FINAL REPORT: Detailed Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna ... · bat call detection and frog surveys. A...

HEAD OFFICE: 420 Victoria Street, Brunswick VIC 3056 MELBOURNE: PO Box 298, Brunswick VIC 3056 GEELONG: PO Box 8048 Newtown VIC 3220

FINAL REPORT:

Detailed Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Assessment of the Croydon Golf Club, Yering, Victoria. FOR

The Eastern Golf Club ON BEHALF OF:

Robert Luxmoore Project Management Pty Ltd November 2010

Ecology Partners Pty Ltd

Detailed Terrestrial Fauna Assessment at Croydon Golf Club, Yering, Victoria 1

Table of Contents Summary ...................................................................................................................... 3

1 Introduction ...................................................................................................... 5

1.1 Background ........................................................................................................ 5

1.2 Scope of Assessment ........................................................................................ 5

1.3 Study Area ......................................................................................................... 5

1.3.1 Windsor Park (Eastern Golf Club Relocation Site) ............................................................... 5

1.3.2 Croydon Golf Club at Yering Meadows ................................................................................. 6

2 Methods ............................................................................................................ 7

2.1 Nomenclature ..................................................................................................... 7

2.2 Desktop Assessment ......................................................................................... 7

2.3 Fauna Assessment ............................................................................................ 7

2.4 Assessment Qualifications and Limitations ....................................................... 7

3 Results .............................................................................................................. 9

3.1 Desktop Assessment ......................................................................................... 9

3.1.1 Significant Fauna .................................................................................................................... 9

3.2 Windsor Park Fauna Review (Eastern Golf Club Relocation Site) .................. 11

3.2.1 Fauna Species ....................................................................................................................... 11

3.2.2 Fauna Habitat ........................................................................................................................ 11

3.2.3 Significant Species ............................................................................................................... 12

3.3 Croydon Golf Club (Yearing Meadows) “Coowerp” Fauna Review ................. 12

3.3.1 Fauna Species ....................................................................................................................... 12

3.3.2 Fauna Habitat ........................................................................................................................ 12


3.4 Croydon Golf Club (Yearing Meadows) Fauna ................................................ 13

3.4.1 Fauna Species ....................................................................................................................... 13

3.4.2 Fauna Habitat ........................................................................................................................ 14


4 Conclusion...................................................................................................... 16

Figures ....................................................................................................................... 17

Appendices ................................................................................................................ 21

References ................................................................................................................. 55

Tables

Table A1.1. Rare or threatened categories for listed Victorian taxa. ...................................... 22

Table A1.2. Defining Ecological Significance. ........................................................................ 23


Table A1.3. Defining Site Significance. .................................................................................. 25

Table A1.4. Defining Vegetation Condition. ........................................................................... 26

Table A1.5. Defining Habitat Quality. ..................................................................................... 27

Table A2.1. Fauna recorded previously at Windsor Park on the 24 February 2009, and previously recorded within 10 kilometres of the site. ...................................................... 28

Table A2.2. Fauna recorded at the Coowerp property (Yearing Meadows) on the 16 October 2003 (Kohler and Miller, 2003). ...................................................................................... 39

Table A2.3. Fauna recorded during the present survey 27 September, 11 October and 21 October 2010, and previously recorded within 10 kilometres of the study area. ............ 41

Table A2.4. Significant fauna within 10 kilometres of the study area. ................................... 52

Acknowledgements

We thank the following people for their contribution on the project:

• Toby Drummond (Yering Meadows/Croydon Golf Club) for site access and information;

• John Eggleston and Simon Reed (Robert Luxmoore Project Management Pty Ltd) for project information;

• The Department of Sustainability and Environment for access to the data on the Flora Information System and Atlas of Victorian Wildlife.

Cover Photos: Nesting Australasian Grebes (background image), Crested Pigeon (top right inset), and

Australasian Shoveler (bottom right inset) (Dan Weller).

Ecology Partners Pty Ltd personnel who contributed to the project include Dan Weller, Kim Downs, Aaron Organ,

and Drew Hutchinson

Copyright © Ecology Partners Pty. Ltd.

This document is subject to copyright and may only be used for the purposes for which it was commissioned. The use, or copying of this document in whole or part without the permission of Ecology Partners Pty Ltd is an infringement of copyright.

Disclaimer

Although Ecology Partners Pty Ltd have taken all the necessary steps to ensure that an accurate document has been prepared, the company accepts no liability for any damages or loss incurred as a result of reliance placed upon either the report or its content.


SUMMARY

Introduction

Ecology Partners Pty Ltd was commissioned by Robert Luxmoore Project Management Pty Ltd to undertake a detailed terrestrial fauna assessment of the Croydon Golf Club, 178-180 Victoria Road, Yering, Victoria.

The purpose of the assessment is to:

• Identify fauna habitat values within the study area,

• Record the fauna species using the area, and,

• Provide a comparison to agricultural land present at Windsor Park prior to landscaping and revegetation works, in the context of habitat creation for native fauna species.

Methods

A desktop assessment was undertaken prior to the study area assessment.

Three site visits were conducted on 27 September, 11 October and 21 October 2010 to obtain information on the terrestrial fauna species present and habitat values within the study area and immediate surrounds. Survey techniques employed included a general bird census, anabat bat call detection and frog surveys. A habitat assessment was conducted to identify the suitability of created habitats on the site and the benefits that these provide to local native fauna species.

Results

Eighty-six fauna species were recorded during the current assessment, 10 of which were introduced species (Appendix 3.1). Seventy-three of these species were birds, seven were native frogs, and five were mammals. European Carp were also observed in several of the larger wetlands.

Conclusion

The Croydon Golf Club relocation site at Yering Meadows has been subject to extensive and ongoing landscaping and revegetation works to achieve the environmental conditions observed during the current assessment. Highly modified agricultural land devoid of native vegetation and habitat diversity has effectively been transformed into a haven for local wildlife species. As vegetation present within the study area is largely immature, over time the site will provide a range of additional habitat and foraging opportunities for additional fauna species not recorded during the current assessment.

In areas devoid of remnant native vegetation, revegetation is an effective way to increase native vegetation and habitat availability in a short timeframe.


This is especially the case for Croydon Golf Club. A total number of 86 fauna species, 76 of them being native, and two being significant species, is testament to the benefits of well-planned and ecologically focused golf club developments in the otherwise agriculture-dominated and cleared surrounding area.


1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

Ecology Partners Pty. Ltd. was commissioned by Robert Luxmoore Project Management Pty Ltd to undertake a detailed terrestrial fauna assessment at the Croydon Golf Club, 178-180 Victoria Road, Yering, Victoria.

The purpose of the assessment was to:

• Identify fauna habitat values within the study area,

• Record the fauna species using the area, and,

• Provide advice about managing the area for the enhancement of habitat and long-term conservation of fauna.

1.2 Scope of Assessment

The scope of the fauna assessment was to:

• Review the relevant fauna databases [e.g. Atlas of Victorian Wildlife (AVW)] and available literature;

• Conduct a site assessment by a qualified zoologist to identify fauna habitat values within the study area;

• Provide map(s) showing areas of remnant native vegetation, locations of any significant flora and fauna species, and important fauna habitat;

• Where appropriate, liaise with relevant authorities and agencies.

