Report for Nillumbik Shire Council
Yarrambat Structure Plan Project:
Biodiversity Study
August 2013
Bruce Horkings & Ben Imbery
Yarrambat Structure Plan Project: Biodiversity Study - August 2013
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Acknowledgements
• Eddie Cheng – GIS Officer, Nillumbik Shire Council
• Paul Fyffe – Senior Strategic Planner, Nillumbik Shire Council
• Marianne Sparks – Environmental Planner, Nillumbik Shire Council
Version Control
Status Date Issued Revision Type Reviewed By Amended By
Draft 1.1 3.09.2013 First Draft B. Imbery B. Horkings
Draft 1.2 4.09.2013 Second Draft N. Cole B. Horkings
Draft 1.3 9.09.2013 Third Draft N. Cole B. Horkings
Draft 1.4 10.09.2013 Fourth Draft B. Imbery B. Horkings
Draft 1.5 15.10.2013 Fifth Draft Nillumbik Shire Council B. Horkings
Draft 1.6 15.11.2013 Sixth Draft B. Imbery B. Horkings
Draft 1.7 11.12.2013 Seventh Draft Nillumbik Shire Council B. Horkings
Final 13.12.2013 Final Revision for release to Client approved by N. Cole
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE of CONTENTS ........................................................................................................... ii
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ..................................................................................................... iii
1 PROJECT INTRODUCTION, SCOPE AND METHODS ............................................... 1
1.1 Project Background ..................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Project Scope ............................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Description of Methods ............................................................................................... 1
1.3.1 Data and Literature Review ................................................................................. 1
1.3.2 Field Inspection .................................................................................................... 2
2 STUDY AREA .................................................................................................................. 3
2.1 Overview ..................................................................................................................... 3
2.2 Planning ....................................................................................................................... 3
3 STUDY AREA BIODIVERSITY VALUES..................................................................... 6
3.1 Ecological Vegetation Classes .................................................................................... 6
3.1.1 Desktop Findings ................................................................................................. 6
3.2 Sites of Faunal and Habitat Significance in North East Melbourne ........................... 9
3.3 Environmental Significance Overlay: Schedule 1 (ESO1) ....................................... 11
3.3.1 Stage 2 of the ESO1 Review .............................................................................. 11
3.3.1 Stage 3 of the ESO1 Review .............................................................................. 14
3.4 Rare or Threatened Species ....................................................................................... 15
3.4.1 Rare or Threatened Flora Species ...................................................................... 15
3.4.2 Rare or Threatened Fauna Species ..................................................................... 15
3.5 Significant Ecological Communities ......................................................................... 16
3.6 Field Inspection ......................................................................................................... 16
4 RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................................................. 19
5 SUMMARY ..................................................................................................................... 20
REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................ 22
MAPS ....................................................................................................................................... 24
Map 1 – Study Area Detail .................................................................................................. 24
APPENDICES ......................................................................................................................... 25
Appendix 1 – Flora Results – Rare or Threatened Species – 5km Search .......................... 25
Appendix 2 – Fauna Results – Rare or Threatened Species – 5km Search ......................... 27
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Indigenous Design Land Management (IDLM) has been commissioned by Nillumbik Shire
Council (NSC) to undertake a Biodiversity Study as part of the Yarrambat Structure Plan
(YSP) project. The study area as defined by Nillumbik Shire Council covers an approximate
area of 54.5 hectares and is broken into the ‘township’ area and additional land abutting to
the west of this area.
The scope for the Biodiversity Study component of the Yarrambat Structure Plan project
included the desktop assessment of a number of data sources (maps, biodiversity records,
previous reports). These information sources were then analysed and used to identify any
significant species, habitat or other notable environmental values. This analysis provides the
background for the development of recommendations made to protect flora and fauna values.
The desktop assessment identified that the study area contained the following:
• NEROC Report
o The Sites of Faunal and Habitat Significance in North East Melbourne was
released in 1997
o The fringes of 3 sites are located within the study area
o The NEROC report is the basis of the Environmental Significance Overlay:
Schedule 1 (ESO1) mapping within the Shire
• ESO1 Review (Stage 2 & 3)
o Generally found that the ESO was no longer relevant in a number of areas due
to the ongoing degradation of biodiversity values since the NEROC report was
released
o Identified 3 sites within the study area that the ESO should either be removed
or modified
o Identified 1 site containing a rare flora species within the study area
o Identified 1 site that could provide foraging habitat for 2 (endangered and
threatened) fauna species (owl’s) within the study area
o Identified 2 locations within the study areas that were on the fringes of sites
identified in the Stage 3 review
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• Rare or threatened flora/fauna database searches in a 5km radius around the study
area:
o Found 26 flora records within the 5km search radius but only 1 record within
the study area
o Found 56 fauna records within the 5km search radius and no records within
the study area
o Found 4 records for significant ecological communities within the 5km search
radius but no records within the study area
Overall this Biodiversity Study found the study area to be a developed semi-rural landscape
with overall limited biodiversity attributes with retained native vegetation providing more of
an ‘amenity’ value than contributing to biodiversity values. Recommendations made provide
opportunities for both further development in areas with the least amount of environmental
value and appropriate protection for areas with some value.
