biosis - City of Ballarat

Transcription

BIOSIS
R E S E A R C H
Flora and terrestrial fauna
assessment of Alfredton West,
Victoria
March 2007
Ruth Marr and John Miller
Natural & Cultural Heritage Consultants 449 Doveton Street North (PO Box 1014) Ballarat Victoria 3354
BIOSIS
R E S E A R C H
Report to Roadcon Developments Pty Ltd
Flora and terrestrial fauna
assessment of
Alfredton West, Victoria
Final Report
March 2007
Melbourne:
38 Bertie Street, Port Melbourne VIC 3207
Ph: (03) 9646 9499 Fax: (03) 9646 9242
email: melbourne@biosisresearch.com.au
Ruth Marr
John Miller
Sydney:
15-17 Henrietta Street, Chippendale NSW 2008
Ph: (02) 9690 2777 Fax: (02) 9690 2577
email: sydney@biosisresearch.com.au
Ballarat:
449 Doveton Street North, Ballarat VIC 3354
Ph: (03) 5331 7000 Fax: (03) 5331 7033
email: ballarat@biosisresearch.com.au
Project no. 6056
Queanbeyan:
55 Lorne Road (PO Box 1963),
Queanbeyan NSW 2620
Ph: (02) 6284 4633 Fax: (02) 6284 4699
email: queanbeyan@biosisresearch.com.au
BIOSIS RESEARCH Pty. Ltd. A.B.N. 65 006 175 097
Natural & Cultural Heritage Consultants
 Biosis Research Pty. Ltd.
This document is and shall remain the property of Biosis Research Pty. Ltd. The document may
only be used for the purposes for which it was commissioned and in accordance with the Terms of
the Engagement for the commission. Unauthorised use of this document in any form whatsoever
is prohibited.
Flora and terrestrial fauna assessment of Alfredton West, Victoria
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Biosis Research wishes to acknowledge the contribution of the following people
and organisations in undertaking this study:
Roadcon
• Mr Nick Grylewicz
Department of Sustainability and Environment
• for access to ecological databases
(Atlas of Victorian Wildlife, Flora Information System)
Biosis Research Pty. Ltd.
• Maria Pham for mapping
• Wayne van der Stelt for mapping
• Naomi O’Brien for background searches
• Rebecca Steer for report review
ABBREVIATIONS
AVW
CAMBA
DBH
DEWR
DSE
EPBC
EVC
FFG
FIS
IUCN
JAMBA
sp.
spp.
Atlas of Victorian Wildlife (DSE version 2005)
China – Australia Migratory Bird Agreement
Diameter at breast height (130 cm above ground surface)
Department of the Environment and Water Resources
Department of Sustainability & Environment
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
Ecological vegetation class
Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Vic.)
Flora Information System (DSE version 2005)
International Union for the Conservation of Nature
Japan – Australia Migratory Bird Agreement
Species (one species)
Species (more than one species)
Biosis Research Pty. Ltd. has completed this assessment in accordance with the relevant federal, state and local legislation
and current industry best practice. The company accepts no liability for any damages or loss incurred as a result of
reliance placed upon the report content or for any purpose other than that for which it was intended.
BIOSIS
RESEARCH
Acknowledgements & Abbreviations
III
CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ......................................................................................................... III
ABBREVIATIONS ..................................................................................................................... III
CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................... IV
SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................ VI
1.0
INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................... 7
1.1 Project Background................................................................................................... 7
1.2
Objectives ................................................................................................................... 7
1.3
Study Area .................................................................................................................. 7
2.0
2.1
METHODS ................................................................................................................... 9
Classification.............................................................................................................. 9
2.2
Literature and Database Review............................................................................... 9
2.3 Site Visit ...................................................................................................................... 9
2.3.1 Flora and terrestrial fauna assessment ....................................................................... 9
2.4
Qualifications ........................................................................................................... 10
2.5
Defining Significant Species and Communities ................................................... 11
3.0
3.1
3.1.1
3.1.2
3.1.3
3.1.4
RESULTS .................................................................................................................. 12
Flora .......................................................................................................................... 12
Species ...................................................................................................................... 12
Remnant trees............................................................................................................ 12
Ecological Vegetation Classes................................................................................... 13
Condition of Native Vegetation .................................................................................. 14
3.2 Terrestrial Fauna...................................................................................................... 15
3.2.1 Species ...................................................................................................................... 15
3.2.2 Terrestrial Habitats..................................................................................................... 15
4.0
4.1
ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE ................................................................................ 17
Significance of the study area ................................................................................ 17
4.2
Previous assessments of significance.................................................................. 17
4.3 Significant Flora Species ........................................................................................ 17
4.3.1 National significance .................................................................................................. 17
4.3.2 State significance....................................................................................................... 18
4.4
Significant Vegetation Communities ..................................................................... 18
4.5 Significant Terrestrial Fauna Species.................................................................... 18
4.5.1 National significance .................................................................................................. 18
4.5.2 State significance....................................................................................................... 19
Regional Significance........................................................................................................... 20
5.0
BIODIVERSITY LEGISLATION AND GOVERNMENT POLICY .............................. 21
5.1 Commonwealth ........................................................................................................ 21
5.1.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 ............................. 21
5.2
5.2.1
5.2.2
5.2.3
State .......................................................................................................................... 23
Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 ....................................................................... 23
Planning and Environment Act 1987 ......................................................................... 23
Native Vegetation Management Framework ............................................................. 24
BIOSIS
RESEARCH
Contents
IV
5.2.4 CMA Native Vegetation Plan ..................................................................................... 24
5.3 Local.......................................................................................................................... 25
5.3.1 Local Government Planning Scheme (City of Ballarat) ............................................. 25
6.0
6.1
6.1.1
6.1.2
POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION .............................................................. 26
Potential impacts ..................................................................................................... 26
Direct Impacts ............................................................................................................ 26
Indirect Impacts.......................................................................................................... 26
6.2
Recommendations for the proposed development.............................................. 26
REFERENCES ......................................................................................................................... 28
APPENDICES........................................................................................................................... 29
APPENDIX 1............................................................................................................................. 30
DSE Vegetation Assessment Methodology..................................................................... 30
APPENDIX 2............................................................................................................................. 31
Significance Assessment.................................................................................................. 31
APPENDIX 3............................................................................................................................. 35
Flora Results ...................................................................................................................... 35
APPENDIX 4............................................................................................................................. 36
Fauna Results..................................................................................................................... 36
FIGURES .................................................................................................................................. 40
Figure 1
Location of the study area, Alfredton West................................................ 41
Figure 2
BIOSIS
Ecological features of the study area, Alfredton West.............................. 42
RESEARCH
Contents
V
SUMMARY
Biosis Research Pty. Ltd. was commissioned by Roadcon to undertake a flora
and terrestrial fauna assessment of an area of land proposed for residential
development. The site is located in farmland approximately 7 kilometres west of
the Ballarat central business district.
Flora and Fauna
The original vegetation over much of the study area has been almost entirely
cleared with no Ecological Vegetation Class (EVCs) present in the study area.
Four fauna habitat types occur within the study area: Pasture, waterbodies,
isolated trees, and boulder piles.
One flora species of national conservation significance was recorded within the
study area during the present assessment. No fauna species of national or state
significance were recorded.
Most of the study area is modified and of low ecological value. Nine remnant
Swamp and Yarra Gums have ecological significance.
