black-tailed Godwit
Bar-tailed Godwit
Little Curlew
Whimbrel
Eastern Curlew
Terek Sandpiper
Common Sandpiper
Grey-tailed Tattler
Common Greenshank
Lesser Yellowlegs
Marsh Sandpiper
Wood Sandpiper
Ruddy Turnstone
Great Knot
Red Knot
Sanderling
Red-necked Stint
Long-toed Stint
Scientific name
Pluvialis fulva
Pluvialis squatarola
Charadrius dubius
Charadrius ruficapillus
Charadrius bicinctus
Elseyornis melanops
Thinornis rubricollis rubricollis
Erythrogonys cinctus
Vanellus tricolor
Vanellus miles
Pedionomus torquatus
Rostratula benghalensis australis
Gallinago hardwickii
Limosa limosa
Limosa lapponica
Numenius minutus
Numenius phaeopus
Numenius madagascariensis
Xenus cinereus
Actitis hypoleucos
Heteroscelus brevipes
Tringa nebularia
Tringa flavipes
Tringa stagnatilis
Tringa glareola
Arenaria interpres
Calidris tenuirostris
Calidris canutus
Calidris alba
Calidris ruficollis
Calidris subminuta
Last
documented
record
2007
1980
1987
2006
2008
2008
2008
2005
1999
2007
1914
1985
2008
2004
2006
1986
1980
2008
2008
2001
1988
2008
1986
2001
1999
2000
2001
2001
1999
2008
1986
Total # of
documented
records
25
1
1
125
35
63
50
38
46
454
3
5
111
15
14
1
2
69
4
16
3
146
3
47
3
21
6
13
6
141
8
Hollow use
-
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
Mi/ Ma
Mi/Ma
Mi/Ma
Mi/Ma
Ma
Mi/Ma
Ma
Mi/Ma
Mi/Ma
Mi/Ma
Mi/Ma
Mi/Ma
Mi/Ma
Mi/Ma
Mi/Ma
Mi/Ma
Mi/Ma
Mi/Ma
Mi/Ma
Mi/Ma
Mi/Ma
Mi/Ma
Mi/Ma
Mi/Ma
Mi/Ma
Present
survey
-
70
Common name
Baird's Sandpiper
Pectoral Sandpiper
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper
Curlew Sandpiper
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Broad-billed Sandpiper
Ruff
Red-necked Phalarope
Painted Button-quail
Red-chested Button-quail
Little Button-quail
Australian Pratincole
Welcome Swallow
Great Skua
Arctic Jaeger
Common Noddy
Little Tern
Fairy Tern
Gull-billed Tern
Caspian Tern
Whiskered Tern
White-winged Black Tern
White-fronted Tern
Common Tern
Arctic Tern
Crested Tern
Pacific Gull
Kelp Gull
Silver Gull
Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo
Galah
Scientific name
Calidris bairdii
Calidris melanotos
Calidris acuminata
Calidris ferruginea
Tryngites subruficollis
Limicola falcinellus
Philomachus pugnax
Phalaropus lobatus
Turnix varia
Turnix pyrrhothorax
Turnix velox
Stiltia isabella
Hirundo neoxena
Stercorarius skua
Stercorarius parasiticus
Anous stolidus
Sternula albifrons sinensis
Sternula nereis nereis
Gelochelidon nilotica macrotarsa
Hydroprogne caspia
Chlidonias hybridus javanicus
Chlidonias leucopterus
Sterna striata
Sterna hirundo
Sterna paradisaea
Thalaseus bergii
Larus pacificus pacificus
Larus dominicanus
Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae