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1 PROJECT INTRODUCTION, SCOPE AND METHODS
1.1 Project Background
Indigenous Design Land Management (IDLM) has been commissioned by Nillumbik Shire
Council (NSC) to undertake a Biodiversity Study as part of the Yarrambat Structure Plan
(YSP) project.
1.2 Project Scope
The scope for the Biodiversity Study component of the Yarrambat Structure Plan project will
include the following:
• Undertake assessment of Yarrambat township area (study area) as identified in Figure
2.1;
• Collate, review and analyse historical data, biodiversity records, and any identified
reports;
• Identify significant species, habitat or other notable environmental values;
• Document environmental context of the study area;
• Provide recommendations to protect flora and fauna values; and
• Undertake a field inspection of the study area to confirm recommendations &
condition as necessary and relevant.
1.3 Description of Methods
1.3.1 Data and Literature Review
As part of the data and literature review, the following resources were used in undertaking
the process:
• The Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) Victorian
Biodiversity Atlas – Spatial Data (DEPI, 2013a);
• The Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) Victorian
Biodiversity Interactive Map – (DEPI, 2013b);
• Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act
1999, Protected Matters on-line search tool (DSEWPC, 2013);
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• Nillumbik Shire Council: Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO1) Review, Stage
2 (Ecology Australia, 2007a);
• Nillumbik Shire Council: Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO1) Review, Stage
2 (Addendum) (Ecology Australia, 2007b);
• Sites of Faunal and Habitat Significance in North East Melbourne (Beardsell, 1997);
• Yarrambat Local Structure Plan (NSC, 2000a)
• Yarrambat Extension Area Local Structure Plan (NSC, 2000b)
• Nillumbik Biodiversity Strategy 2012 (NSC, 2012)
• Nillumbik Green Wedge Management Plan – Part 1: Background and context (NSC,
2010)
• Nillumbik Green Wedge Management Plan – Part 2: Delivering the vision (NSC,
2011)
1.3.2 Field Inspection
A field visit of the study area was undertaken on the 3rd of September 2013. The nature of
the field work was appropriate to the scope and nature of works undertaken and the
significant amount of existing data and literature available from previous studies that covered
the study area and its wider surrounds. No detailed targeted/non-targeted flora/fauna surveys
were undertaken as part of this Biodiversity Study.
The field inspection consisted of a visual assessment of the study area and surrounds with the
purpose of:
• Creating a general feel of the study area
• Comparison of aerial photography to current features on-ground features
• Visual examination of vegetation (remnant and exotic)
• Visual examination of land use and form
• Consideration to form professionally informed views for recommendations
• Consideration of ESO recommendation made by Ecology Australia
As the study site consists primarily of private property, no properties were entered or
examined in detail. Observations were made from the roadside.
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2 STUDY AREA
2.1 Overview
The study area for this biodiversity assessment includes the Yarrambat Township (primarily a
cluster of some retail premises and community facilities) and some surrounding semi-rural
properties. The study area is located approximately 23km north east of Melbourne’s CBD
with the urban area of South Morang to the west and the township of Hurstbridge to the east.
The study area is located within the Highland Southern Fall Bioregion, the Port Phillip and
Westernport Catchment area and the Nillumbik Shire Council municipality. Most of the land
in the study area is cleared, but some patches of remnant native vegetation remain. Larger
native vegetation patches can be found to the west (Plenty River) and east of the study area.
Error! Reference source not found. provides the location of the approximate 54.5 hectare
study area.
2.2 Planning
The study area is primarily within the Low-density Residential Zone. A number of different
overlays exist within and around the study area. Relevant to this report, the Environmental
Significance Overlay: Schedule 1 (ESO1) affects parts of the study area (discussed further
below). Figure 2-2 shows the area of coverage of ESO1 within the study area.
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Figure 2-1: Location of Study Area – Yarrambat ‘township’ and surrounds
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Figure 2-2: NEROC Sites and ESO1 Coverage within Study Area
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3 STUDY AREA BIODIVERSITY VALUES
3.1 Ecological Vegetation Classes
Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVC's) are a type of vegetation classification which aims to
group plant communities according to common flora species, vegetation structure and
common environmental factors such as elevation, soils and average rainfall. The study area is
located within the Highlands Southern Fall Bioregion.
3.1.1 Desktop Findings
The DEPI’s Biodiversity Interactive Map (DEPI, 2013b) displays the study area as
comprising three pre-1750’s EVC's:
• EVC 22: Grassy Dry Forest;
• EVC 55: Plains Grassy Woodland; and
• EVC 126: Swampy Riparian Complex.