Government legislation and policy
Development of the site is unlikely to trigger the Commonwealth Environment
Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
As the study area is privately owned and not considered ‘critical habitat’ a permit
will not be required from DSE under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988
(Vic.) to remove protected flora from the study area. A permit will be required
from Ballarat City Council under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 to
remove native vegetation. Removal of remnant Swamp and Yarra Gums is
subject to state and local planning controls including the Native Vegetation
Framework (Net Gain policy).
Conclusions
Aside from the remnant Yarra and Swamp Gums, the majority of the study area
has low significance for biodiversity conservation. The study area has been
highly modified through clearing, continued grazing and weed invasion. It is
unlikely that the proposed development would have any adverse impact on the
existing flora or fauna values within the site. It is likely that a well designed
revegetation program around existing trees and along the Winter Creek tributary,
using local provenance species suited to Plains Grassy Woodland, would
improve both the amenity of the site and the habitat value of the land for native
wildlife.
BIOSIS
RESEARCH
Summary
VI
1.0
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Project Background
Biosis Research Pty. Ltd. was commissioned by Roadcon to undertake a flora
and terrestrial fauna assessment of Alfredton West, Ballarat. Residential
development is proposed for the site.
1.2
Objectives
The objectives of this investigation are to:
1.3
•
Describe the vascular flora, terrestrial vertebrate fauna and habitat values of
the land.
•
Carry out a vegetation quality assessment.
•
Evaluate the conservation significance of the land.
•
Map any ecologically significant flora and terrestrial fauna habitats.
•
Assess any potential impacts of the proposed development on the terrestrial
environment
•
Identify any potential mitigation measures.
•
Recommend any further assessments of the site that may be required (such
as a Net Gain assessment or targeted searches for significant species);
Study Area
The study area of approximately 220 hectares is located in Alfredton West and is
bounded on the north by Ballarat-Burrumbeet Road, on the east by Dyson Drive,
on the south by Cuthberts Road and on the west by the Skipton Ballarat Rail
Trail (Figure 1).
The land is currently used as a grazing property and has been almost completely
cleared of trees and other woody vegetation. An ephemeral tributary of Winter
Creek extends south from approximately the middle of the northern boundary
and then arcs westward and crosses near Cuthberts Road on the southern
boundary (Figure 2).
BIOSIS
RESEARCH
Introduction
7
The study area is located in the Victorian Volcanic Plains Bioregion (Department
of Primary Industries, Victorian Resources online: www.dpi.vic.gov.au/dpi/vro/).
Pre-1750 mapping by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE)
indicates that the site would have formerly supported Plains Grassy Woodland.
Presently, few remnant species remain and current Ecological Vegetation Class
(EVC) mapping by DSE shows no extant EVCs within the study area. The
current study confirms that no EVCs remain on the study area.
BIOSIS
RESEARCH
Introduction
8
2.0
METHODS
2.1
Classification
Common and scientific names for flora and fauna follow the Flora Information
System (FIS 2005 version) and the Atlas of Victorian Wildlife (AVW 2005
version) of the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE).
Classification of native vegetation in Victoria follows a typology in which
ecological vegetation classes (EVCs) are the primary level of classification. An
EVC contains one or more plant (floristic) communities, and represents a
grouping of broadly similar environments. Vegetation community names follow
the typology of vegetation in Victoria developed by DSE
(http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/dse/nrence.nsf/).
2.2
Literature and Database Review
Information in the FIS and AVW databases was reviewed. The Department of
the Environment and Water Resources (DEWR) online database, for the
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act
Protected Matters Search Tool, hereafter referred to as the DEWR database), was
searched. The extant and pre-1750 EVCs present within the study area and their
bioregional conservation status was reviewed (DSE web site:
http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/dse/nrence.nsf/).
2.3
Site Visit
2.3.1
Flora and terrestrial fauna assessment
The study area was inspected by a botanist and a zoologist on March 1st 2007 to
determine any current or likely issues associated with flora and fauna on the site.
Assessment was concentrated in areas that support native vegetation remnants
and other areas such as along the tributary of Winter Creek, around the dams,
boulder piles and revegetation areas. Detailed assessment and data collection
was not undertaken in highly altered sections of the subject land that contain few
native species.
General observations were made on the vegetation and fauna habitat of the study
area. Lists of incidental terrestrial fauna observations were compiled. Remnant
trees were assessed for their habitat and ecological value. The overall site
condition and conservation significance of the study area also was documented.
BIOSIS
RESEARCH
Introduction
9
Fauna records will be submitted to the Atlas of Victorian Wildlife (AVW).
A Net Gain assessment was beyond the scope of the present study.
2.4
Qualifications
The study effort, combined with information available from other sources, is
considered suitable to assess the terrestrial ecological values of the site. As a
result, there is no significant limitation to the study. However, the following
qualifications apply:
BIOSIS
•
The present assessment includes only vascular flora (ferns, conifers and
flowering plants), terrestrial vertebrate fauna (birds, mammals, reptiles and
frogs). Non-vascular flora (e.g. mosses and liverworts) were not sampled.
•
Aquatic habitats and fauna located (excluding frogs) within and/or in
proximity to the study area were not included in this assessment. No search
of the Victorian Aquatic Fauna (VAF) database was conducted and all AVW
fish records have been removed from this report. The implications of
relevant biodiversity legislation (e.g. EPBC Act) cannot be fully assessed
without an assessment of aquatic habitat and fauna.
•
Ecological surveys and assessments provide a sampling of the flora and fauna
at a given time and season and some additional species that we did not detect
may occur on the site.
•
Mapping is conducted using hand-held (uncorrected) GPS units and aerial
photo interpretation. The accuracy of this mapping is therefore subject to the
accuracy of the GPS units (generally +/- 7 metres) and dependant on the
limitations of aerial photo rectification and registration. As such, these points
should not be relied on for design purposes.
•
The flora and fauna assessment was conducted in summer which is not an
optimal time for survey. Some plant species are dormant and/or lack
flowering or fruiting material at that time of the year making detection and/or
identification difficult. In addition, migratory fauna may be seasonally
absent.
•
The study area was heavily grazed at the time of assessment, making
identification of some flora species difficult due to lack of material for
identification.
RESEARCH
Introduction
10
2.5
Defining Significant Species and Communities
A number of categories and criteria are formally applied to assess the ecological
significance of flora and fauna and sites supporting flora and fauna. The
definition and application of the criteria are detailed in Appendix 2.
BIOSIS
RESEARCH
Introduction
11
3.0
RESULTS
3.1
Flora
3.1.1
Species
Records during present assessment
Five native understorey species were recorded during the assessment: Finger
Rush Juncus subsecundus, Poison Lobelia Lobelia pratioides, Woodland Woodsorrel Oxalis perennans, Bristly Wallaby-grass Austrodanthonia setacea var.
setacea and Common Blown-grass Lachnagrostis filiformis. It should be noted,
however, that at the time of the survey the entire study area had been heavily
grazed by domestic stock making identification of some species difficult. It is
possible therefore that some minor occurrences of other native grass and small
herb species could be present in the study area, particularly along the tributary of
Winter Creek (Figure 2).
The site is dominated by predominantly introduced vegetation and a complete list
of introduced species was not recorded.
Database records
The DSE Flora Information System contains records of 358 flora species from
within 5 km of the study area. The DEWR database predicts the occurrence of,
or suitable habitat for, ten listed flora species within 5 km of the study area.
Some of these species may occur in the study area (Appendix 3).
3.1.2
Remnant trees
Nine remnant trees were recorded from the study area, comprised of six Swamp
Gum Eucalyptus ovata var. ovata and three Yarra Gum E. yarraensis (Table 1).