1.3 Study Area

1.3.1 Windsor Park (Eastern Golf Club Relocation Site)

Windsor Park is located at 215 – 217 Victoria Road, Yering, Victoria, approximately 35 kilometres north-east of the Melbourne CBD. Windsor Park is a 230 hectare property which current land uses include equestrian agistment, cattle grazing, residential and tourism accommodation.

The property is bordered by agricultural properties to the north and south, hobby farms and residential properties to the east, and the Yarra River to the west. The Sugarloaf Reservoir catchment area is located on the opposite bank of the Yarra River, which is a large parcel of largely intact native vegetation, apart from the infrastructure associated with the Sugarloaf pump station and a small farm and vineyard to the south west.

The majority of Windsor Park is largely devoid of native vegetation, several scattered indigenous paddock trees remain in the west of the grazed paddocks over introduced pasture


grasses. Native semi-aquatic and aquatic flora species have also colonised areas around the farm dams and drainage line, some of these areas show affinity with the Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) wetland component of Floodplain Riparian Woodland (EVC 56). Remnant vegetation is largely confined to the western side of the property, with native vegetation persisting along the Yarra River and also a large patch of native vegetation consisting of several Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs) in the south west corner.

1.3.2 Croydon Golf Club at Yering Meadows

The study area is located north east of the junction between Victoria Road and Macintyre Lane, Yering, approximately 36 kilometres north east of Melbourne (Figure 1). It is approximately 132 hectares in area and roughly rectangular in shape. Land use to the north, west, east and south of the study area is agricultural. The primary land use on the property is as a professional and recreational golfing facility, in addition to some agricultural areas, in accordance with the Yarra Ranges planning scheme for the local area.

Several drainage lines intersect the study area, in varying directions. A series of stormwater treatment wetlands of various sizes are present along these drainage lines. All of the drainage lines and wetland systems have been extensively revegetated with fringing, emergent and submergent vegetation. Between the manicured fairways, tees and greens, are areas of revegetation which consist of indigenous species from the relevant EVC for the area.

The remainder of the study area consists of agricultural land, which is currently being used as a walnut orchard. There are two areas of walnut orchard in separate parts of the site (Figure 3).

Prior to the construction of Croydon Golf Club at the Yering Meadows site, the property was used primarily as grazing land, and was dominated by paddocks of exotic pasture grasses. There was little habitat for native fauna species, with the exception of common farmland species that had adapted well to highly modified sites, such as the Australian Magpie, Little Raven and Australian Pipit (Figure 2).

According to the DSE Biodiversity Interactive Map (www.dse.vic.gov.au) both study areas are located within the Highlands - Southern Fall bioregion and within the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority jurisdiction.


2 METHODS

2.1 Nomenclature

Terrestrial and aquatic vertebrate fauna (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish) follow the AVW (2007).

2.2 Desktop Assessment

The AVW (2007) biological database was reviewed. Information referring to matters of national environmental significance listed under the Environment Protection Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) was obtained from DSEWPC (DSEWPC 2010). Planning Schemes online was also reviewed to ascertain current zoning and overlays (DPCD 2010).

2.3 Fauna Assessment

An assessment of the study area was undertaken on 27 September, 11 October and 21 October 2010 during cool to mild (11-17oC), overcast and calm conditions to obtain information on terrestrial fauna values within the Yering Meadows site.

Binoculars were used to scan the area for birds, and observers also listened for calls and searched for other signs such as nests, feathers and remains of dead animals, droppings and footprints. Active searching, including turning over logs, rocks and artificial cover was undertaken to locate lizards and other small ground-dwelling fauna.

Habitat features, including ground cover composition and structure, and the presence of hollows and fallen ground debris was noted. The presence of hollows in isolated trees was also noted, as well as any other features likely to be important for fauna.

An inventory of all fauna species recorded during the survey is provided below (Appendix 3.1.) a description of habitats was also documented.

2.4 Assessment Qualifications and Limitations

The objective of the assessment was to broadly document dominant terrestrial fauna and fauna habitat values within the study area. As with all ecological assessments, it is expected that additional species may be recorded with a longer assessment period, or over multiple visits encapsulating different seasons.

The survey was undertaken over three days during spring, which meant that a large proportion of the fauna species likely to use habitats on the Yering Meadows site would have been present. Nevertheless, species observation data has been collected over three days, which is effectively a snapshot survey, which means a number of other species which may use habitats on the site may have been overlooked or not present at the time of the assessment.


The likelihood of these species occurring within the study area is based on existing databases, available literature, the condition of the study area and the assessor’s experience.

Notwithstanding the above, the data collected during the surveys is considered an accurate representation of species occurrence on the Yering Meadows site.


3 RESULTS

3.1 Desktop Assessment

Information referring to matters of National Environmental Significance (NES) under the EPBC Act was obtained from the DSEWPC (2010) Protected Matters Search Tool (Appendix 3.2).

There has been a moderate level of documented fauna survey effort in the local area, with 1653 fauna surveys or incidental records of individual species occurring within a 10 kilometre radius of the study area (AVW 2007). From these data there have been 341 individual species documented, with a high survey sample of birds and a moderate number of species recorded from other fauna groups. As a result, several species previously recorded on the AVW, which were not recorded during the assessment, may use habitats within the study area (Appendix 3.1).

A list of significant terrestrial fauna species derived from respective Commonwealth and State databases as occurring, or having the potential to occur within the study area is provided below (Appendix 3.2.).

3.1.1 Significant Fauna

3.1.1.1 National

Nine nationally significant fauna species have previously been recorded in the local area (AVW 2007). These species include:

• Four birds: Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus, Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor, Regent Honeyeater Anthochaera phrygia and Helmeted Honeyeater Lichenostomus melanops cassidix;

• Two mammals: Grey-headed Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus and Southern Brown Bandicoot Isoodon obesulus obesulus;

• One frog: Growling Grass Frog Litoria raniformis;

• One invertebrate: Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana; and,

• One fish: Macquarie Perch Macquaria australasica.

An additional five nationally significant species or habitats for these species have been identified as occurring by the EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool (Appendix 3.2). These species include:

• One bird: Australian Painted Snipe Rostratula australis;

• Two mammals: Spot-tailed Quoll Dasyurus maculatus and Smoky Mouse Pseudomys fumeus;

• Two fish: Dwarf Galaxias Galaxiella pusilla and Australian Grayling Prototroctes maraena.