Extant (current) mapping of native vegetation on site suggests that all three EVC’s are still
present across the study area, albeit in small, modified and scattered remnants. This extant
mapping is produced by the Department of Environment and Primary industry (DEPI) based
on data from 2005 and is available online (DEPI, 2013b). Figure 3-1 shows the EVC extant
mapping within the study area.
The abundant availability of biodiversity data for this area and the nature of the assessment
project did not warrant the need for extensive field truthing of EVC extant mapping.
Table 3-1 lists the bioregional conservation status of each EVC mapped within the study area
within the Highlands Southern Fall bioregion and a description of the EVC is provided
below.
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Table 3-1: Ecological Vegetation Classes mapped within the study area with corresponding
Bioregional Conservation Status
Ecological Vegetation Classes Bioregional
Conservation Status
EVC 22: Grassy Dry Forest Least Concern
EVC 55: Plains Grassy Woodland Endangered
EVC 126: Swampy Riparian Complex Endangered
(DEPI, 2013c)
Figure 3-1: EVC Extant Mapping
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The overall condition of each EVC was not fully evaluated or scored in any meaningful
manner, however based on observations and professional opinion each identified EVC is in
various stages of degradation generally found with a semi intact canopy and heavily disturbed
/ modified understorey general being weed dominated or managed in a slashed or domestic
garden manner. Only one site within the study area was noted as being mostly intact and of a
higher quality which is discussed further below in Section 3.4.1.
• The DSE Benchmark for EVC 22: Grassy Dry Forest describes the EVC as follows:
Occurs on a variety of gradients and altitudes and on a range of geologies. The overstorey is
dominated by a low to medium height open forest of eucalypts to 20 m tall, sometimes
resembling a woodland. The understorey usually consists of a sparse shrub layer of medium
height. Grassy Dry Forest is characterised by a ground layer dominated by a high diversity
of drought tolerant grasses and herbs, often including a suite of fern species. (DEPI, 2013c)
• The DSE Benchmark for EVC 55: Plains Grassy Woodland describes the EVC as
follows:
An open, eucalypt woodland to 15 m tall occurring on a number of geologies and soil types.
Occupies poorly drained, fertile soils on flat or gently undulating plains at low elevations.
The understorey consists of a few sparse shrubs over a species-rich grassy and herbaceous
ground layer. (DEPI, 2013c)
• The DSE Benchmark for EVC 126: Swampy Riparian Complex describes the EVC as
follows:
Structurally variable vegetation typical of swampy to waterlogged, low gradient drainage-
lines (or associated hillside soaks). The potential component EVCs of this mapping unit
include Creekline Herb-rich Woodland, Gully Woodland, Shrubby Gully Forest, Fern
Swamp, Swampy Riparian Woodland, Swampy Woodland and Swamp Scrub. (DEPI, 2013c)
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3.2 Sites of Faunal and Habitat Significance in North East Melbourne
In 1997 the comprehensive study and six volume report ‘Sites of Faunal and Habitat
Significance in North East Melbourne’ was released for the then organisation North East
Regional Organisations of Councils (NEROC) (Beardsell, 1997). This report is colloquially
known as the NEROC report. This report covered 11 years of data collection ranging from
individual species surveys (flora and fauna) to habitat mapping.
The purpose of this study and associated report was to undertake a broad scale survey of
North East Melbourne (between the Hume Freeway, Yarra River and the Great Dividing
Range) to identify flora and fauna species present alongside their habitats, habitat links and
the significance of such sites based on a criteria that defines a national, state or regional
significance (Beardsell, 1997). This report was used as the basis of defining the
Environmental Significance Overlay: Schedule 1 (ESO1) within the Nillumbik municipality.
The study area falls into two biophysical zones (Management Unit), Nillumbik Lowland Hills
(NLH) to the north of Ironbark Road and east of Yan Yean Road with the remainder of the
area being located within Plenty Lowland Hills (PLH) (Beardsell, 1997). Biophysical zones
are defined as discrete geographic units that represent a combination of ecological and
geographical environs. Within each zone, sites of significance have been identified based on
extensive criteria for flora, fauna and habitat values and then further grouped into three
categories (1-3) of overall value (Beardsell, 1997).
Within the study area, the fringes of three NEROC sites and two partially functional habitat
links can be found as indicated in Figure 2-2 above and Table 3-2 below.
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Table 3-2: NEROC sites and habitat links within the study area
Type Management
Unit Site No. and Name
Habitat
Significance Values
% of ha
within
Study Area
Site PLH A:
Plenty Gorge
Site 41:
Kurrak Road
(200 ha)
High
• No 'relatively intact and extensive stands' described are supported within study
area extent.
• 'Rare or Threatened' Fauna: Letter Winged Kite, Black Falcon, Masked Owl,
Barking Owl, Powerful Owl, Nankeen night Heron, Brush-tailed Phascogale.