The benchmark trunk diameter at breast height (DBH) for Large Old Trees in
Plains Grassy Woodland is 80 cm. Seven of the trees are classed as Large Old
Trees (LOT) and two are classed as Very Large Old Trees (those that have a
DBH of > 150% of the benchmark diameter for a LOT). All of the trees are in
fair to poor condition due to internal trunk rot, dieback in the tree crown and limb
loss.
BIOSIS
RESEARCH
Results
12
Table 1: Remnant trees within the study area.
Tree
number*
Common
name
DBH
(cm)
Size
class
Comments
1
Swamp Gum
90
LOT
Fair health, large trunk rot and
dieback
2
Swamp Gum
80
LOT
dieback
3
Yarra Gum
132
VLOT
dieback
4
Swamp Gum
128
VLOT
dieback
5
Swamp Gum
93
LOT
Fair health, small pipe and limited
dieback
6
Swamp Gum
83
LOT
Poor health, half tree missing, trunk
rot
7
Swamp Gum
96
LOT
Poor health, large trunk rot and
dieback
8
Yarra Gum
97
LOT
Fair health, half tree missing but
limited dieback
9
Yarra Gum
91
LOT
Fair health, trunk rot and dieback
The location of the trees, by tree number, is shown on Figure 2.
3.1.3
Ecological Vegetation Classes
The DSE mapping of pre-1750 vegetation models the entire study area as
previously supporting Plains Grassy Woodland EVC. The DSE extant
vegetation mapping indicates that no ecological vegetation classes are present in
the study area.
The current survey confirms that no EVCs are present within the study area.
Predominantly introduced vegetation
The vegetation has been highly modified throughout and is composed almost
entirely of introduced species including Brown-top Bent Agrostis capillaris,
Hairy Hawkbit Leontodon taraxacoides subsp. taraxacoides, various clovers
Trifolium spp. and some scattered Gorse Ulex europaeus shrubs. The Gorse is
generally limited to the lower-lying area along the Winter Creek tributary and an
area just south of the radio masts in the mid north of the study area (Figure 2).
BIOSIS
RESEARCH
Results
13
3.1.4
Condition of Native Vegetation
The condition of native vegetation within the study area is poor. The entire site
has been cleared of native vegetation and continues to be used for the grazing of
domestic stock.
The nine remnant Swamp and Yarra Gums (Figure 2) are old and in fair to poor
condition due to crown dieback and severe trunk rot.
BIOSIS
RESEARCH
Results
14
3.2
Terrestrial Fauna
3.2.1
Species
A total of 15 indigenous fauna species (11 birds, one reptile, two frogs, and one
invertebrate) and five introduced fauna species (three mammals and two birds)
are recorded from the study area (Appendix 4).
Database records
The AVW contains records of 130 vertebrate terrestrial fauna species from the
local area: 116 birds (108 native), eight mammals (six native), two reptiles (all
native) and four frogs (all native) from the past 20 years.
The DEWR database lists 19 terrestrial fauna species whose geographic range
includes the study the area. Of these species, 11 (three mammals, three birds, one
reptile, one frog, and one invertebrate) are listed as threatened and ten bird
species are listed under the migratory provisions of the EPBC Act, as discussed
in Section 5.1.
Some of the species listed on the databases may visit the study area. However,
the study area is highly modified and does not contain suitable habitat for many
of the species listed on these databases.
3.2.2
Terrestrial Habitats
Four fauna habitats occur within the study area: Pasture, water bodies, isolated
trees and boulder piles.
Pasture
The pasture habitat has been almost completely cleared of native vegetation and
is of limited value for most native fauna species. Open-country and groundforaging birds such as Australian Magpie, Magpie-lark, raven and Willie Wagtail
were observed in the pasture area. The highly degraded condition of the pasture
caused by intensive stock grazing means that the site overall has very little value
as fauna habitat and indicates that significant species are unlikely to occur.
Raptors, including Wedge-tailed Eagle and Swamp Harriers were observed
flying over the study area.
BIOSIS
RESEARCH
Results
15
Water bodies
A number of dams on the property contain limited habitat for a number of native
species such as frogs and yabbies, which were observed during the assessment.
Large quantities of frog eggs were observed in the dam and indicate the presence
of Limnodynastes sp. and Litoria sp. Water birds such as ducks and egrets, not
recorded during the survey, may occasionally visit these areas. Fringing
vegetation was not present around the dams.
A tributary of Winter Creek is within the study area. This tributary was
completely dry at the time of assessment. No riparian vegetation exists along the
tributary. When inundated the tributary of Winter Creek may provide foraging
opportunity for waterbirds such as Heron, Egret and common duck species,
although none were recorded during the present assessment.
Isolated Trees
Isolated planted trees and in particular some remnant Yarra and Swamp Gums
may provide important habitat for a variety of native birds, including Red
Wattlebirds and Australian Magpies, which were observed during the
assessment. Planted trees did not contain hollows but many of the older Swamp
Gums contain extensive hollows. These Swamp Gums may be used by hollowdependent fauna such as parrots, cockatoos and microbats for denning and
nesting purposes. In general, however, they are more likely to be used by
Common Starlings, an introduced bird observed in the study area. One Swamp
Gum hollow contained an active hive of the introduced European Honeybee.
Boulder piles
Large boulder piles are located over the study area and may provide habitat for
many reptiles. Grass Skink was observed in boulder piles and under small rocks
along the southern fence-line.
BIOSIS
RESEARCH
Results
16
4.0
ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The following section discusses the terrestrial ecological significance of the site
and species within a local, regional, state and national context. The criteria for
these significance levels are outlined in Appendix 2.
4.1
Significance of the study area
The entire study area supports predominantly introduced vegetation and has
negligible significance for nature conservation due to the substantial
modification of the original vegetation and habitats.
On the basis of the available flora and terrestrial fauna information, the study
area has negligible significance for biodiversity, however, the remnant old trees
have local significance as they provide habitat for a limited range of fauna.
The ecological values of the study area are mapped in Figure 2 and discussed
further below.
4.2
Previous assessments of significance
There appear to have been no previous environmental assessments of the study
area.
4.3
Significant Flora Species
Significant flora species recorded during the present assessment, recorded in the
local area (FIS) or predicted to occur in the local area (DEWR database) are
discussed in the following section and listed in Appendix 3. Significant species
are defined in Appendix 2.
4.3.1
National significance
Yarra Gum, which is rare in Australia and Victoria, was recorded during the
survey (Table 1). No other significant species were recorded.
Database records
No additional species of national conservation significance have been recently
(in the last 20 years) recorded on the FIS database within 5 km of the study area
(Appendix 3).
The DEWR database predicts the occurrence of, or suitable habitat for, ten
species listed under the EPBC Act. It is considered unlikely that any of these
species would occur within the study area due to the lack of suitable habitat
(Appendix 3).
BIOSIS
RESEARCH
Ecological Significance
17
4.3.2
State significance
No state significant species, other than Yarra Gum, was recorded from the study
area.
Database records
The FIS database contains recent records of one state significant plant species,
Wavy Swamp Wallaby-grass Amphibromus sinuatus, within five kilometres of
the study area (Appendix 3). It is possible that this species may occur within the
Winter Creek tributary in the study area (Figure 2).
4.4
Significant Vegetation Communities
No significant vegetation communities are located within the study area.
4.5
Significant Terrestrial Fauna Species
Significant terrestrial fauna species recorded during the present assessment,
recorded in the local area (AVW) or predicted to occur in the local area (DEWR
database) are discussed in the following section and listed in Appendix 4.