3.1.1.2 State

Thirty-two state significant fauna have previously been documented in the local area (AVW 2007). These species include:

• Twenty-two birds: Lewin's Rail Lewinia pectoralis, Baillon's Crake Porzana pusilla, Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia, Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia, Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta, Australasian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis, Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa, Hardhead Aythya australis, Blue-billed Duck Oxyura australis, Musk Duck Biziura lobata, Grey Goshawk Accipiter novaehollandiae, White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster, Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura, Barking Owl Ninox connivens, Powerful Owl Ninox strenua, Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae, Hooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata, Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis, Chestnut-rumped Heathwren Calamanthus pyrrhopygius, Speckled Warbler Pyrrholaemus sagittatus, Brown Treecreeper Climacteris picumnus victoriae, Diamond Firetail Stagonopleura guttata;

• Four mammals: Brush-tailed Phascogale Phascogale tapoatafa, Common Dunnart Sminthopsis murina, Eastern Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus megaphyllus, Southern Myotis Myotis macropus;

• Two reptiles: Broad-shelled Turtle Macrochelodina expansa and Lace Goanna Varanus varius;

• Two amphibians: Brown Toadlet Pseudophryne bibronii and Southern Toadlet Pseudophryne semimarmorata;

• One fish: Freshwater Catfish Tandanus tandanus; and,

• One invertebrate: Damselfly Hemiphlebia mirabilis.

3.1.1.3 Regional and local

Ten regionally significant fauna species have been recorded in the local area (AVW 2007). These species include:

• Nine birds: Brown Quail Coturnix ypsilophora, Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius, Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus, Latham's Snipe Gallinago hardwickii, Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus, Nankeen Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus, Azure Kingfisher Alcedo azurea, Spotted Quail-thrush Cinclosoma punctatum, Black-chinned Honeyeater Melithreptus gularis; and,

• One reptile: Glossy Grass Skink Pseudemoia rawlinsoni.


3.2 Windsor Park Fauna Review (Eastern Golf Club Relocation Site)

3.2.1 Fauna Species

Fifty-two fauna species were recorded during the previous assessment, 45 of which were native and seven introduced (Ecology Partners Pty Ltd 2009). Forty-one of these species were birds, while five native frogs and five mammals were also observed. European Carp, an introduced fish species, was also observed in the large central dam.

These species are commonly found in modified agricultural environments which are bordered by woodland areas throughout Victoria.

3.2.2 Fauna Habitat

There are several types of fauna habitat in varying condition within the Windsor Park site. These consist of wetlands/farm dams, exotic pasture, planted trees and shrubs, riparian woodland, woodland and the Yarra River.

For an unbiased comparison to be made, habitat types outside of the equine centre premises, or Golf Club development footprint, have been excluded from this assessment. In this case, within the development footprint, there are three main fauna habitat types present; exotic grassland, planted trees and shrubs, and waterbodies. The development footprint area provides generally low quality habitat for native fauna species (Appendix 1.5). This is due to the general absence of remnant vegetation. The exotic grassland which dominates the site has negligible habitat value for native fauna species.

3.2.2.1 Exotic grassland

Exotic grassland formed by grazed pastures is the dominant habitat type present on the site. These areas have few native ground-layer species, and are dominated by introduced pasture grasses and weeds which are currently grazed by cattle and horses.

Exotic grasslands have little habitat value for native fauna.

3.2.2.2 Planted Shrubs and Trees

Shrubs and exotic trees have been planted within recent years in many areas within the site.

These trees and shrubs are too small to provide hollows for arboreal mammals. However, they are likely to offer shelter, foraging habitat and protection from predators for small insectivorous birds.

3.2.2.3 Waterbodies

Four waterbodies are present on the Windsor Park site. Only two of these are proposed to be removed. The habitat quality present in these waterbodies varied considerably.

The largest of the four waterbodies in the study area is highly degraded due to livestock access.


Water quality is very poor, being highly turbid, and there is no extant vegetation types within or surrounding it. There was evidence of several large European Carp Cyprinus carpio within the wetland, a species which is known to eat frog eggs, large tadpoles and even adult frogs (NPWS 2003).

The other wetland within the golf course development footprint, located in the north eastern section of the study area, is the best of the four wetlands on the site. Fed by runoff from the adjacent length of Victoria Road via a vegetated swale, this wetland, at the time of survey was full of clean, clear water. There were no fish present, and high numbers of several species of frogs were residing within and around, this wetland at the time of survey.

3.2.3 Significant Species

No significant species were recorded within the development footprint area on the Windsor Park site during the previous assessment, although three state significant species have been previously recorded within the greater study area. These include Powerful Owl Ninox strenua, Brush-tailed Phascogale Phascogale tapoatafa, and Southern Myotis Myotis macropus (Figure 4). Evidence of Powerful Owls was also indentified during the previous assessment. Records for these three species exist within the remnant bushland area in the western part of the property.

3.3 Croydon Golf Club (Yearing Meadows) “Coowerp” Fauna Review

In 2003, Meinhardt Infrastructure & Environment Pty Ltd commissioned a flora and fauna assessment of the Croydon Golf Club relocation site, then called the “Coowerp” property, 178-180 Victoria Road, Yering, Victoria. The assessment was undertaken by Biosis Research Pty Ltd. The results from this assessment are summarised below.

3.3.1 Fauna Species

A total of 31 terrestrial vertebrate fauna species were recorded from the study area during the assessment (Appendix 2.2). This included 24 native species (20 birds, one reptile and three frogs) and seven introduced species (two mammals and five birds) (Kohler and Miller 2003). These mammal species included Platypus Ornithorhynchus anatinus and Water Rat Hydromys chrysogaster, which were considered to be resident in habitats adjacent to the site, while one regionally significant reptile, Glossy Grass Skink Pseudemoia rawlinsoni, was also recorded in the south east of the site (McGuckin, 2003; Kohler and Miller 2003).

3.3.2 Fauna Habitat

Prior to the construction of Croydon Golf Club, the Coowerp property consisted of four habitat types, with generally low habitat value for native fauna species; Pasture, watercourses (Olinda and Muddy Creek), waterbodies and planted trees and shrubs.

The ecological significance of the site was considered very low given that it consitsted mainly of introduced pasture and was subject to on-going intensive grazing by livestock.


One of the existing dams in the south-east of the property was classified as having local ecological significance as it supported a population of the regionally significant Glossy Grass Skink (Kohler and Miller 2003).

Olinda Creek, adjacent to the site, was also identified as having local ecological significance due to the provision of degraded habitat for aquatic fauna and flora, including Water Rat and Platypus, and the potential for this area to act as a viable fauna movement corridor (McGuckin 2003; Kohler and Miller 2003).


No national or state significant species were recorded during the assessment, although one regionally significant species, Glossy Grass Skink, was observed in the vicinity of a large dam in the south east of the site.

3.4 Croydon Golf Club (Yearing Meadows) Fauna

3.4.1 Fauna Species

Eighty-six fauna species were recorded during the current assessment, 10 of which were introduced species (Appendix 3.1). Seventy-three of these species were birds, five were native frogs, and five were mammals. European Carp were also observed in several of the larger wetlands. A substantial number of fauna species not observed on the Windsor Park equine centre site were recorded on the Croydon Golf Club Yering Meadows site, presumably due to the availability and condition of suitable habitat. A consolidated list of fauna recorded within, and in the immediate vicinity of the Croydon Golf Club study area is provided below (Appendix 3.1.).