(Recordings within 200ha site)
• 'Rare or Threatened' Flora: Wine-lip Spider Orchid, Bearded Greenhood,
Rye Beetle-grass, Slender Tick-trefoil, Yarra Gum (Recordings within 200ha
site)
4%
Site PLH C:
Diamond Creek
Site 47:
Plenty
(320 ha)
Medium
• 'Relatively intact stands' of Red Box- Red Stringybark box- stringybark
woodland potentially present within study area extent.
• 'Rare or Threatened' Fauna: Common Bent-wing Bat. (Recordings within
320ha site)
2%
Site NLH C:
Hurstbridge
Site 73:
Plenty River –
Diamond Creek Link
(500 ha)
Medium • No 'relatively intact and extensive stands' or 'partially intact or small stands'
described are supported within study area extent. 1%
Habitat
Link PLH
Partially Functional Habitat Link
(Regional Network)
Connects Site 41 to Site 47
Habitat
Link PLH/NLH
Partially Functional Habitat Link
(Regional Network)
Connects Site 47 to Site 73
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3.3 Environmental Significance Overlay: Schedule 1 (ESO1)
This Environmental Significance Overlay: Schedule 1 (ESO1) is applied in the Shire of
Nillumbik to protect biodiversity significance and is mapped in accordance with the findings
of the NEROC report. This Overlay is applied to both public and private land throughout the
municipality with the dual objectives of:
• To protect and enhance sites of faunal and habitat significance as identified in the
NEROC report
• To protect and enhance regional and strategic habitat links as identified in the
NEROC report
The ESO1 is currently applied to approximately 16 hectares (29% of study area) within the
Yarrambat Structure Plan Project area.
Nillumbik Shire Council instigated a review of the ESO1 in areas that were covered by the
Township Zone, Low Density Residential Zone and selected sites within Residential 1 Zone
(Ecology Australia, 2007a; 2007b).
3.3.1 Stage 2 of the ESO1 Review
During late 2005 to 2007, the consulting firm Ecology Australia (EA) assessed the
biodiversity significance of land at over 100 sites in the Shire as part of a Council project,
Stage 2 of the Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO1) Review. This review included
both desktop analysis and field assessments and utilised a number of resources, including the
findings of the NEROC report and Biosite information (Ecology Australia, 2007a; 2007b).
Much of the current application of the ESO1 in the study area for the Yarrambat Structure
Plan Project was included in assessment sites (aside from the Primary School) for the ESO1
review project and was consequently assessed by EA. In its report, EA detailed that these
sites range from areas that contain ‘patchy tree cover’ which could provide a ‘potential
stepping stone’ link for avian species from the west to east (Plenty River to remnants east of
Yan Yean Road) through to small remnant patches, exotic vegetation dominated areas and
mostly cleared sites. EA recommended four separate reductions in application of the ESO1
on land now in the study area Yarrambat Structure Plan Project. It did so on the grounds that
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the patches of land in question are no longer of sufficient biodiversity value to warrant
application of this overlay (Ecology Australia, 2007a; 2007b).
A few important findings that were identified within the Stage 2 review and are directly
relevant to the Yarrambat Structure Plan project include (Ecology Australia, 2007a; 2007b):
• Generally areas within the study area covered by the ESO1 have experienced a
significant trend of habitat degradation and a decline in biological values leading to a
change of fauna to ‘urban assemblages’ caused by the ongoing impacts of
development and native vegetation removal.
• This change from functioning ecological systems, albeit under threat from ongoing
development as identified in the NEROC report (Beardsell, 1997), to simple systems
often with only the indigenous tree canopy remaining has changed the value of
remnant vegetation patches from a biodiversity asset to that of an amenity asset.
• In re-establishing habitat links between remnant native vegetation patches in
developed areas, literature shows that increasingly rare fauna species generally will
not survive if they ‘stray or disperse’ into these areas due to the risk of death by such
vectors as predation by pets (dogs and cats) or the risk of being hit by vehicles
(Ecology Australia, 2007a; 2007b).
Figure 3.2 displays the distribution and extent of the ESO within the study area and EA’s
recommended removal of the overlay (Ecology Australia, 2007a; 2007b).
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Figure 3.2: ESO Coverage and review recommendations within study area
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3.3.1 Stage 3 of the ESO1 Review
As part of the Nillumbik Shire’s ongoing review process of the Environmental Significance
Overlay: Schedule 1 (ESO1), Stage 3 is reviewing application of the ESO1 in non-urban
areas of the Shire and is incorporating a process of identifying core habitat areas for flora and
fauna species (NSC, 2012). The Stage 3 review has identified two sites in the vicinity of the
study area, one of which has a portion, albeit a very small one, located within the study area.
The below table (Table 3-3) summarises the site details.