Species listed under migratory and marine provisions of the EPBC Act are
addressed in Section 5.
4.5.1
National significance
Species considered to be of national significance are considered in this section.
Those species listed under the EPBC Act are further summarised in Section 5
and the relative status of all nationally significant species is indicated in Table
A.4.2 in Appendix 4.
Below is a summary of nationally significant fauna species recorded within the
study area or in the local area.
No fauna species of national significance were recorded within the study area
during the present assessment.
Database records
No fauna species of national significance have been recently recorded in the local
area on the AVW Database.
Nine threatened fauna species listed under the EPBC Act on the DEWR database
BIOSIS
RESEARCH
18
are predicted to occur, or their habitat is predicted to occur, within five
kilometres of the study area (Appendix 4). The study area contains potential
habitat for one of these species:
•
4.5.2
Australian Painted Snipe Rostratula australis inhabit terrestrial shallow
freshwater wetlands and lakes and may also occur in waterlogged grasslands.
This species may be a rare visitor along the tributary of Winter Creek
particularly in times of inundation.
State significance
The status of all state significant species is indicated in Table A.4.2 in Appendix
4. State significant fauna species recorded in the study area or from the local area
are summarised below.
No state significant fauna species were recorded in the study area during the
present assessment.
Database records
Eleven species of state conservation significance have been recently recorded in
the local area on the AVW Database (Appendix 4). Seven of these species have
some potential to occur within the study area. These are:
BIOSIS
•
Great Egret Ardea alba are found in terrestrial wetlands, estuarine habitats
and waterlogged grasslands. This species may forage in the dam and along
the tributary of Winter Creek in times of inundation. Great Egret have been
recorded in 2001 at Lake Wendouree and in 2000 near Winter Swamp and
may be an occasional visitor to the study area.
•
Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalmata have been recently observed in 1996
at Winter Swamp. This species is found in large freshwater lakes, slow
moving waters and swamps. Magpie Goose is unlikely to occur in the study
area except in times of inundation.
•
Australasian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis occur mainly in permanent,
sheltered freshwater swamps, lakes and waterways with lots of emergent
vegetation. This species was last recorded within 5km of the study area in
2001 at Winter Swamp. Australasian Shoveler is unlikely to occur in the
study area except in times of inundation.
•
Hardhead Aythya australis are common in large swamps, lagoons and
flooded rivers. This species was recorded in Lake Wendouree in 2001 and
also recorded between the study area and Winter Swamp in 2000. Hardhead
RESEARCH
19
are unlikely to occur in the study area except in times of inundation.
•
Blue-billed Duck Oxyura australis prefer deep permanent freshwater but
will also use sheltered smaller pools in backwaters and swamps to breed.
This species was recently recorded within 5km of the study area in 2001 at
Lake Wendouree. Blue-billed Duck are unlikely to occur in the study area
except in times of inundation.
•
Musk Duck Biziura lobata occur in deep and often sheltered permanent
freshwater lakes and swamps. This species was recorded within 5km of the
study area in 2001 at Lake Wendouree and at Winter Swamp in 1993. Musk
Duck are unlikely to occur in the study area except in times of inundation
•
White-bellied Sea-eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster occur in a variety of marine,
terrestrial wetland and coastal habitats. This species has not been recorded
within 5km of the study area but may be found foraging over the Winter
Creek Tributary in times of inundation.
Regional Significance
Species of regional significance include those species that are:
•
Listed as near threatened in the Advisory List of the Threatened Vertebrate
Fauna in Victoria - 2003 (DSE 2003).
No regionally significant fauna species were recorded in the study area during
the present assessment.
Database records
Five species of regional conservation significance have been recently recorded in
the local area on the AVW Database (Appendix 4). One of these species is
considered to have some potential to occur in the study area:
•
BIOSIS
Spotted Harrier Circus assimilis use predominantly open and wooded
country of tropical and temperate Australia. In Victoria Spotted Harrier
is common in the Murray Valley and is only sporadic in the south. They
hunt mainly over flat or undulating country with low cover of vegetation
and in woodlands open enough so that low flight is not obstructed and
ground vegetation is accessible from above. Although unlikely to inhabit
the study area, this species has been recorded within 5km of the study
area at Wendouree West in 1985 and may occasionally forage over the
pasture habitat.
RESEARCH
20
5.0
BIODIVERSITY LEGISLATION AND
GOVERNMENT POLICY
Biodiversity legislation and government policy that is potentially relevant to the
residential development of Alfredton West is discussed below.
5.1
Commonwealth
5.1.1
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC
Act) applies to developments and associated activities that have the potential to
significantly impact on matters protected under the Act.
Under the Act, unless exempt, actions require approval from the Australian
Government Minister for Environment and Heritage if they are likely to
significantly impact on a ‘matter of national environmental significance’. There
are currently seven matters of national environmental significance (NES):
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
World Heritage properties;
National Heritage properties;
nationally listed threatened species and ecological communities;
listed migratory species;
Ramsar wetlands of international significance;
Commonwealth marine areas; and
nuclear actions (including uranium mining).
The EPBC Act also applies to the environment in general if actions are taken on
Commonwealth land, or if actions that are taken outside Commonwealth land
will impact on the environment on Commonwealth land.
Any person proposing to take an action that may, or will, have a significant
impact on a matter of national environmental significance must refer the action to
the Australian Government Minister for Environment and Heritage for
determination as to whether the action is a ‘controlled action’ or is not approved.
NES matters relevant to the proposal
There are three matters of national significance that are of relevance to the
proposed development:
BIOSIS
•
listed threatened species;
•
listed migratory species; and
•
wetlands of international importance (Ramsar sites).
RESEARCH
Legislation and Government Policy
21
These are summarised below.
Listed threatened species and/or ecological communities
Ecological communities: No listed ecological communities occur within the
study area.
Listed flora species: Flora species listed under the Act are discussed in Section
4.1 and listed in Appendix 3. In summary, one listed species, Yarra Gum, was
recorded in the study area. It is considered unlikely that other threatened species
occur due to the lack of suitable habitat.
Listed fauna species: Fauna species listed under the Act are discussed in Section
4.5 and listed in Appendix 4. In summary, Australian Painted Snipe has some
potential to occur in the study area.
Listed migratory species
The list of migratory species under the EPBC Act is a compilation of species
listed under three international conventions: China-Australia Migratory Bird
Agreement (CAMBA), Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA),
and Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals
(Bonn Convention).
Species listed under the ‘migratory’ provisions of the EPBC Act are listed in
Appendix 4 and summarised below:
•
No species was recorded during the present assessment.
•
Seven species have been recently recorded from the local area (AVW).
•
Six additional species are predicted to occur, or their habitat is predicted to
occur, within 5 kilometres of the study area (DEWR database).
Although some of these species may visit the study area on occasions, the study
area does not provide important habitat for an ecologically significant proportion
of any of these species.
Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar sites)
The study area is identified by the DEWR database as being within the
catchment of two Wetlands of International Significance (Ramsar sites): Port
Phillip Bay (Western Shoreline) and Bellarine and Western District Lakes.
However, the study area does not drain directly into either wetland and the
development is not likely to result in a significant impact to a Ramsar wetland.
BIOSIS
RESEARCH
22
Implications for the proposed residential development
The proposed development is considered unlikely to significantly impact on any
terrestrial matters of national environmental significance.