Calyptorhynchus funereus
Eolophus roseicapilla
Last
documented
record
1986
2001
2008
2008
1986
1992
1995
2002
2001
1898
1893
1985
2006
1979
2008
1978
1997
2000
2008
2006
2007
1992
1978
1996
1980
2007
2007
1999
2007
2005
2006
Total # of
documented
records
2
15
109
102
1
2
2
5
3
1
1
1
413
2
6
1
25
71
17
101
82
12
1
15
1
98
133
6
458
51
193
Hollow use
Partial
Total
Total
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
Mi/ Ma
Mi/Ma
Mi/Ma
Mi/Ma
Mi/Ma
Mi/Ma
Mi/Ma
Mi/Ma
Mi/Ma
Ma
Mi/Ma
Mi/Ma
Ma
Ma
Mi/Ma
Ma
Mi/Ma
Ma
Mi/Ma
Ma
Ma
Ma
Ma
-
Present
survey
S
71
Common name
Long-billed Corella
Little Corella
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
Cockatiel
Rainbow Lorikeet
Scaly-breasted Lorikeet
Musk Lorikeet
Little Lorikeet
Purple-crowned Lorikeet
Crimson Rosella
Eastern Rosella
Australian Ringneck
Swift Parrot
Red-rumped Parrot
Mulga Parrot
Budgerigar
Blue-winged Parrot
Orange-bellied Parrot
Ground Parrot
Eastern Koel
Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo
Black-eared Cuckoo
Shining Bronze-Cuckoo
Pallid Cuckoo
Fan-tailed Cuckoo
Brush Cuckoo
Powerful Owl
Southern Boobook
Masked Owl
Pacific Barn Owl
Eastern Grass Owl
Scientific name
Cacatua tenuirostris
Cacatua sanguinea
Cacatua galerita
Nymphicus hollandicus
Trichoglossus haematodus
Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus
Glossopsitta concinna
Glossopsitta pusilla
Glossopsitta porphyrocephala
Platycercus elegans
Platycercus eximius
Barnardius zonarius zonarius
Lathamus discolor
Psephotus haematonotus
Psephotus varius
Melopsittacus undulatus
Neophema chrysostoma
Neophema chrysogaster
Pezoporus wallicus wallicus
Eudynamys orientalis
Chrysococcyx basalis
Chrysococcyx osculans
Chrysococcyx lucidus
Cuculus pallidus
Cacomantis flabelliformis
Cacomantis variolosus
Ninox strenua
Ninox novaeseelandiae
Tyto novaehollandiae novaehollandiae
Tyto javanica
Tyto longimembris
Last
documented
record
2000
1990
2005
1998
2007
2008
2007
2001
2002
2006
2005
2001
2007
2006
1874
1951
2007
2007
1986
2008
2006
2001
2008
2001
2007
1977
1898
1999
1898
2001
1884
Total # of
documented
records
1
1
81
3
54
11
45
14
53
70
267
1
34
161
1
1
69
73
2
1
65
2
61
32
99
2
1
9
1
9
1
Hollow use
Total
Total
Total
Total
Total
Total
Total
Total
Total
Total
Partial
Partial
Total
Total
Total
Partial
Total
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
Mi/ Ma
Ma
Mi/Ma
Ma
Ma
Ma
Ma
Ma
-
Present
survey
H
S
-
72
Common name
Azure Kingfisher
Laughing Kookaburra
Sacred Kingfisher
Rainbow Bee-eater
White-throated Treecreeper
Brown Treecreeper (south-eastern ssp.)
Superb Fairy-wren
Southern Emu-wren
Rufous Bristlebird (Otways subsp.)