Some of the species observed on the Croydon Golf Club site that would not routinely be found at Windsor Park equine centre, based solely on the availability and condition of habitats include: White-browed Scrubwren Sericornis frontalis, Buff-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza reguloides, Grey Shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonica, Golden Whistler Pachycephala pectoralis, Fan-tailed Cuckoo Cacomantis flabelliformis, Clamorous Reed Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus, Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis, Little Grassbird Megalurus gramineus and Red-browed Finch Neochmia temporalis. Most of these species require dense, low-lying scrub vegetation which they require for protection and foraging purposes.

Species observed breeding on the site included Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae, Grey Teal Anas gracilis, Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa, Superb Fairy Wren Malurus cyaneus, Striated Thornbill Acanthiza lineata, Dusky Moorhen Gallinula tenebrosa, Eurasian Coot Fulica atra and Purple Swamp Hen Porphyrio porphyrio, further highlighting the success and suitability of habitat creation and augmentation that has occurred throughout the site.


3.4.2 Fauna Habitat

Three main fauna habitat types are present; exotic grass fairways and greens, densely planted contiguous stands of native trees and shrubs, and waterbodies. Extensive revegetation works have been undertaken using locally indigenous species between all fairways and surrounding all waterbodies and watercourses (Figure 2).

Vegetation stands in these areas are approximately two years old. The study area provides moderate habitat quality for fauna (Appendix 1.5). Each of the main habitat types are described in detail below.

3.4.2.1 Grassy areas

Exotic grassland exists in the form of tees, fairways and greens. It is the dominant habitat type available on the Croydon Golf Club site. These areas have few native ground-layer species, and are dominated by introduced pasture grasses which provide foraging habitat for a small number of native fauna species that favour open grassy areas.

3.4.2.2 Revegetation areas

Between the manicured fairways, tees and greens, are extensive areas of revegetation which consist of indigenous species from the relevant EVC for the area.

Shrubs and trees have been planted in these areas within the last two to three years along the fenced part of the drainage line. The dense planting and extensive cover of ground layer and mid-storey vegetation species provides ideal habitat for small bird species.

While the trees and shrubs are too young to provide hollows for arboreal mammals, microbats, and owls, they are likely to offer shelter, foraging habitat and protection from predators for small birds and microbats, which would also favour the site for foraging purposes due to the provision of open water.

As this vegetation matures it will provide additional habitat opportunities for arboreal mammals and microbats, and birds.

3.4.2.3 Watercourses

There are two waterways which have been included in landscaping works and improved through widespread revegetation, Olinda Creek and Muddy Creek. Olinda Creek runs along the property’s eastern boundary, while Muddy Creek traverses the site from south to north. While these two creeks are relatively small, with low normal flow rates, wetlands have been incorporated along these watercourses so that there is now extensive open water and emergent vegetation areas, which provide ideal breeding habitat for native waterfowl and frog species.


3.4.2.4 Waterbodies

Several drainage lines intersect the study area, in varying directions. A series of stormwater treatment wetlands of various sizes are present along these drainage lines. All of the drainage lines and wetland systems have been extensively revegetated with fringing, emergent and submergent vegetation and provide ideal habitat conditions for frog and waterbird species.

Ideal aquatic and semi-aquatic vegetation species for Growling Grass Frog are present including Blunt Pond Weed Potamogeton ochreatus, Water Plantain Alisma plantago aquatica, and Green Rush Juncus gregiflorus.

Other aquatic flora species present include Common Spike-sedge Eleocharis acuta, Australian Common Reed Phragmites australis and Slender Knotweed Persicaria decipiens.

European Carp were observed in several of the larger wetlands.


No nationally significant fauna species were recorded during the current assessment. One state significant fauna species (Australasian Shoveler) and one regionally significant species (Latham’s Snipe) were recorded, identifying the suitability of created habitats on the Croydon Golf Club site. It is unlikely that these two species would be present on the site if extensive wetland areas and dense vegetation were absent.

Based on the habitats created on the site, fauna species that are likely to occur include Australasian Bittern, Growling Grass Frog, Lewin's Rail, Baillon's Crake, Royal Spoonbill, Eastern Great Egret, Australasian Shoveler, Hardhead, Southern Myotis, Latham's Snipe, Nankeen Night Heron, Brown Quail and Azure Kingfisher. Prior to the development of the golf course, very few of these species would have been likely to occur (e.g. Eastern Great Egret, Royal Spoonbill and Brown Quail).


4 CONCLUSION

The Croydon Golf Club relocation site at Yering Meadows has been subject to extensive and ongoing landscaping and revegetation works to achieve the environmental conditions observed during the current assessment. Highly modified agricultural land devoid of native vegetation and habitat diversity has effectively been transformed into ideal habitat for local wildlife species. Given that vegetation present on the site is quite young, over time the site will provide a range of additional habitat and foraging opportunities for additional fauna species.

In areas devoid of remnant native vegetation, revegetation is an effective way to increase native vegetation and habitat availability in a short timeframe. This is especially the case for Croydon Golf Club. A total number of 86 fauna species, 76 of them being native, and two being significant species, is testament to the benefits of well-planned and ecologically focused golf club developments in the otherwise agriculture-dominated and cleared surrounding area.

There are several ecological ‘gains’ or benefits that can be achieved as part of the proposed Eastern Golf Course development on the Windsor Park site, mainly due to the potential substantial increase of available habitat for native fauna species. These include:

• The protection of the existing area of remnant native vegetation in the western part of the site through the implementation of the Yarra Bank and Bushland Management Plan (e.g. the removal of woody weeds and control of herbaceous weeds, control of pest animals, revegetation using site indigenous species) (Ecology Partners Pty Ltd 2010b);

• The extension of remnant native vegetation patches through revegetation works throughout the golf course, which will provide additional fauna habitat (including the enhancement of habitat connectively across the site) for a suite of fauna species (largely woodland dependent species);

• The creation of a complex and comprehensive wetland system through the floodplain which will support a diversity of habitat features (e.g. aquatic vegetation, refuge sites, fluctuating water levels). This will ultimately provide habitat for range of fauna species such as waterbirds (including significant species), reptiles and frogs;

• The protection and rehabilitation of the riparian corridor along the Yarra River, where at present, cattle have access up to the River’s edge;

• The planting of approximately 30,000 trees across the site, and approximately 400,000 understorey species (i.e. aquatic plants, native shrubs, grasses, sedges and other herbs), which will provide additional habitat for a range of species, in an otherwise highly modified area.


FFIIGGUURREESS

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2373_Fig1_Location_Map.mxd4/11/2010 DFH

Figure 1Location of the Study AreaCroydon Golf Club, Yering Meadows

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Figure 2Extent of Study Area (2004)Croydon Golf Club, Yering Meadows 0 200100

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Figure 3Development Plan (2010)Croydon Golf Club, Yering Meadows 0 200100

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AAPPPPEENNDDIICCEESS


Appendix 1 – Significance Assessment Criteria used by Ecology Partners Pty Ltd to define conservation significance, vegetation condition and habitat quality is provided below.

A1.1. Rare or Threatened Categories for listed Victorian taxa Table A1.1. Rare or threatened categories for listed Victorian taxa.