5.2
State
5.2.1
Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988
The primary legislation dealing with biodiversity conservation and sustainable
use of native flora and fauna in Victoria is the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act
1988 (FFG Act).
In most circumstances a permit is required from DSE to 'take' listed flora species,
flora species that are members of listed communities, or protected flora, from
public land. Most native vegetation contains some protected flora species.
The land is privately owned and is not declared ‘critical habitat’. Therefore a
permit to ‘take’ listed flora species is not required under the FFG Act.
5.2.2
Planning and Environment Act 1987
A planning permit is required under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 to
remove, destroy or lop native vegetation on a landholding of more than 0.4
hectares.
The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) is a mandatory referral
authority in some circumstances involving native vegetation removal. Following
recent changes to planning schemes (Section 66.02), the removal of more than
0.5 hectares of endangered, vulnerable or rare vegetation types must be referred
to the Department. DSE is also a referral authority if the removal of more than 5
trees of greater than 40cm DBH is proposed.
The proposed residential development does not require clearing of native
vegetation and is unlikely to have any adverse impact on significant flora or
fauna species. It is therefore unlikely that any referrals in relation to flora and
fauna issues would be required for the proposal to proceed. Removal of the
remnant Swamp and Yarra Gum trees and other native species would require a
permit from the City of Ballarat.
BIOSIS
RESEARCH
23
5.2.3
Native Vegetation Management Framework
The Native Vegetation Management Framework (NRE 2002) is State
Government policy for the protection, enhancement and revegetation of native
vegetation in Victoria. The primary goal of the Framework is:
a reversal, across the whole landscape, of the long-term decline in the extent and
quality of native vegetation, leading to a Net Gain (NRE 2002).
In association with the regional Native Vegetation Plans, the Framework
provides decision-making tools for native vegetation management.
Where an application is made to remove native vegetation, a proponent for a
development must explain the steps that have been taken to:
•
Avoid the removal of native vegetation, where possible
•
Minimise the removal of native vegetation
•
Appropriately offset the loss of native vegetation, if required
A proponent for a development must demonstrate that the option to avoid and
minimise vegetation clearance has been fully explored before considering offsets
The study area does not support any native vegetation. If any of the Old Trees
are to be removed they would need to be offset under Victoria’s Native
Vegetation Management: A Framework for Action (NRE 2002).
A Net Gain assessment would not be required within the study area as there is no
native vegetation. If any of the remnant old trees are to be removed they would
need to be offset under the requirements of Victoria’s Native Vegetation
Management: A Framework for Action.
5.2.4
CMA Native Vegetation Plan
The Corangamite Native Vegetation Plan (CCMA 2005) has been prepared to
develop a strategic and co-ordinated approach to the management of native
vegetation within the region. The plan is designed to complement the Native
Vegetation Management Framework and contains specific information and
objectives relating to the region.
The information in the plan is centred on four strategic directions:
BIOSIS
•
Retain the quantity of native vegetation by minimising clearing;
•
Protect native vegetation with reservation and management agreements;
RESEARCH
24
•
Maintain and improve the quality of native vegetation; and
•
Increase the quantity of native vegetation.
Implications for the proposal
No native vegetation would be removed as a result of the proposed development
so the proposal is unlikely to be in conflict with the Corangamite CMA Native
Vegetation Plan.
5.3
Local
5.3.1
Local Government Planning Scheme (City of Ballarat)
The study area is within the Rural Zone (RUZ). There are no planning Overlays
relating to flora and fauna covering the study area
(http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/planningschemes/).
Implications for the proposal
The proposal is unlikely to be in conflict with the City of Ballarat Planning
Scheme with respect to flora and fauna issues.
BIOSIS
RESEARCH
25
6.0
POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION
6.1
Potential impacts
The flora and terrestrial fauna values of the study area are low and therefore
development is unlikely to have major ecological impacts.
6.1.1
Direct Impacts
The only potential direct impact of the proposal is the loss of up to nine remnant
trees (Figure 2). No other impacts are anticipated.
6.1.2
Indirect Impacts
Indirect impacts may include:
6.2
•
Downstream impacts in Winter Creek from sediment and other construction
related runoff.
•
Potential impacts to areas of remnant vegetation within the disused rail line
(Skipton-Ballarat Rail Trail) on the western boundary of the study area.
Recommendations for the proposed development
There are opportunities to retain at least some of the remnant trees and revegetate
other areas with native trees and other plants that would both contribute to the
amenity of the site and provide habitat for native wildlife.
It is recommended that:
BIOSIS
•
The remnant trees are retained wherever possible, and that they be included
in reserves of a radius of at least twice the height of the tree.
•
Revegetation, with local provenance species suited to Plains Grassy
Woodland EVC, be undertaken within the tree reserve areas.
•
The drainage line of the ephemeral tributary of Winter Creek be excluded
from residential development and that it be revegetated with local provenance
species suited to Plains Grassy Woodland EVC. Walking tracks along and
through the drainage line would be compatible with the revegetation program
•
If any stormwater treatment wetlands are proposed, then these could be also
designed as fauna habitat. Suitable habitat features include provision of
adequate shelter and basking sites (i.e. rocks and logs), fringing emergent
aquatic vegetation in the forms of reeds and rushes and submerged aquatic
vegetation.
•
All areas of retained native vegetation including scattered trees should be
RESEARCH
26
protected during construction.
BIOSIS
•
Sub-surface rock or piles of rock disturbed during construction should be
used to provide habitat within reserves established as part of the
development.
•
Best practice sedimentation and drainage management should be adopted to
ensure that drainage water carrying sediment and other pollutants from any
works area does not enter Winter Creek or other nearby watercourses
RESEARCH
27
REFERENCES
Briggs, J.D. & Leigh, J.H. 1996. Rare or
Threatened Australian Plants. CSIRO
Australia & Australian Nature
Conservation Agency.
NRE 2002. Victoria's Native Vegetation
Management: A Framework for Action.
Department of Natural Resources &
Environment, Victoria.
Cogger, H.G., Cameron, E.E., Sadlier, R.A.
& Eggler, P. 1993. The Action Plan for
Australian Reptiles. Australia Nature
Conservation Agency, Canberra.
Parkes, D., Newell, G. & Cheal, D. 2003.
Assessing the quality of native vegetation:
The habitat hectares approach. Ecological
Management & Restoration Volume 4
Supplement 29–38.
DSE 2003. Advisory List of the Threatened
Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria - 2003,
Department of Sustainability and
Environment, Melbourne.
Tyler, M. J. 1997. The Action Plan for
Australian Frogs. Environment Australia,
Canberra.
DSE 2004. Native Vegetation: Sustaining a
living landscape. Vegetation Quality
Assessment Manual – Guidelines for
applying the habitat hectares scoring
method. Version 1.3. Department of
Sustainability and Environment,
Melbourne.
DSE 2006a. Native vegetation – Guide for
assessment of referred applications.
Department of Sustainability and
Environment, Melbourne.
Duncan, A., Baker, G.B. & Montgomery, N.
1999. The Action Plan for Australian
Bats. Environment Australia, Canberra.
Garnett, S. & Crowley, G. 2000. The Action
Plan for Australian Birds. Environment
Australia, Canberra.
IUCN 2000, 2000 IUCN Red List of
Threatened Species, International Union
for the Conservation of Nature & Natural
Resources, Species Survival Commission,
Geneva.
Lee, A. 1995. Action Plan for Australian
Rodents. Australian Nature Conservation
Agency, Canberra.
Maxwell, S., Burbidge, A. & Morris, K.