White-browed Scrubwren
Speckled Warbler
Weebill
Striated Thornbill
Yellow Thornbill
Yellow-rumped Thornbill
Buff-rumped Thornbill
Brown Thornbill
Southern Whiteface
Spotted Pardalote
Striated Pardalote
Eastern Spinebill
Yellow-faced Honeyeater
Singing Honeyeater
White-eared Honeyeater
Yellow-tufted Honeyeater
Yellow-plumed Honeyeater
White-plumed Honeyeater
Noisy Miner
Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater
Little Wattlebird
Regent Honeyeater
Scientific name
Alcedo azurea
Dacelo novaeguineae
Todiramphus sanctus
Merops ornatus
Cormobates leucophaeus
Climacteris picumnus victoriae
Malurus cyaneus
Stipiturus malachurus
Dasyornis broadbenti caryochrus
Sericornis frontalis
Chthonicola sagittata
Smicrornis brevirostris
Acanthiza lineata
Acanthiza nana
Acanthiza chrysorrhoa
Acanthiza reguloides
Acanthiza pusilla
Aphelocephala leucopsis
Pardalotus punctatus
Pardalotus striatus
Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris
Lichenostomus chrysops
Lichenostomus virescens
Lichenostomus leucotis
Lichenostomus melanops
Lichenostomus ornatus
Lichenostomus penicillatus
Manorina melanocephala
Acanthagenys rufogularis
Anthochaera chrysoptera
Anthochaera phrygia
Last
documented
record
1967
2006
2000
1999
1992
1951
2006
2006
1914
2005
1951
1998
2001
2001
2006
2001
2006
1904
2006
2001
2001
2008
2001
1992
1958
1898
2006
2006
2006
2005
1895
Total # of
documented
records
2
72
17
14
32
1
355
4
2
154
2
2
71
103
254
8
216
1
112
91
68
95
43
8
1
1
263
186
109
6
1
Hollow use
Total
Partial
Total
Total
Partial
-
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
Mi/ Ma
Ma
Mi/Ma
Mi
Present
survey
S
H
S
H
S
H
-
73
Common name
Red Wattlebird
White-fronted Chat
Tawny-crowned Honeyeater
Crescent Honeyeater
New Holland Honeyeater
Brown-headed Honeyeater
White-naped Honeyeater
Noisy Friarbird
Grey-crowned Babbler
Spotted Quail-thrush
Varied Sittella
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
White-winged Triller
Crested Shrike-tit
Olive Whistler
Golden Whistler
Rufous Whistler
Grey Shrike-thrush
Crested Pigeon
Olive-backed Oriole
Masked Woodswallow
White-browed Woodswallow
Dusky Woodswallow
Grey Butcherbird
Pied Butcherbird
Australian Magpie
Pied Currawong
Grey Currawong
Rufous Fantail
Grey Fantail
Willie Wagtail
Scientific name
Anthochaera carunculata
Epthianura albifrons
Phylidonyris melanops
Phylidonyris pyrrhoptera
Phylidonyris novaehollandiae
Melithreptus brevirostris
Melithreptus lunatus
Philemon corniculatus
Pomatostomus temporalis temporalis
Cinclosoma punctatum
Daphoenositta chrysoptera
Coracina novaehollandiae
Lalage sueurii
Falcunculus frontatus
Pachycephala olivacea
Pachycephala pectoralis
Pachycephala rufiventris
Colluricincla harmonica
Ocyphaps lophotes
Oriolus sagittatus
Artamus personatus
Artamus superciliosus
Artamus cyanopterus
Cracticus torquatus
Cracticus nigrogularis
Gymnorhina tibicen
Strepera graculina
Strepera versicolor
Rhipidura rufifrons
Rhipidura albiscarpa
Rhipidura leucophrys
Last
documented
record
2006
2007
1992
2003
2006
2001
2001
1999
1904
1978
2000
2006
2001
2001
1967
2001
2001
2006
1888
2007
2008
2008
2008
2005
2002
2006
2003
2005
2001
2001
2006
Total # of
documented
records
385
236
6
11
319
18
52
1
3
1
45
148
4
12
2
95
69
136
1
2
3
9
43
223
1
495
32
117
9
211
374
Hollow use
Partial
Partial
-