Table 3-3: ESO Review Stage 3 Sites (Abzeco, 2012 [Draft])
ESO Review
Stage 3
Site ID
NEROC Site ID Area (ha) Habitat Value
38 47 - Plenty 517 Core Habiat ( 296.41ha)
Low-Moderate Habitat (220.99ha)
55 73 – Plenty River-
Diamond Creek Link 779
Core Habitat (355.72ha)
Low-Moderate Habitat (423.36ha)
Site 38 is located adjacent to the study area encompassing the bushland area to the rear of the
primary school and adjoining properties fronting Ironbark Road (Abzeco, 2012)[Draft]. Its
habitat quality varies across the large site but is identified as an important biolink between
Plenty River and Diamond Creek for fauna (Abzeco, 2012)[Draft]. The biolink connection is
in line with that reported in the NEROC report (Beardsell, 1997) which traverses the study
area in a northwest / southeast direction from west of Yan Yean Road to south of Ironbark
Road. The biolink is considered to be an important ‘stepping stone corridor’ for maintaining
bird diversity.
Site 55 is primarily located to the northeast and east of the study area with two small sections
extending into the study area (Abzeco, 2012)[Draft]. A very small section (approximately
250m2) of the site is located within the northeast corner of the study area in the vicinity of
Young’s Road which is recorded as being of low-moderate habitat while the other smaller
area (approximately 550m2) covers the treed eastern boundary of the local sports oval area
which is identified as ‘core habitat’ (Abzeco, 2012)[Draft].
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3.4 Rare or Threatened Species
3.4.1 Rare or Threatened Flora Species
A desktop search was undertaken to ascertain the recorded presence of all rare and threatened
flora species within a five kilometre radius of the study area utilising the resources identified
in Section 1.3.1. Overall records for 26 rare and threatened species were found within the
search radius and Appendix 1 lists all of these. Only one record for rare and threatened flora
species was identified within the actual biodiversity study area being Billardiera scandens
var. brachyantha (Velvet Apple-berry).
This rare (in Victoria) flora species was identified by Ecology Australia (EA) during their
ESO1 Stage 2 Review project (Ecology Australia, 2007a; 2007b). The location of this
species is on the site designated as ‘Site 103’ within the ESO1 Stage 2 Review and at the
time of this review the site was undeveloped. This site is now partially developed with a large
dwelling and detached garage located to the rear of the property. However, despite this
development, the site was still the best example of intact native vegetation within the study
area for the Yarrambat Structure Project Plan identified by IDLM during its recent field visit
and had connectivity to the larger expanse of native vegetation to the south. This Biodiversity
Study did not assess the property to determine if the rare flora species observed by EA is still
present and the exact location of the plant is not known.
3.4.2 Rare or Threatened Fauna Species
A desktop search was undertaken to ascertain the recorded presence of all rare and threatened
fauna species within a five kilometre radius of the study area utilising the resources identified
in Section 1.3.1. Overall records for 56 rare and threatened species were found within the
search radius and Appendix 2 lists all of these. No records for rare and threatened fauna
species were identified within the actual biodiversity study area.
‘Site 105’ as identified within the ESO1 Stage 2 review process was identified as providing
potential foraging habitat for the Ninox strenua (Powerful Owl) (Endangered in Victoria) and
Ninox connivens (Barking Owl) (Vulnerable in Victoria) due to the presence of small intact
remnant patches and the high density of canopy cover through much of the site. The
combination of these small patches and dense canopy cover provides important connectivity
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to the west (outside of this study area) where larger native vegetation remnants exist to the
Plenty River area (Ecology Australia, 2007a; 2007b).
3.5 Significant Ecological Communities
A desktop search was undertaken to ascertain the recorded presence of any listed threatened
ecological communities under the national Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act (EPBC Act 1999) in a radius of 5 kilometres surrounding, and including,
the study area. This search was undertaken utilising the Australian Government’s ‘Protected
Matters on-line search tool’ with the results displayed below in Table 3-4 (DSEWPC, 2013).
Table 3-4: 5 kilometre search results for threatened ecological communities
Ecological Community Name Status Type of Presence
Grassy Eucalypt Woodland of the Victorian Volcanic
Plain
Critically
Endangered
Community known to occur
within 5km search area
Natural Temperate Grassland of the Victorian Volcanic
Plain
Critically
Endangered
Community known to occur
within 5km search area Seasonal Herbaceous Wetlands (Freshwater) of
Temperate Lowland Plains
Critically
Endangered
Community known to occur
within 5km search area White Box - Yellow Box - Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy
Woodland and Derived Native Grassland
Critically
Endangered
Community known to occur
within 5km search area
In undertaking the review process and the onground field inspection, no evidence was found
that identified the existence of any of the above listed intact ecological communities from the
within the study area.
3.6 Field Inspection
A field inspection was undertaken on the 3rd
September 2013 which consisted of examining
the study area surrounding landscape by foot and vehicle. It provided the opportunity to
balance the desktop assessment (EVCs, NEROC, ESO review, rare or threatened searches)
findings with a visual assessment of the study area.
Key points from the site visit are summarised below and assisted in formulating the
recommendations in Section 4:
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• The site with the highest biodiversity values based on the visible intact remnant native
vegetation was 459 Ironbark Road, Yarrambat (Site 103 within EA 2007a; 2007b).