1996. Action Plan for Australian
Marsupials and Monotremes. IUCN
Species Survival Commission.
BIOSIS
RESEARCH
References
28
APPENDICES
BIOSIS
RESEARCH
Appendices
29
APPENDIX 1
DSE Vegetation Assessment Methodology
A1.1
Habitat hectares
According to the Native Vegetation Management Framework (NRE 2002), habitat
hectares are calculated where at least 25 % of the understorey cover is native (DSE
2006a, page 10), or a group (i.e. at least 3) of trees where the tree canopy cover is at
least 20% (R Costello 2006, pers. comm.). Such sites are termed 'patches' of native
vegetation.
Each vegetation patch has one or more habitat quality zones. Each habitat zone consists
of one ecological vegetation class (EVC) and has uniform quality within limits.
The assessment process compares the vegetation of the habitat zone against a DSE
‘benchmark’ description of the EVC, using methods described in the DSE assessment
manual (DSE 2004). A habitat score for the habitat zone is calculated by this method.
Each habitat zone has a habitat score of between 0 and 100, with extensive intact
vegetation having a theoretical score of 100. Habitat score is calculated using ten
components: large trees, tree canopy cover, understorey, weediness, recruitment,
organic litter, logs, patch size, neighbourhood context and distance to core area. In
naturally treeless vegetation, or vegetation that can exist in different structural forms,
the score is standardised to account for the absence of some or all ‘woody’ criteria.
The habitat hectare value of a habitat zone is given by its habitat score (expressed as a
decimal between 0 and 1) multiplied by its land area in hectares. For example,
4 hectares of vegetation with a habitat score of 50 contain 2.0 habitat hectares.
Habitat hectares are used to measure losses arising from clearing, and also gains
obtained through protection measures and active management of existing vegetation.
A1.2
Indigenous canopy trees
The following information on indigenous canopy trees does not apply if the subject land
contains only treeless vegetation types.
Large Old Trees within patches
‘Large Old Trees’ within native vegetation patches are subject to offset requirements, as
outlined in the Native Vegetation Management Framework (NRE 2002: Table 6, p 55).
Trees smaller than benchmark size within patches are not included in this assessment as
they are addressed in the habitat hectare analysis.
Scattered trees outside patches
Trees over predominantly introduced understoreys are offset through tree
protection/replacement ratios.
Trees in areas where less than 25 % of the understorey cover is native are assessed as
‘scattered old trees’. Trees are offset by the protection of other old trees and/or
recruitment of new trees.
For land parcels (usually a title boundary) where tree density is greater than eight per
hectare, the offset ratios are outlined in the Native Vegetation Management Framework
(NRE 2002, p 55). For areas where tree density is less, the offset ratios are specified in
the Regional Native Vegetation Plan. Offsets for small trees are also included in the
Native Vegetation Plan.
BIOSIS
RESEARCH
Appendix 1
30
APPENDIX 2
Significance Assessment
The common language meaning of significance is ‘importance; consequence’
(Macquarie Dictionary). While the general meaning of this is clear, in natural resource
assessment and management this meaning needs to be defined in scientific terms.
A2.1
Significant Species and Communities
Species and community conservation significance is defined as follows:
A taxon or community is significant at a particular geographic level (national, state,
regional, local) when it is considered to be rare or threatened at that level.
A taxon is an officially recognised species, subspecies or variety of a species.
The significance of a taxon or community is a function of its rarity within a specified
geographic context: nation, state, region, local area. In each context a taxon or
community has a conservation status: not rare, rare, vulnerable, endangered, and extinct.
‘Threatened’ is a combination of the ‘vulnerable’ and ‘endangered’ categories.
The significance of the taxon or community is the largest geographic context in which it
is at least rare. For example, if a species is uncommon in a state and rare within a
region of that state, it has regional significance within that region.
Species listed as ‘poorly known’ are not considered rare or threatened at present and are
assigned an intermediate rating. For example, a species listed as poorly known in a
state list has potential state significance and is assigned ‘regional/state’ significance.
A2.2
Sites
Site conservation significance is defined as follows:
A site is significant at a particular geographic level (national, state, regional, local)
when it is considered to make a substantial contribution to biodiversity at that level.
As a guideline, one per cent of the total extant population of a significant species within
a specified geographic area or of the total extant area of a significant ecological
community within a specified geographic area is a threshold for ‘substantial
contribution’. Comprehensive data are not always available for such assessments and
interpretation of available data and information is usually required.
In some cases a site may be small when viewed in isolation but it forms an integral and
functional part of a larger site of significance. If there is no ecological reason to divide
the larger site, then the rating that applies to the larger site applies to the smaller site.
Sites with a particularly high level of local or regional significance are assigned ‘high
local’ or ‘high regional’ significance, respectively. These terms are not applied to state
and national levels of significance or to species and communities.
BIOSIS
RESEARCH
Appendix 2
31
To determine whether a site makes a ‘substantial contribution’ to biological
conservation, it is assessed against the following criteria:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Size – overall size of site or habitats/vegetation communities within the site.
Significant species and populations – number of significant species or populations
known or likely to occur on the site.
Significant habitat or vegetation communities – presence and extensiveness of
significant habitats and vegetation communities on the site.
Ecological integrity – degree of intactness, level of past disturbance (such as weed
invasion) and overall condition of vegetation communities on the site.
Richness and diversity – quantity of species, vegetation communities and habitats.
Connectivity – Quality and quantity of linkages between site and adjacent areas of
native vegetation/habitat (wildlife corridor value).
Viability – level of existing and/or future disturbances, degree of existing and/or
future fragmentation.
Distribution – proximity of the site to known distribution limits for significant
species, populations, habitats and/or vegetation communities.
Level of conservation – representation of site attributes in conservation reserves.
As a guideline, one per cent of the total extant population of a significant species within
a specified geographic area or of the total extant area of a significant ecological
community within a specified geographic area is a threshold for ‘substantial
contribution’. Comprehensive data are seldom available and interpretation of limited
available data and information is usually required.
A2.3
Scale: Geographic Context
Significance is determined within specified geographic contexts:
•
•
•
•
A2.4
Australia
State
Region
Local area
Victoria
Victorian Volcanic Plain Bioregion (DSE Flora Information System)
Alfredton West area (within 5 km of the study area)
Conservation Status: Degree of Threat
Official government lists define species and communities that are rare or threatened
(and thus significant) at national and/or state levels. Most of these lists appear as
schedules under legislation and are followed unless further evidence is available.
Species and communities that are rare or threatened at regional and local levels are
determined from the available literature, data and information, and consultation with
relevant individuals where relevant reports and government listings are not available.
National Significance
Species
Species of national significance are either:
•
BIOSIS
Flora or fauna listed as extinct, extinct in the wild, critically endangered,
endangered or vulnerable under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999.
RESEARCH
Appendix 2
32
•
•
Flora listed as rare in Australia in Rare or Threatened Australian Plants (Briggs and
Leigh 1996).
Fauna listed as extinct, endangered or vulnerable in Australia in an Action Plan
published by Environment Australia.
Communities
Ecological communities of national significance are either:
•
•
Listed as critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable under the Environment
Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Considered to be rare or threatened in Australia by Biosis Research using IUCN
criteria where applicable (IUCN 2000).
Ecological communities include flora and/or fauna communities.
State Significance
Species
Species of state significance in Victoria are either:
•
•
•
•
•
Flora or fauna listed as threatened under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.
Flora listed as extinct, endangered, vulnerable or rare in Victoria in the DSE Flora
Information System 2006 Version.