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
Mi/ Ma
Ma
Mi/Ma
-
Present
survey
H
S
H
H
S
H
S
-
74
Common name
Australian Raven
Little Raven
Leaden Flycatcher
Satin Flycatcher
Restless Flycatcher
Magpie-lark
White-winged Chough
Jacky Winter
Scarlet Robin
Flame Robin
Rose Robin
Pink Robin
Hooded Robin
Eastern Yellow Robin
Horsfield's Bushlark
European Skylark*
Golden-headed Cisticola
Clamorous Reed Warbler
Little Grassbird
Rufous Songlark
Brown Songlark
Fairy Martin
Tree Martin
Bassian Thrush
Common Blackbird*
Song Thrush*
Common Starling*
Common Myna*
Mistletoebird
Zebra Finch
Red-browed Finch
Scientific name
Corvus coronoides
Corvus mellori
Myiagra rubecula
Myiagra cyanoleuca
Myiagra inquieta
Grallina cyanoleuca
Corcorax melanorhamphos
Microeca fascinans
Petroica boodang
Petroica phoenicea
Petroica rosea
Petroica rodinogaster
Melanodryas cucullata cucullata
Eopsaltria australis
Mirafra javanica
Alauda arvensis
Cisticola exilis
Acrocephalus stentoreus
Megalurus gramineus
Cincloramphus mathewsi
Cincloramphus cruralis
Hirundo ariel
Hirundo nigricans
Zoothera lunulata
Turdus merula
Turdus philomelos
Sturnus vulgaris
Acridotheres tristis
Dicaeum hirundinaceum
Taeniopygia guttata
Neochmia temporalis
Last
documented
record
2006
2006
1992
1990
2008
2006
1977
1981
1993
2004
1999
2001
1978
2001
2000
2007
2005
2001
2007
1978
2008
2001
2008
2000
2002
1999
2006
2006
2001
1965
2002
Total # of
documented
records
34
334
3
6
17
404
4
4
48
78
9
42
3
85
14
161
136
67
169
4
11
20
37
8
347
6
426
180
12
1
136
Hollow use
Partial
Total
Partial
-
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
Mi/ Ma
Ma
Mi/Ma
Mi/Ma
Ma
-
Present
survey
S
S
H
S
S
S
S
S
75
Common name
Diamond Firetail
Beautiful Firetail
House Sparrow*
Tree Sparrow*
Australasian Pipit
European Greenfinch*
European Goldfinch*
Long neck tortoise
Tree Dragon
Large Striped Skink
Garden Skink
Southern Grass Skink
Tussock Skink
Eastern Three-lined Skink
Metallic Skink
Blotched Blue-tongued Lizard
Common Blue-tongued Lizard
Lowland Copperhead
Pobblebonk Frog
Spotted Marsh Frog
Brown Toadlet
Southern Brown Tree Frog
Growling Grass Frog
Sandy Sprat
Broad-finned Galaxias
Common Galaxias
Spotted Galaxias
Australian Grayling
Scientific name
Stagonopleura guttata
Stagonopleura bella
Passer domesticus
Passer montanus
Anthus novaeseelandiae
Carduelis chloris
Carduelis carduelis
REPTILES
Chelodina longicollis
Amphibolurus muricatus
Ctenotus robustus
Lampropholis guichenoti
Pseudemoia entrecasteauxii
Pseudemoia pagenstecheri
Bassiana duperreyi
Niveoscincus metallicus
Tiliqua nigrolutea
Tiliqua scincoides
Austrelaps superbus
AMPHIBIANS
Limnodynastes dumerilii
Limnodynastes tasmaniensis
Pseudophryne bibronii
Litoria ewingii
Litoria raniformis
FISH
Hyperlophus vittatus
Galaxias brevipinnis
Galaxias maculatus
Galaxias truttaceus
Prototroctes maraena
Last
documented
record
Total # of
documented
records
1973
1993
2006
2001
2006
2006
2006
3
1
276
10
94
165
299
2008
1992
1995
1997
1977
1987
2007
1987
1994
1997
1999
1
1
4
1
2
1
5
1
2
1
2
1961
1998
2000
1998
1997
1995
1995
2008
1995
1986
Hollow use
-
Mi/ Ma
Present
survey
Ma
-
S
S
Partial
-
-
-
2
4
1
24
9
-
-
H
-
3
7
23
16
8
-
-
-
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
76
Common name
Australian Smelt
Yellow-eye Mullet
Smallmouthed Hardyhead
Goldfish*
Gambusia*