This site also contains the one found record of a rare or threatened flora species
(Velvet Apple-berry).
• The area is a developed semi-rural area with limited and very localised biodiversity
values.
• Scattered remnant vegetation occurs in some locations within the study area but
mostly consists of a eucalypt canopy with a disturbed / heavily modified understorey.
• The native vegetation located west of Yan Yean Road on the hilltop area is in better
condition (generally) than the lower lying areas. This area is a fragmented link of
native vegetation patches which provides some connectivity to core habitat areas to
the west, outside of the study area.
• Native vegetation to the east of Yan Yean Road is mostly negligible and primarily
consists of scattered planted ‘native’ gardens and shelterbelts amongst exotic pasture
and gardens.
• Figure 3.4 indicates areas within the study site and their vegetation quality (low /
medium / high).
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Figure 3.4: Native vegetation quality within study area
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4 RECOMMENDATIONS
In undertaking the desktop assessment utilising identified resources listed in Section 1.3.1
and a limited field based assessment, a number of recommendations can be made to inform
the Yarrambat Structure Plan Project regarding biodiversity impacts and the protection of
flora and fauna values.
These recommendations are listed below in no particular order:
• Recommendation 1:
o That application of the ESO1 is reduced in the study area as recommended by
EA (Ecology Australia, 2007a; 2007b).
• Recommendation 2:
o Areas identified in Figure 3.4 with a vegetation quality of:
� High – retain / implement ESO1 to ensure a high level of native
vegetation retention
� Moderate – consideration be given to applying the Significant
Landscape Overlay: Schedule 2 or similar to provide a level of
protection for native vegetation
� Low – no extra protection required aside for scattered Large Old Trees
(LOTs) or Very Large Old Trees (VLOTs)
• Recommendation 3:
o Where development (i.e. new dwellings, subdivision, bushfire setbacks) is to
occur in high or moderate vegetation quality areas, consideration should be
given to the potential impact on remnant or scattered native vegetation.
• Recommendation 4:
o Where undertaking, or encouraging property owners to undertake, any
revegetation works consider the potential impact for dwellings (existing or
future) located within the Bushfire Prone Area or Bushfire Management
Overlay and consider the potential change in Bushfire Attack Level (BAL)
rating and defendable space.
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5 SUMMARY
This biodiversity study examined a number of different resources as part of the desktop
analysis process and found:
• Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs)
o 3 pre 1750 EVC’s mapped across the study area
o Extant (current) mapping shows the EVC’s still exist within the study area in a
limited capacity
• NEROC Report
o The Sites of Faunal and Habitat Significance in North East Melbourne was
released in 1997
o The fringes of 3 sites are located within the study area
o Two partially functional habitat links occur cross the study area
o The NEROC report is the basis of the Environmental Significance Overlay
(ESO) mapping within the Shire
• ESO Review (Stage 2 & 3)
o Generally found that current application of the ESO is no longer justified in a
number of areas due to the ongoing degradation of biodiversity values and
have recommended significant reduction of the ESO1 in the study area.
o Identified 1 site containing a rare flora species within the study area
o Identified 1 site that could provide foraging habitat for 2 (endangered and
threatened) fauna species (owl’s) within the study area
o Identified 2 locations within the study area’s that were on the fringes of sites
identified in the Stage 3 review
• Rare or threatened flora/fauna database searches
o Found no records within the study area for rare or threatened flora/fauna
species
o Found 4 records for significant ecological communities that could exist within
the study area
o No evidence found to support the existence of the above communities within
the study area
Yarrambat Structure Plan Project: Biodiversity Study - August 2013
Indigenous Design Land Management 21
Overall this biodiversity study found the study area to be a developed semi-rural landscape
with overall limited biodiversity attributes with retained native vegetation providing more of
an ‘amenity’ value than contributing to biodiversity values. Recommendations in the
previous section provide opportunities for both further development in areas with the least
amount of environmental value and appropriate protection for areas with some value.
Yarrambat Structure Plan Project: Biodiversity Study - August 2013
Indigenous Design Land Management 22
REFERENCES
ABS. (2011). 2011 Census QuickStats - Yarrambat. Retrieved August 2013, from
http://www.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2011/quickstat/
SSC21533
Abzeco. (2012). Nillumbik ESO1 Review - Stage 3 Review ver 1.1 October 2012 (draft).
Beardsell, C. (1997). Sites of Faunal and Habitat Significance in North East Melbourne.
Nillumbik Shire Council.
DEPI. (2013a). Victorian Biodiversity Atlas spatial data VBA_FAUNA100,
VBA_FAUNA25, VBA_FLORA100, VBA_FAUNA25, NV1750_EVCBCS,
NV2005_EVCBCS . Melbourne: Copyright Victorian Government Departmernt of
Sustainability and Environment. The contribution of the Royal Botanic Gardens
Melbourne to the datasets is acknowledged.