Rare or Threatened Categories

CONSERVATION STATUS IN AUSTRALIA

(Based on the EPBC Act 1999, Briggs and Leigh 1996)

EX - Extinct: Extinct is when there is no reasonable doubt that the last individual of the species has died.

CR - Critically Endangered: A species is critically endangered when it is facing an extremely high risk of extinction

in the wild in the immediate future.

EN - Endangered: A species is endangered when it is not critically endangered but is facing a very high risk of

extinction in the wild in the near future.

VU - Vulnerable: A species is vulnerable when it is not critically endangered or endangered but is facing a high risk

of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future.

R* - Rare: A species is rare but overall is not currently considered critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable.

K* - Poorly Known: A species is suspected, but not definitely known, to belong to any of the categories extinct,

critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable or rare.

CONSERVATION STATUS IN VICTORIA (Based on DSE 2005, DSE 2007, FIS 2007)

x - Presumed Extinct in Victoria: not recorded from Victoria during the past 50 years despite field searches

specifically for the plant, or, alternatively, intensive field searches (since 1950) at all previously known sites have

failed to record the plant.

e - Endangered in Victoria: at risk of disappearing from the wild state if present land use and other causal factors

continue to operate.

v - Vulnerable in Victoria: not presently endangered but likely to become so soon due to continued depletion;

occurring mainly on sites likely to experience changes in land-use which would threaten the survival of the plant in

the wild; or, taxa whose total population is so small that the likelihood of recovery from disturbance, including

localised natural events such as drought, fire or landslip, is doubtful.

r - Rare in Victoria: rare but not considered otherwise threatened - there are relatively few known populations or the

taxon is restricted to a relatively small area.

k - Poorly Known in Victoria: poorly known and suspected, but not definitely known, to belong to one of the above

categories (x, e, v or r) within Victoria. At present, accurate distribution information is inadequate.


A1.2. Defining Ecological Significance Table A1.2. Defining Ecological Significance.

Criteria for defining Ecological Significance

NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE

Flor

a

National conservation status is based on the EPBC Act list of taxa considered threatened in Australia (i.e.

extinct, critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable).

Flora listed as rare in Australia in Rare or Threatened Australian Plants (Briggs and Leigh 1996).

Faun

a

National conservation status is based on the EPBC Act list of taxa considered threatened in Australia (i.e.

extinct, critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable).

Fauna listed as extinct, critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable, Rare or Lower Risk (near threatened,

conservation dependent or least concern) under National Action Plans for terrestrial taxon prepared for the

Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities: threatened marsupials and

monotremes (Maxwell et al. 1996), bats (Duncan et al. 1999), birds (Garnett and Crowley 2000), reptiles

(Cogger et. Al. 1993), and amphibians (Tyler 1997).

Species that have not been included on the EBPC Act but listed as significance according to the IUCN 2009

Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN 2009).

Com

mun

ities

Vegetation communities considered critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable under the EPBC Act

and considering vegetation condition.

STATE SIGNIFICANCE

Flor

a

Threatened taxa listed under the provisions of the FFG Act.

Flora listed as extinct, endangered, vulnerable or rare in Victoria in the DSE Flora Information System (most

recent Version).

Flora listed in the State Government’s Advisory List of Rare or Threatened Plants in Victoria, 2005 (DSE

2005).

Flora listed as poorly known in Australia in Rare or Threatened Australian Plants (Briggs and Leigh 1996).

Faun

a

Threatened taxon listed under Schedule 2 of the FFG Act.

Fauna listed as extinct, critically endangered, endangered and vulnerable on the State Government’s

Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria – 2007 (DSE 2007).

Listed as Data Deficient, Lower risk – Near threatened, or Insufficiently Known under National Action Plans

for terrestrial species prepared for the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and

Communities: threatened marsupials and monotremes (Maxwell et al. 1996), bats (Duncan et al. 1999), birds

(Garnett and Crowley 2000), reptiles (Cogger et al. 1993), and amphibians (Tyler 1997).


Criteria for defining Ecological Significance

Com

mun

ities

Ecological communities listed as threatened under the FFG Act.

Ecological vegetation class listed as threatened (i.e. endangered, vulnerable) or rare in a Native Vegetation

Plan for a particular bioregion (DSE Website) and considering vegetation condition.

REGIONAL SIGNIFICANCE

Flor

a

Flora considered rare in any regional native vegetation plan for a particular bioregion.

Flora considered rare by the author for a particular bioregion.

Faun

a

Fauna with a disjunct distribution, or a small number of documented recorded or naturally rare in the Highlands-Southern Fall bioregion.

A particular taxon that is has an unusual ecological or biogeographical occurrence or listed as Lower Risk –

Near Threatened, Data Deficient or Insufficiently Known on the State Government’s Advisory List of

Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria – 2007 (DSE 2007).

Com

mun

ities

Ecological vegetation class listed as depleted or least concern in a Native Vegetation Plan for a particular

bioregion (DSE Website) and considering vegetation condition.

Ecological vegetation class considered rare by the author for a particular bioregion.

LOCAL SIGNIFICANCE

Local significance is defined as flora, fauna and ecological communities indigenous to a particular area, which are

not considered rare or threatened on a national, state or regional level.


A1.3 Defining Site Significance The following geographical areas apply to the overall level of significance with respect to the current survey.

National: Australia

State: Victoria

Regional: Highlands-Southern Fall bioregion

Local: Within 10 kilometres surrounding the study area

Table A1.3. Defining Site Significance.

Criteria for defining Site Significance

NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE

A site is of National significance if:

- It regularly supports, or has a high probability of regularly supporting individuals of a taxon listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ or ‘Endangered’ under the EPBC Act and/or under National Action Plans for terrestrial taxon prepared for the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.

- It regularly supports, or has a high probability of supporting, an ‘important population’ as defined under the EPBC Act of one or more nationally ‘vulnerable’ flora and fauna taxon.

- It is known to support, or has a high probability of supporting taxon listed as ‘Vulnerable’ under National Action Plans.

- It is known to regularly support a large proportion (i.e. greater than 1%) of a population of a taxon listed as ‘Conservation Dependent’ under the EPBC Act and/or listed as Rare or Lower Risk (near threatened, conservation dependent or least concern) under National Action Plans.

- It contains an area, or part thereof designated as ‘critical habitat’ under the EPBC Act, or if the site is listed under the Register of National Estate compiled by the Australian Heritage Commission.

- It is a site which forms part of, or is connected to a larger area(s) of remnant native vegetation or habitat of national conservation significance such as most National Park, and/or a Ramsar Wetland(s).

STATE SIGNIFICANCE

A site is of State significance if:

- It occasionally (i.e. every 1 to 5 years) supports, or has suitable habitat to support taxon listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ or ‘Endangered’ under the EPBC Act and/or under National Action Plans.

- It regularly supports, or has a high probability of regularly supporting (i.e. high habitat quality) taxon listed as ‘Vulnerable’, ‘Near threatened‘, ‘Data Deficient’ or ‘Insufficiently Known’ in Victoria (DSE 2005, 2007), or species listed as ‘Data Deficient’ or ‘Insufficiently Known’ under National Action Plans.