Carp*
Spotted Pipefish
Bridled Goby
Mulloway
Tommy Rough
Luderick
Estuary Perch
Southern Pygmy Perch
Yarra Pygmy Perch
Redfin*
Flat-headed Gudgeon
Tupong
Lagoon Goby
Tench*
Greenback Flounder
Sea-cucumber species
Small Ant Blue
Yellow Sedge-skipper
Scientific name
Retropinna semoni
Aldrichetta forsteri
Atherinosoma microstoma
Carassius auratus
Gambusia holbrooki
Cyprinus carpio
Stigmatopora argus
Arenigobius bifrenatus
Argyrosomus hololepidotus
Arripis georgianus
Girella tricuspidata
Macquaria colonorum
Nannoperca australis
Nannoperca obscura
Perca fluviatilis
Philypnodon grandiceps
Pseudaphritis urvillii
Tasmanogobius lasti
Tinca tinca
Rhombosolea tapirina
INVERTEBRATES
Thyone nigra
Acrodipsas myrmecophila
Hesperilla flavescens flavescens
Last
documented
record
Total # of
documented
records
1996
1995
2002
2008
2008
2008
1987
1987
1979
1979
1979
1979
2002
2002
2008
1999
1995
1987
1986
1979
15
5
3
4
8
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
5
2
3
3
4
1
1
1960
1956
1988
1
1
5
Hollow use
-
-
Mi/ Ma
Present
survey
Ma
-
-
-
-
Source: Victorian Biodiversity Atlas (2010)
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
77
Appendix 3.2 – Significant fauna species
Table A3.2. Significant fauna within 10 kilometres of the study area.
Sources used to determine species status:
EPBC
Environment Protection and biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth)
DSE
Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria (DSE 2007b)
FFG
Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Victoria)
Species status:
EX
Extinct
RX
Regionally extinct
CR
Critically endangered
EN
Endangered
VU
Vulnerable
RA
Rare
NT
Near threatened
CD
Conservation dependent
LR
Lower risk (least concern)
DD
Data deficient (insufficiently or poorly known)
L
I
Listed as threatened under FFG Act
Invalid or ineligible for listing under the FFG Act
#
Protected Matters Search Tool (SEWPaC)
Use of the study area:
1
Known resident
2
Possible resident
3
Frequent visitor
4
Occasional visitor
5
Rare visitor
6
Vagrant visitor
7
Unlikely/no suitable habitat
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
78
`
Common name
Last
documented
record
Scientific name
Total # of
documented
records
EPBC
DSE
FFG
NAP
Likely use of
study area
NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE
# Spot-tailed Quoll
# Long-nosed Potoroo
Southern Brown Bandicoot
Eastern Barred Bandicoot
# Common Bent-wing Bat
(S ssp.)
# Grey-headed Flying-fox
Australasian Bittern
Hooded Plover
Plains-wanderer
#Australian Painted Snipe
#Swift Parrot
#Orange-bellied Parrot
Ground Parrot
Rufous Bristlebird (Otways
subsp.)
#Regent Honeyeater
# Striped Legless Lizard
#Growling Grass Frog
#Australian Grayling
# Dwarf Galaxias
#Yarra Pygmy Perch
Small Ant Blue
Dasyurus maculatus
Potorous tridactylus
Isoodon obesulus obesulus
Perameles gunnii
1968
1760
2
1
EN
VU
EN
EN
EN
EN
NT
CR
L
L
L
L
VU
VU
NT
CR
7
7
7
7
Miniopterus schreibersii bassani
Pteropus poliocephalus
Botaurus poiciloptilus
Thinornis rubricollis rubricollis
Pedionomus torquatus
Rostratula benghalensis australis
Lathamus discolor
Neophema chrysogaster
Pezoporus wallicus wallicus
2004
2008
1914
1985
2007
2007
1986
45
50
3
5
34
73
2
VU
VU
VU
EN
CR
-
VU
EN
VU
CR
CR
EN
CR
EN
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
CD
VU
VU
VU
EN