DEPI. (2013b). Biodiversity Interactive Map. Retrieved July 16, 2012, from Victorian
Government Department of Sustainability and Environment:
http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/about-dse/interactive-maps
DEPI. (2013b). Biodiversity Interactive Map. Retrieved August 2013, from Victorian
Government Department of Sustainability and Environment:
http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/about-dse/interactive-maps
DEPI. (2013c). EVC Benchmarks - Highlands - Southern Fall bioregion. Retrieved August
2013, from Department of Sustainability and Environment:
http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/conservation-and-environment/evc-benchmarks-highlands-
southern-fall-bioregion
DPCD. (2013). Department of Planning and Community Development. Retrieved August
2013, from Planning Maps Online: http://services.land.vic.gov.au/maps/pmo.jsp
DSE. (2005). Biosites maps and reports: Port Phillip region/ Department of Sustainability
and Envionment. Victoria: Department of Sustainability and Environment.
DSEWPC. (2013). Protected Matters Search Tool - Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999. Retrieved August 2013, from Commonwealth Government
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities:
http://www.environment.gov.au/erin/ert/epbc/index.html
Ecology Australia. (2007a). Nillumbik Shire Councuil: Environmental Significane Overlay
(ESO1) Review, Stage 2. Ecology Australia.
Ecology Australia. (2007b). Nillumbik Shire Council: Enviornment Significane overlay
(ESO1) Review, Stage 2 (Addendum). Ecology Australia.
NSC. (2000a). Yarrambat Local Structure Plan. Nillumbik Shire Council.
NSC. (2000b). Yarrambat Extension Area Local Structure Plan. Nillumbik Shire Council.
Yarrambat Structure Plan Project: Biodiversity Study - August 2013
Indigenous Design Land Management 23
NSC. (2010). Nillumbik Green Wedge Management Plan: Part 1 - background and context.
Nillumbik Shire Council.
NSC. (2011). Nillumbik Green Wedge management Plan - Part 2: Delivering the vision.
Nillumbik Shire Council.
NSC. (2012). Nillumbik Biodiversity Strategy 2012. Melbourne: Nillumbik Shire Council.
Yarrambat Structure Plan Project: Biodiversity Study - August 2013
Indigenous Design Land Management 24
MAPS
Map 1 – Study Area Detail
Yarrambat Structure Plan Project: Biodiversity Study - August 2013
Indigenous Design Land Management 25
APPENDICES
Appendix 1 – Flora Results – Rare or Threatened Species – 5km Search
Botanical Name Common Name
FFG
Act
Listing
DSE
Advisory
List
EPBC
Listing
Acacia howittii Sticky Wattle r
Adiantum capillus-veneris Venus-hair Fern L e
Amphibromus fluitans River Swamp Wallaby-grass VU
Billardiera scandens s.s. Velvet Apple-berry r
Caladenia amoena Charming Spider-orchid L e EN
Caladenia australis Southern Spider-orchid k
Caladenia oenochila Wine-lipped Spider-orchid v
Caladenia rosella Rosella Spider-orchid L e EN
Cardamine tenuifolia Slender Bitter-cress k
Carex tasmanica Curly Sedge L v VU
Cladium procerum Leafy Twig-sedge r
Desmodium varians Slender Tick-trefoil k
Dianella amoena Matted Flax-lily L e EN
Eucalyptus leucoxylon subsp. connata Melbourne Yellow-gum X v
Eucalyptus yarraensis Yarra Gum X r
Glycine latrobeana Clover Glycine L v VU
Grevillea rosmarinifolia subsp. rosmarinifolia Rosemary Grevillea r
Lachnagrostis perennis spp. agg. Perennial Blown-grass k
Melaleuca armillaris subsp. armillaris Giant Honey-myrtle r
Pimelea spinescens subsp. spinescens Plains Rice-flower v CE
Prasophyllum frenchii Maroon Leek-orchid L v EN
Pterostylis planulata s.l. Flat Rustyhood k
Pterostylis smaragdyna Emerald-lip Greenhood r
Senecio macrocarpus Large-fruit Fireweed L e VU
Thelymitra matthewsii Spiral Sun-orchid L v VU
Tripogon loliiformis Rye Beetle-grass r
Yarrambat Structure Plan Project: Biodiversity Study - August 2013
Indigenous Design Land Management 26
KEY
Origin Commonwealth Environment Protection and
Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999
* Exotic species VU Listed as Nationally Vulnerable
# Native but some stands may be alien EN Listed as Nationally Endangered
EX Listed as Nationally Extinct
Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 CR Listed as Nationally Critically Endangered
L Listed as a Threatened in Victoria
P Protected Flora in Victoria
Advisory List of Threatened Plants in Victoria
(DSE 2005).