Flora listed as poorly known in Australia in Rare or Threatened Australian Plants
(Briggs and Leigh 1996).
Fauna listed as extinct, critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable in the
Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria, 2003 (DSE 2003) or
fauna listed as conservation dependent under the Environment Protection and
Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Fauna listed as rare/near-threatened in Australia in an Action Plan published by
Environment Australia.
Communities
Ecological communities of state significance in Victoria are either:
•
•
Listed as threatened under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.
Considered to be rare or threatened in Victoria by Biosis Research using IUCN
criteria where applicable (IUCN 2000).
Regional Significance
Species
Species of regional significance are:
•
•
Flora recorded from less than 5% of documented sites (quadrats/defined area lists)
from the Victorian Volcanic Plain Bioregion in the DSE Flora Information System
unless there is reason to believe they are undersampled in the available data.
Fauna considered to be rare or threatened at the bioregional level by Biosis
Research using IUCN criteria where applicable (IUCN 2000) or fauna considered to
be near-threatened in the Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria,
2003 (DSE 2003).
Communities
Ecological communities of regional significance in Victoria are:
•
BIOSIS
Listed as an endangered, vulnerable or depleted ecological vegetation class within a
RESEARCH
Appendix 2
33
•
particular bioregion in a Native Vegetation Plan.
Considered to be rare or threatened at the bioregional level by Biosis Research
using IUCN criteria where applicable (IUCN 2000).
Local Significance
Species
Species of local significance are:
•
Flora or fauna considered to be rare or threatened at the local level by Biosis
Research using IUCN criteria where applicable (IUCN 2000).
Communities
Ecological communities of local significance are:
•
Considered to be rare or threatened at the local level by Biosis Research using
IUCN criteria where applicable (IUCN 2000).
No Significance
Species and ecological communities are not significant when they are considered not to
be rare or threatened at any geographic level by Biosis Research using IUCN criteria
where applicable (IUCN 2000). Species that are not indigenous to a given study area
are not significant. Plantings are generally not significant.
BIOSIS
RESEARCH
Appendix 2
34
APPENDIX 3
Flora Results
A3.1 Significant flora species
Table A3.2 Flora of national or state significance recorded or predicted to occur within 5 km of
the study area
Source: DSE Flora Information System, DEWR database
Australian status:
C
Listed under EPBC Act as critically endangered
E
Listed under EPBC Act as endangered
V
Listed under EPBC Act as vulnerable
R
Rare (Briggs & Leigh 1996)
Victorian status (DSE Flora Information System, 2005 Version):
e
Endangered
v
Vulnerable
r
Rare
Source of record:
FIS: Recorded within 5 km of centre of study area, DSE Flora Information System
DEWR: Species predicted to occur in local area, EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool
Common name
Aust.
status
Vic.
status
Source of
record
Likelihood of
occurrence
Carex tasmanica
Curly Sedge
V
v
DEWR
Unlikely
Eucalyptus yarraensis
Yarra Gum
R
r
FIS
Present
Glycine latrobeana
Clover Glycine
V
v
DEWR
Unlikely
Lachnagrostis
adamsonii
Adamson's Blowngrass
E
v
DEWR
Unlikely
Pimelea spinescens
subsp. Spinescens
Spiny Rice-flower
C
v
DEWR
Unlikely
Poa sallacustris
Salt-lake Tussockgrass
V
v
DEWR
Unlikely
Prasophyllum frenchii
Maroon Leekorchid
E
e
DEWR
Unlikely
Prasophyllum
suaveolens
Fragrant Leekorchid
E
e
DEWR
Unlikely
Senecio psilocarpus
Swamp Fireweed
V
v
DEWR
Unlikely
Thelymitra matthewsii
Spiral Sun-orchid
V
v
DEWR
Unlikely
Xerochrysum palustre
Swamp
Everlasting
V
v
DEWR
Unlikely
v
FIS
Possible
Scientific name
National Significance
State Significance
Amphibromus sinuatus
BIOSIS
Wavy Swamp
Wallaby-grass
RESEARCH
Appendix 3
35
APPENDIX 4
Fauna Results
A4.1 Fauna species recorded within the study area
Table A4.1. Vertebrate fauna recorded from the study area during the present
assessment
•
Key:
introduced species
Common Name
Scientific Name
Birds
Swamp Harrier
Circus approximans
Wedge-tailed Eagle
Aquila audax
Nankeen Kestrel
Falco cenchroides
Willie Wagtail
Rhipidura leucophrys
Magpie-lark
Grallina cyanoleuca
Yellow Thornbill
Acanthiza nana
Brown Thornbill
Acanthiza pusilla
Superb Fairy-wren
Malurus cyaneus
Red Wattlebird
Anthochaera carunculata
Australian Magpie
Gymnorhina tibicen
Raven spp.
Corvus sp.
Skylark *
Alauda arvensis
Common Starling *
Sturnus vulgaris
Mammals
European Rabbit*
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Red Fox*
Canis vulpes
House Mouse *
Mus musculus
Reptiles
Unidentified grass skink
Pseudemoia sp.
Frogs
Unidentified frog
Limnodynastes sp.
Unidentified frog
Litoria sp.
Invertebrates
Unidentified Yabby
BIOSIS
RESEARCH
Cherax sp.
Appendix 3
36
A4.2 Significant fauna species
Table A4.2. Fauna of national or state significance recorded, or predicted to occur,
within the local area
Source: DSE Atlas of Victorian Wildlife, DEWR database
•
AVW data search encompassed a 5km radius (fish removed)
•
DEWR data search encompassed a 5km radius
Status of species:
CR
critically endangered
EN
endangered
VU
vulnerable
NT
near threatened
DD
data deficient (insufficient known)
R
rare or insufficient known
L
listed under Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act
Sources used to derive species status:
EPBC
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth)
DSE
Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria (DSE 2003b)
FFG
Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Vic.)
Action Plans: Maxwell et al. (1996) for marsupials and monotremes, Duncan et al. (1999) for bats,
Lee (1995) for rodents, Garnett and Crowley (2000) for birds, Cogger et al. (1993) for reptiles, Tyler
(1997) for amphibians, and Wager and Jackson (1993) for freshwater fishes.