VU
EN
CR
VU
7
4
7
7
7
7
6
7
7
Dasyornis broadbenti caryochrus
Anthochaera phrygia
Delma impar
Litoria raniformis
Prototroctes maraena
Galaxiella pusilla
Nannoperca obscura
Acrodipsas myrmecophila
1914
2
1895
1
1997
9
1986
8
2002
5
1956
1
STATE SIGNIFICANCE
EN
VU
VU
VU
VU
VU
-
NT
CR
EN
EN
VU
VU
NT
CR
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
VU
EN
VU
VU
VU
VU
VU
EN
7
6
7
4
7
7
7
7
Brush-tailed Phascogale
King Quail
Magpie Goose
Musk Duck
Phascogale tapoatafa tapoatafa
Coturnix chinensis victoriae
Anseranas semipalmata
Biziura lobata
1963
1898
2006
2006
-
VU
EN
NT
VU
L
L
L
-
NT
-
7
7
7
5
2
1
40
41
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
79
`
Common name
Last
documented
record
Scientific name
Total # of
documented
records
EPBC
DSE
FFG
NAP
Likely use of
study area
Freckled Duck
Australasian Shoveler
Hardhead
Blue-billed Duck
Little Bittern
Eastern Great Egret
Intermediate Egret
Little Egret
Royal Spoonbill
Square-tailed Kite
White-bellied Sea-Eagle
Grey Goshawk
Black Falcon
Brolga
Lewin's Rail
Baillon's Crake
Red-chested Button-quail
Powerful Owl
Masked Owl
Brown Treecreeper
Speckled Warbler
Grey-crowned Babbler
Hooded Robin
Diamond Firetail
Brown Toadlet
Yellow Sedge-skipper
Stictonetta naevosa
Anas rhynchotis
Aythya australis
Oxyura australis
Ixobrychus minutus dubius
Ardea modesta
Ardea intermedia
Egretta garzetta nigripes
Platalea regia
Lophoictinia isura
Haliaeetus leucogaster
Accipiter novaehollandiae novaehollandiae
Falco subniger
Grus rubicunda
Lewinia pectoralis pectoralis
Porzana pusilla palustris
Turnix pyrrhothorax
Ninox strenua
Tyto novaehollandiae novaehollandiae
Climacteris picumnus victoriae
Chthonicola sagittata
Pomatostomus temporalis temporalis
Melanodryas cucullata cucullata
Stagonopleura guttata
Pseudophryne bibronii
Hesperilla flavescens flavescens
2008
11
2008
91
2006
80
2008
42
2001
1
2007
168
2008
14
2006
61
2007
165
2007
1
2005
15
2008
13
2008
18
2008
18
2006
5
2001
21
1898
1
1898
1
1898
1
1951
1
1951
2
1904
3
1978
3
1973
3
2000
1
1988
5
REGIONAL SIGNIFICANCE
-
EN
VU
VU
EN
EN
VU
CR
EN
VU
VU
VU
VU
VU
VU
VU
VU
VU
VU
EN
NT
VU
EN
NT
VU
EN
VU
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
DD
LC
5
5
5
5
7
7
5
7
7
4
4
4
4
7
5
5
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
Brown Quail
Pied Cormorant
Coturnix ypsilophora australis
Phalacrocorax varius
1990
2007
-
NT
NT
-
-
5
4
4
96
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
80
`
Common name
Nankeen Night Heron
Glossy Ibis
Spotted Harrier
Latham's Snipe
Little Button-quail
Whiskered Tern
Black-eared Cuckoo
Azure Kingfisher
Spotted Quail-thrush
Last
documented
record
Scientific name
Nycticorax caledonicus hillii
Plegadis falcinellus
Circus assimilis
Gallinago hardwickii
Turnix velox
Chlidonias hybridus javanicus
Chrysococcyx osculans
Alcedo azurea
Cinclosoma punctatum
2001
2008
1997
2008
1893
2007
2001
1967
1978
Total # of
documented
records
39
31
3
111
1
82
2
2
1
EPBC
-
DSE
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
FFG
-
NAP
-
Likely use of
study area
7
4
4
4
7
4
7
7
7
Source: Victorian Biodiversity Atlas (2010); SEWPaC (2010). Note: Marine species have been excluded as they will not be directly affected by the proposed development.
Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Ash Road, Leopold, Victoria
81