N Nominated for listing as Threatened in Victoria x Presumed Extinct in Victoria
I Invalid or Ineligible for listing. e Listed as Endangered in Victoria
D Delisted as Threatened in Victoria v Listed as Vulnerable in Victoria
r Listed as Rare in Victoria
k Listed as Poorly Known in Victoria
Yarrambat Structure Plan Project: Biodiversity Study - August 2013
Indigenous Design Land Management 27
Appendix 2 – Fauna Results – Rare or Threatened Species – 5km Search
Taxon Type Scientific Name Common Name
FFG
Act
Listing
DSE
Advisory
List
EPBC
Listing
Amphibians
Litoria raniformis Growling Grass Frog L EN VU
Pseudophryne bibronii Brown Toadlet L EN
Pseudophryne semimarmorata Southern Toadlet
VU
Fish Galaxiella pusilla Dwarf Galaxias L VU VU
Maccullochella peelii Murray Cod L VU
Macquaria australasica Macquarie Perch L EN EN
Prototroctes maraena Australian Grayling L VU VU
Invertebrates Paralucia pyrodiscus lucida Eltham Copper Butterfly L EN
Synemon plana Golden Sun Moth L CE CE
Mammals Dasyurus maculatus maculatus Spot-tailed Quoll L EN EN
Dasyurus viverrinus Eastern Quoll L RX
Miniopterus schreibersii GROUP Common Bent-wing Bat L
Myotis macropus Southern Myotis
NT
Perameles gunnii Eastern Barred Bandicoot L CR EN
Petrogale penicillata Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby L CE VU
Phascogale tapoatafa tapoatafa Brush-tailed Phascogale L VU
Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying-fox L VU VU
Sminthopsis crassicaudata Fat-tailed Dunnart
NT
Sminthopsis murina murina Common Dunnart
VU
Non-passerine Birds Alcedo azurea Azure Kingfisher
NT
Anas rhynchotis Australasian Shoveler
VU
Ardea intermedia Intermediate Egret L CR
Yarrambat Structure Plan Project: Biodiversity Study - August 2013
Indigenous Design Land Management 28
Taxon Type Scientific Name Common Name
FFG
Act
Listing
DSE
Advisory
List
EPBC
Listing
Ardea modesta Eastern Great Egret L VU
Aythya australis Hardhead
VU
Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern L EN EN
Biziura lobata Musk Duck
VU
Chrysococcyx osculans Black-eared Cuckoo
NT
Coturnix ypsilophora australis Brown Quail
NT
Egretta garzetta nigripes Little Egret L EN
Falco subniger Black Falcon
VU
Gallinago hardwickii Latham's Snipe
NT
Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-Eagle L VU
Ixobrychus minutus dubius Little Bittern L EN
Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot L EN EN
Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl L EN VU
Lewinia pectoralis pectoralis Lewin's Rail L VU
Ninox connivens connivens Barking Owl L EN
Ninox strenua Powerful Owl L VU
Nycticorax caledonicus hillii Nankeen Night Heron
NT
Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck L EN
Pedionomus torquatus Plains-wanderer L CR VU
Phalacrocorax varius Pied Cormorant
NT
Platalea regia Royal Spoonbill
VU
Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis
NT
Porzana pusilla palustris Baillon's Crake L VU
Rostratula benghalensis australis Australian Painted Snipe L CR VU
Tyto novaehollandiae novaehollandiae Masked Owl L EN
Yarrambat Structure Plan Project: Biodiversity Study - August 2013
Indigenous Design Land Management 29
Taxon Type Scientific Name Common Name
FFG
Act
Listing
DSE
Advisory
List
EPBC
Listing
Passerine Birds Anthochaera phrygia Regent Honeyeater L CR EN
Chthonicola sagittata Speckled Warbler L VU
Cinclosoma punctatum Spotted Quail-thrush
NT
Climacteris picumnus victoriae Brown Treecreeper (south-eastern ssp.)
NT
Melanodryas cucullata cucullata Hooded Robin L NT
Melithripterus gularis gularis Black-chinned Honeyeater
NT
Stagonopleura guttata Diamond Firetail L VU
Sternula nereis nereis Australian Fairy Tern L VU
Reptiles Delma impar Striped Legless Lizard L EN VU
Yarrambat Structure Plan Project: Biodiversity Study - August 2013
Indigenous Design Land Management 30
KEY
Origin
* Exotic species
Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988
L Listed as a Threatened in Victoria
N Nominated for listing as Threatened in Victoria
I Invalid or Ineligible for listing.
D Delisted as Threatened in Victoria
Commonwealth Environment Protection and
Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC)Act 1999
VU Listed as Nationally Vulnerable
EN Listed as Nationally Endangered
EX Listed as Nationally Extinct
CR Listed as Nationally Critically Endangered
Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in
Victoria (DSE 2013), Advisory List of Threatened
Invertebrate Fauna in Victoria (DSE 2009).
EX Listed as Extinct in Victoria
RX Listed as Regionally Extinct in Victoria
EW Listed as Extinct in the Wild
CR Listed as Critically Endangered
EN Listed as Endangered
VU Listed as Vulnerable
NT Listed as Near Threatened
DD Listed as Data Deficient
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