# denotes species predicted to occur or with habitat predicted to occur in the local area (DEWR
database)
Common
Name
Scientific Name
Last
Record
EPBC
Act
DSE
2003
FFG
Act
Action
Plan
Likelihood of
occurrence
Golden Sun
Moth
Synemon plana
#
CR
EN
L
Swift Parrot
Lathamus discolor
#
EN
EN
L
EN
Not recorded,
unlikely
Regent
Honeyeater
Xanthomyza phrygia
#
EN
CR
L
EN
Not recorded,
unlikely
Smoky Mouse
Pseudomys fumeus
#
EN
EN
L
R
Not recorded,
unlikely
Australian
Painted Snipe
Rostratula australis
#
VU
CR
L
VU
Not recorded,
rare visitor
Spot-tailed
Quoll
Dasyurus maculatus
maculatus (SE mainland
population)
#
EN
EN
L
VU
Not recorded,
unlikely
Grey-headed
Flying-fox
Pteropus poliocephalus
#
VU
VU
L
VU
Not recorded,
unlikely
Striped Legless
Lizard
Delma impar
#
VU
EN
L
VU
Not recorded,
unlikely
Growling
Grass Frog
Litoria raniformis
#
VU
EN
L
VU
Not recorded,
unlikely
Australian
Grayling
Prototroctes maraena
#
VU
VU
L
VU
Unknown
National
Significance
BIOSIS
RESEARCH
Not recorded,
unlikely
Appendix 3
37
Common
Name
Scientific Name
Last
Record
EPBC
Act
DSE
2003
FFG
Act
Action
Plan
Likelihood of
occurrence
Dwarf
Galaxias
Galaxiella pusilla
#
VU
VU
L
VU
Unknown
Australian
Bustard
Ardeotis australis
1954
CR
L
NT
Not recorded,
unlikely
Brush-tailed
Phascogale
Phascogale tapoatafa
1990
VU
L
NT
Not recorded,
unlikely
Baillon's Crake
Porzana pusilla
2001
VU
L
Not recorded,
unlikely
Brolga
Grus rubicunda
1996
VU
L
Not recorded,
unlikely
Royal
Spoonbill
Platalea regia
2001
VU
Great Egret
Ardea alba
2001/#
VU
L
Not recorded,
rare visitor
Little Bittern
Ixobrychus minutus
2000
EN
L
Not recorded,
unlikely
Magpie Goose
Anseranas semipalmata
1996
VU
L
Not recorded,
rare visitor
Australasian
Shoveler
Anas rhynchotis
2001
VU
Not recorded,
rare visitor
Hardhead
Aythya australis
2001
VU
Not recorded,
rare visitor
Blue-billed
Duck
Oxyura australis
2001
EN
Musk Duck
Biziura lobata
2001
VU
White-bellied
Sea-Eagle
Haliaeetus leucogaster
#
VU
Pied
Cormorant
Phalacrocorax varius
1999
NT
Not recorded,
unlikely
Whiskered
Tern
Chlidonias hybridus
1991
NT
Not recorded,
unlikely
Latham's Snipe
Gallinago hardwickii
2000/#
NT
Not recorded,
unlikely
Nankeen Night
Heron
Nycticorax caledonicus
2000
NT
Not recorded,
unlikely
Spotted Harrier
Circus assimilis
1985
NT
Not recorded,
rare visitor
State
Significance
Not recorded,
unlikely
L
Not recorded,
rare visitor
Not recorded,
rare visitor
L
Not recorded,
rare visitor
Regional
Significance
BIOSIS
RESEARCH
Appendix 3
38
A4.3. Migratory species
Table A4.3. Migratory fauna species recorded, or predicted to occur, within
5kilometres of the study area
Source: DSE Atlas of Victorian Wildlife, DEWR database
Note:
Species in bold were recorded in the study area during the present assessment.
# denotes species predicted to occur or with habitat predicted to occur in the local area (DEWR
database)
Common Name
Scientific Name
Last Record
Marsh Sandpiper
Tringa stagnatilis
1982
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper
Calidris acuminata
1989
Latham's Snipe
Gallinago hardwickii
2000/#
Great Egret
Ardea alba
2001/#
White-bellied Sea-Eagle
Haliaeetus leucogaster
#
Rainbow Bee-eater
Merops ornatus
#
White-throated Needletail
Hirundapus caudacutus
#
Fork-tailed Swift
Apus pacificus
#/1985
Rufous Fantail
Rhipidura rufifrons
#
Satin Flycatcher
Myiagra cyanoleuca
#
Clamorous Reed Warbler
Acrocephalus stentoreus
2001
Regent Honeyeater
Xanthomyza phrygia
#
Cattle Egret
Ardea ibis
1991/#
BIOSIS
RESEARCH
Appendix 3
39
FIGURES
BIOSIS
RESEARCH
Figures
40
( Mildura
Mildura
( Swan
Swan Hill
Hill
Kerang (
Kerang
Albury
Albury
Echuca (
Echuca
(Wodonga
(
Wodonga
Shepparton (
Shepparton
( Horsham
Horsham
(
( Wangaratta
Wangaratta
( St
St Arnaud
Arnaud
(
Bendigo
Bendigo
Stawell
Stawell
(
Seymour
Seymour
(
Mansfield
Mansfield
Ararat (
Ararat
( Ballarat
Ballarat
(
Hamilton
Hamilton
(
Geelong (
Geelong
Portland (
Portland
(
Melbourne
Melbourne
Warragul (
Warragul
( Warrnambool
Warrnambool
(
Moe Traralgon
Moe
Traralgon
(
Cann River
River
Cann
Lakes Entrance
Entrance
Lakes
((
Morwell
Morwell
0
50
100
150
200
kilometres
Su
Ba
llar
a
t-b
urr
u
mb
eet
R
ns
h in
e-
Ara
r
at
R
ailw
oad
ay
Study area
Finchs Roa
d
Kopke
Kopke
Alfredton
Alfredton
Dyson Driv
e
Cuthberts
Road
Ballarat-ca
rngham Roa
d
Acknowledgement: VicRoads
38 Bertie Street
(PO Box 489)
Port Melbourne
VICTORIA 3207
Figure 1: Location of the study area, Alfredton
DATE: 5 March 2007
Checked by: RMM
File number: 6056
Location: ...\6056\Mapping\6056 Fig 1.wor
Scale:
0
1
2
kilometres
3
4
Legend
Remnant tree (see report for details)
Approximate location of the tributary
of Winter Creek
Cypress Pines
Pines
Cypress
BBaa
lllaarr
aatt
--
447
450
11
21
.54
(
(11
44
9
(22
(
Cypress
Cypress
44
Gum
Gum Plantation
Plantation
9
448
m
449
04
Radiata
Radiata Pines
Pines
0
44
8
.
03
45
447
19
BBuu
rrrruu
mbb
m
eeee
tt RRdd
Gum
Gum Plantation
Plantation
ill))
rraai
T
T
aiill
RRa
Gum
Gum Plantation
Plantation
448
Radiata
Radiata Pines
Pines
447
444
inee
LLin
l
i
l
i
a
RRa
edd
e
s
s
issuu
DDi
oonn
iipptt
k
k
((SS
m
45
0
Gorse
Gorse
443
446
(
(44
447
446
Gorse
Gorse
Cypress
Cypress Pines
Pines
6
44
Cypress
Cypress Pines
Pines
Gum
Gum Plantation
Plantation
3
44
Rocky
Rocky Depressions
Depressions
(seasonally
(seasonally wet)
wet)
(
(55
Dam
Dam
9
43
444
(66
(
446
445
(
(33
Radiata
Radiata Pines
Pines
Gum Plantation
Plantation
Gum
(
( old
old dead
dead tree
tree
453
Radiata
Radiata Pines
Pines
43
4
438
Gorse
Gorse
(
(77
1043.30
m
6
2
D
Dyyssoonn
D
Dririvvee
43
43
447
44
436
6
449
434
4 48
(
(
452
2345.90
m
(
(99
(
(88
448
450
C
Cuuth
thbbeertrtss
R
Rdd
Small
Small Blackwoods
Blackwoods
Cypress
Cypress Pines
Pines
(
((
(
Radiata
Radiata Pines
Pines
Alfredton
Park
Estate
Cuthbe
38 Bertie Street
(PO Box 489)
Port Melbourne
VICTORIA 3207
Figure 2: Ecological features of the study area, Alfredton West
DATE: 20 March 2007
Checked by: JM
File number: 6056
Location: ...\MRG 6000s\6056\Mapping\6056 Fig 2.wor
rts Road
Figure 2: Ecological features of the study area,
Alfredton West
Scale:
0
0.75
1.5
2.25
kilometres
3.0
3.75

biosis - City of Ballarat

Transcription

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