- It contains an area, or part thereof designated as ‘critical habitat’ under the FFG Act.

- It supports, or likely to support a high proportion of any Victorian flora and fauna taxa.

- It contains high quality, intact vegetation/habitat supporting a high species richness and diversity in a particular Bioregion.

- It is a site which forms part of, or connected to a larger area(s) of remnant native vegetation or habitat of state conservation significance such as most State Parks and/or Flora and Fauna Reserves.


Criteria for defining Site Significance

REGIONAL SIGNIFICANCE

A site is of Regional significance if:

- It regularly supports, or has a high probability of regularly supporting regionally significant fauna as defined in Table 1.2.

- Is contains a large population (i.e. greater than 1% or 5%) of flora considered rare in any regional native vegetation plan for a particular bioregion.

- It supports a fauna population with a disjunct distribution, or a particular taxon that has an unusual ecological or biogeographical occurrence.

- It is a site which forms part of, or is connected to a larger area(s) of remnant native vegetation or habitat of regional conservation significance such as most Regional Parks and/or Flora and Fauna Reserves.

LOCAL SIGNIFICANCE

Most sites are considered to be of at least local significant for conservation, and in general a site of local

significance can be defined as:

- An area which supports indigenous flora species and/or a remnant Ecological Vegetation Class, and habitats used by locally significant fauna species.

- An area which currently acts, or has the potential to act as a wildlife corridor linking other areas of higher conservation significance and facilitating fauna movement throughout the landscape.

A1.4. Defining Vegetation Condition Table A1.4. Defining Vegetation Condition.

Criteria for defining Vegetation Condition

Good condition – Vegetation dominated by a diversity of indigenous species, with defined structures (where appropriate), such as canopy layer, shrub layer, and ground cover, with little or few introduced species present.

Moderate condition – Vegetation dominated by a diversity of indigenous species, but is lacking some structures, such as canopy layer, shrub layer or ground cover, and/or there is a greater level of introduced flora species present.

Poor condition – Vegetation dominated by introduced species, but supports low levels of indigenous species present, in the canopy, shrub layer or ground cover.


A1.5. Defining Habitat Quality Several factors are taken into account when determining the value of habitat. Habitat quality varies on both spatial and temporal scales, with the habitat value varying depending upon a particular fauna species.

Table A1.5. Defining Habitat Quality.

Criteria for defining Habitat Quality

HIGH QUALITY

High degree of intactness (i.e. floristically and structurally diverse), containing several important habitat features such as ground debris (logs, rocks, vegetation), mature hollow-bearing trees, and a dense understorey component.

High species richness and diversity (i.e. represented by a large number of species from a range of fauna groups).

High level of foraging and breeding activity, with the site regularly used by native fauna for refuge and cover.

Habitat that has experienced, or is experiencing low levels of disturbance and/or threatening processes (i.e. weed invasion, introduced animals, soil erosion, salinity).

High contribution to a wildlife corridor, and/or connected to a larger area(s) of high quality habitat.

Provides known, or likely habitat for one or more rare or threatened species listed under the EPBC Act, FFG Act, or species considered rare or threatened according to DSE 2005.

MODERATE QUALITY

Moderate degree of intactness, containing one or more important habitat features such as ground debris (logs, rocks, vegetation), mature hollow-bearing trees, and a dense understorey component.

Moderate species richness and diversity - represented by a moderate number of species from a range of fauna groups.

Moderate levels of foraging and breeding activity, with the site used by native fauna for refuge and cover.

Habitat that has experienced, or is experiencing moderate levels of disturbance and/or threatening processes.

Moderate contribution to a wildlife corridor, or is connected to area(s) of moderate quality habitat.

Provides potential habitat for a small number of threatened species listed under the EPBC Act, FFG Act, or species considered rare or threatened according to DSE 2005.

LOW QUALITY

Low degree of intactness, containing few important habitat features such as ground debris (logs, rocks, vegetation), mature hollow-bearing trees, and a dense understorey component.

Low species richness and diversity (i.e. represented by a small number of species from a range of fauna groups).

Low levels of foraging and breeding activity, with the site used by native fauna for refuge and cover.

Habitat that has experienced, or is experiencing high levels of disturbance and/or threatening processes.

Unlikely to form part of a wildlife corridor, and is not connected to another area(s) of habitat.

Unlikely to provide habitat for rare or threatened species listed under the EPBC Act, FFG Act, or considered rare or threatened according to DSE 2005.

Detailed Terrestrial Fauna Assessment at Croydon Golf Club, Yering, Victoria. 28

Appendix 2.1 – Windsor Park Vertebrate Fauna results Table A2.1. Fauna recorded previously at Windsor Park on the 24 February 2009, and previously recorded within 10 kilometres of the site.

Type of Record: Mi Migratory (EPBC Act) H – Heard Ma Marine (EPBC Act) S – Seen I – Incidental (identified from feathers, bones or scats, etc)

T – Trapped / Handheld

* Introduced species

Common Name Scientific Name Last Documented

Record (AVW)

Total # of Documented

Records (AVW)

Hollow Use Mi/ Ma Present Survey

MAMMALS Short-beaked Echidna Tachyglossus aculeatus 2004 42 - - - Brush-tailed Phascogale Phascogale tapoatafa 2005 121 Total - - Agile Antechinus Antechinus agilis 2004 29 Partial - - Common Dunnart Sminthopsis murina 2006 7 - - - Long-nosed Bandicoot Perameles nasuta 2002 5 - - - Common Brushtail Possum Trichosurus vulpecula 2003 58 Total - S Mountain Brushtail Possum Trichosurus cunninghami 1992 1 Total - - Common Ringtail Possum Pseudocheirus peregrinus 2002 72 Partial - S Yellow-bellied Glider Petaurus australis 1990 2 Total - - Sugar Glider Petaurus breviceps 2004 54 Total - - Feathertail Glider Acrobates pygmaeus 1992 13 Total - - Koala Phascolarctos cinereus 2003 41 - - - Common Wombat Vombatus ursinus 2003 68 - - - Black Wallaby Wallabia bicolor 2002 44 - - - Eastern Grey Kangaroo Macropus giganteus 2003 50 - - S Grey-headed Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus 1999 3 - - - White-striped Freetail Bat Tadarida australis 2004 20 Total - -



Record (AVW)


Records (AVW)


Gould's Long-eared Bat Nyctophilus gouldi 1989 1 Total - - Lesser Long-eared Bat Nyctophilus geoffroyi 2003 23 Total - - Common Bent-wing Bat Miniopterus schreibersii (group) 1996 6 - - - Gould's Wattled Bat Chalinolobus gouldii 2002 8 Total - - Chocolate Wattled Bat Chalinolobus morio 2003 14 Total - - Freetail Bat (eastern form) Mormopterus sp. EG 2002 1 - - - Southern Myotis Myotis macropus 2002 2 Partial - - Southern Forest Bat Vespadelus regulus 2002 6 Total - - Little Forest Bat Vespadelus vulturnus 2002 26 Total - - Large Forest Bat Vespadelus darlingtoni 2002 9 Total - - Bush Rat Rattus fuscipes 2002 22 - - - Swamp Rat Rattus lutreolus 2000 10 - - - Water Rat Hydromys chrysogaster 2003 3 - - - Dingo/Dog (feral) Canis lupus 1995 4 - - - *Black Rat Rattus rattus 2002 13 - - - *Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus 2000 4 - - - *House Mouse Mus musculus 2002 21 - - - *European Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 2003 72 - - I *European Hare Lepus europeaus 2002 3 - - - *Red Deer Cervus elaphus 2003 2 - - - *Red Fox Vulpes vulpes 2005 53 - - I *Cat Felis catus 2001 6 - - -

BIRDS Buff-banded Rail Gallirallus philippensis 1993 5 - Ma - Painted Button-quail Turnix varia 1992 9 - - - White-headed Pigeon Columba leucomela 2004 2 - - - Common Bronzewing Phaps chalcoptera 2004 70 - - - Brush Bronzewing Phaps elegans 2002 22 - - - Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes 2006 2 - - S Wonga Pigeon Leucosarcia melanoleuca 2000 1 - - - Australian Spotted Crake Porzana fluminea 1992 1 - - -



Record (AVW)


Records (AVW)


Baillon's Crake Porzana pusilla 2000 1 - Ma - Spotless Crake Porzana tabuensis 2001 46 - Ma - Dusky Moorhen Gallinula tenebrosa 2006 38 - - - Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio 2002 33 - Ma S Eurasian Coot Fulica atra 2002 35 - - - Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus 2001 3 - - - Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae 1999 43 - - - Hoary-headed Grebe Poliocephalus poliocephalus 1992 6 - - - Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo 1997 42 - - - Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris 2001 17 - - - Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius 2002 3 - - - Little Pied Cormorant Microcarbo melanoleucos 2006 65 - - S Darter Anhinga novaehollandiae 2002 14 - - - Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus 2001 40 - Ma - Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus 1994 4 - Ma - Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia 1990 1 - Mi/Ma - Silver Gull Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae 1992 3 - Ma - Red-kneed Dotterel Erythrogonys cinctus 1985 3 - - - Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles 2006 111 - - S Banded Lapwing Vanellus tricolor 1994 1 - - - Black-fronted Dotterel Elseyornis melanops 2001 17 - - S Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus 1985 1 - Ma - Latham's Snipe Gallinago hardwickii 2000 35 - Mi/Ma - Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus 1993 1 - Mi/Ma - Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca 2006 78 - Ma S Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis 2006 62 - Ma - Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia 1995 15 - - - Yellow-billed Spoonbill Platalea flavipes 2001 20 - - - Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta 2000 31 - Mi/Ma - White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae 2006 113 - - S White-necked Heron Ardea pacifica 2003 30 - - -



Record (AVW)


Records (AVW)


Nankeen Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus 1995 16 - Ma - Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus 1988 1 - - - Australian Wood Duck Chenonetta jubata 2006 173 Total - S Black Swan Cygnus atratus 1999 25 - - - Plumed Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna eytoni 1995 4 - - - Australian Shelduck Tadorna tadornoides 2002 33 Total - - Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa 2006 169 - - S Chestnut Teal Anas castanea 2000 10 Total - - Grey Teal Anas gracilis 2006 19 Total - - Australasian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis 1992 8 - - - Pink-eared Duck Malacorhynchus membranaceus 1992 10 Partial - - Hardhead Aythya australis 1993 12 - - - Blue-billed Duck Oxyura australis 1988 2 - - - Musk Duck Biziura lobata 1992 7 - Ma - Swamp Harrier Circus approximans 1995 17 - Ma - Grey Goshawk Accipiter novaehollandiae 2005 1 - - - Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus 2002 88 - Ma - Collared Sparrowhawk Accipiter cirrhocephalus 1999 7 - - - Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax 2004 78 - - - Little Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides 2000 12 - - - White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster 2002 40 - Mi/Ma - Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus 2002 47 - Ma - Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura 1985 1 - - - Black-shouldered Kite Elanus axillaris 2006 62 - - - Letter-winged Kite Elanus scriptus 1978 1 - - - Australian Hobby Falco longipennis 2002 36 - - - Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus 2006 11 Partial - - Black Falcon Falco subniger 2002 1 - - - Brown Falcon Falco berigora 2003 46 - - - Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides 2000 21 Partial Ma - Southern Boobook Ninox novaeseelandiae 2003 85 Total Ma -



Record (AVW)


Records (AVW)


Barking Owl Ninox connivens 1988 3 Total - - Powerful Owl Ninox strenua 2003 271 Total - - Pacific Barn Owl Tyto javanica 2000 5 Partial - - Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae 1992 1 Total - - Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus 2006 22 Total - S Scaly-breasted Lorikeet Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus 1987 1 Total - - Musk Lorikeet Glossopsitta concinna 2003 6 Total - - Purple-crowned Lorikeet Glossopsitta porphyrocephala 1995 12 Total - - Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus funereus 2006 75 Total - - Gang-gang Cockatoo Callocephalon fimbriatum 2002 67 Total - - Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita 2006 154 Total - S Little Corella Cacatua sanguinea 2005 8 Total - - Long-billed Corella Cacatua tenuirostris 1999 28 Total - S Galah Eolophus roseicapilla 2006 107 Total - S Australian King-Parrot Alisterus scapularis 1998 7 Total - - Crimson Rosella Platycercus elegans elegans 2006 234 Total - S Eastern Rosella Platycercus eximius 2006 146 Total - S Western Rosella Platycercus icterotis 1988 1 - - - Red-rumped Parrot Psephotus haematonotus 2003 9 Total - - Blue-winged Parrot Neophema chrysostoma 1995 5 Partial Ma - Tawny Frogmouth Podargus strigoides 2000 27 - - - Australian Owlet-nightjar Aegotheles cristatus 2002 38 Total - - Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis 1986 1 Total Ma - Azure Kingfisher Alcedo azurea 2003 7 - - - Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae 2004 228 Total - S Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus 2003 65 Partial Ma - Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus 1994 10 - Mi/Ma - White-throated Nightjar Eurostopodus mystacalis 2000 37 - Ma - White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus 1999 28 - Mi/Ma - Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus 2000 2 - Mi/Ma - Pallid Cuckoo Cuculus pallidus 2003 57 - Ma S



Record (AVW)


Records (AVW)


Fan-tailed Cuckoo Cacomantis flabelliformis 1999 136 - Ma - Brush Cuckoo Cacomantis variolosus 1990 15 - - - Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx basalis 2002 32 - Ma - Shining Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx lucidus 1999 75 - Ma - Eastern Koel Eudynamys orientalis 1997 1 - - - Superb Lyrebird Menura novaehollandiae 2005 20 - - - Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena 2003 149 Partial Ma S Tree Martin Hirundo nigricans 1994 12 Total Ma - Fairy Martin Hirundo ariel 1995 46 Partial - - Grey Fantail Rhipidura albiscarpa 2004 256 - - S Rufous Fantail Rhipidura rufifrons 1998 39 - Mi/Ma - Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys 2006 119 - - S Leaden Flycatcher Myiagra rubecula 2004 23 - - - Satin Flycatcher Myiagra cyanoleuca 2002 63 - Mi/Ma - Restless Flycatcher Myiagra inquieta 1992 9 - - - Jacky Winter Microeca fascinans 1999 8 - - - Scarlet Robin Petroica boodang 2004 119 - - - Red-capped Robin Petroica goodenovii 1991 3 - - - Flame Robin Petroica phoenicea 2006 28 - Ma - Pink Robin Petroica rodinogaster 1992 7 - Ma - Rose Robin Petroica rosea 1996 19 - - - Hooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata 1986 1 - - - Eastern Yellow Robin Eopsaltria australis 2002 214 - - - Golden Whistler Pachycephala pectoralis 2004 194 - - - Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris 2002 131 - - - Olive Whistler Pachycephala olivacea 1997 11 - - - Grey Shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonica 2004 245 Partial - S Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca 2006 144 - Ma S Crested Shrike-tit Falcunculus frontatus 2004 77 - - - Eastern Whipbird Psophodes olivaceus 2002 9 - - - Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae 2003 149 - Ma -



Record (AVW)


Records (AVW)


Common Cicadabird Coracina tenuirostris 1989 3 - Ma - White-winged Triller Lalage sueurii 1990 5 - - - Spotted Quail-thrush Cinclosoma punctatum 2004 42 - - - White-fronted Chat Epthianura albifrons 2001 2 - - - White-throated Gerygone Gerygone olivacea 1992 5 - - - Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris 2002 35 - - - Striated Thornbill Acanthiza lineata 2002 165 - - S Yellow Thornbill Acanthiza nana 2002 27 - - - Brown Thornbill Acanthiza pusilla 2004 226 - - S Buff-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza reguloides 1999 80 - - - Yellow-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza chrysorrhoa 2002 88 - - S White-browed Scrubwren Sericornis frontalis 2003 212 - - - Chestnut-rumped Heathwren Calamanthus pyrrhopygius 2002 1 - - - Striated Fieldwren Calamanthus fuliginosus 1988 1 - - - Speckled Warbler Pyrrholaemus sagittatus 1989 1 - - - Brown Songlark Cincloramphus cruralis 1988 2 - - - Rufous Songlark Cincloramphus mathewsi 1988 4 - - - Little Grassbird Megalurus gramineus 1989 4 - - - Clamorous Reed Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus 2000 15 - Mi/Ma - Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis 2003 39 - - - Superb Fairy-wren Malurus cyaneus 2006 259 - - S White-browed Woodswallow Artamus superciliosus 1982 1 - - - Dusky Woodswallow Artamus cyanopterus 1999 34 Partial - - Varied Sittella Daphoenositta chrysoptera 1999 61 - - - Brown Treecreeper Climacteris picumnus victoriae 2002 1 Total - - White-throated Treecreeper Cormobates leucophaeus 2004 213 Total - - Red-browed Treecreeper Climacteris erythrops 1992 20 Total - - Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum 2002 67 - - - Spotted Pardalote Pardalotus punctatus 2004 199 - - - Silvereye Zosterops lateralis 2003 121 - Ma - White-naped Honeyeater Melithreptus lunatus 2002 191 - - -



Record (AVW)


Records (AVW)


Black-chinned Honeyeater Melithreptus gularis 1986 1 - - - Brown-headed Honeyeater Melithreptus brevirostris 1998 54 - - - Eastern Spinebill Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris 2004 165 - - - Regent Honeyeater Anthochaera phrygia 1988 8 - Mi - Lewin's Honeyeater Meliphaga lewinii 1988 1 - - - Fuscous Honeyeater Lichenostomus fuscus 1990 5 - - - Yellow-faced Honeyeater Lichenostomus chrysops 2003 163 - - - White-eared Honeyeater Lichenostomus leucotis 2003 199 - - - Helmeted Honeyeater Lichenostomus melanops cassidix 1884 1 - Mi - Yellow-tufted Honeyeater Lichenostomus melanops 1999 13 - - - White-plumed Honeyeater Lichenostomus penicillatus 2003 84 - - S Crescent Honeyeater Phylidonyris pyrrhoptera 1999 40 - - - New Holland Honeyeater Phylidonyris novaehollandiae 2003 116 - - S Bell Miner Manorina melanophrys 2006 153 - - - Noisy Miner Manorina melanocephala 2006 46 - - S Little Wattlebird Anthochaera chrysoptera 2000 3 - - - Red Wattlebird Anthochaera carunculata 2006 223 - - S Little Friarbird Philemon citreogularis 1988 1 - - - Australasian Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae 2000 18 - Ma S Zebra Finch Taeniopygia guttata 1992 1 - - - Red-browed Finch Neochmia temporalis 2006 117 - - - Olive-backed Oriole Oriolus sagittatus 2002 71 - - - White-winged Chough Corcorax melanorhamphos 2004 124 - - - Pied Currawong Strepera graculina 2004 142 - - S Grey Currawong Strepera versicolor 2003 149 - - - Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus 2006 166 - - S Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen 2006 273 - - S Bassian Thrush Zoothera lunulata 1999 40 - Ma - *Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus 1998 2 - - - Australian Raven Corvus coronoides 2002 101 - - - *Northern Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 1998 3 - - -



Record (AVW)


Records (AVW)


Little Raven Corvus mellori 2006 186 - Ma S *Rock Dove Columba livia 2003 5 - - - Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus 2002 150 Partial - - Cattle Egret Ardea ibis 2001 8 - Mi/Ma - *Spotted Turtle-Dove Streptopelia chinensis 2006 58 - - S *Common Blackbird Turdus merula 2003 142 - - S *Song Thrush Turdus philomelos 1999 7 - - - *European Skylark Alauda arvensis 2001 22 - - S *House Sparrow Passer domesticus 2003 35 - - - *European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis 2006 43 - - S *European Greenfinch Carduelis chloris 2001 8 - - - *Common Myna Acridotheres tristis 2006 65 - - S *Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris 2006 78 Partial - S

FROGS Southern Bullfrog Limnodynastes dumerilii 2004 19 - - - Striped Marsh Frog Limnodynastes peronii 2002 10 - - H Spotted Marsh Frog Limnodynastes tasmaniensis 2003 10 - - H Brown Toadlet Pseudophryne bibronii 1992 1 - - - Southern Toadlet Pseudophryne semimarmorata 1989 2 - - - Common Froglet Crinia signifera 2006 79 - - H Southern Brown Tree Frog Litoria ewingii 2003 21 - - H Lesueur's Frog Litoria lesueuri 1992 2 - - - Peron's Tree Frog Litoria peronii 2000 2 Partial - - Growling Grass Frog Litoria raniformis 2000 10 - - - Southern Brown Tree Frog (southern) Litoria ewingii (southern) 1992 17 - - - Whistling Tree Frog Litoria verreauxii verreauxii 2000 16 - - H

REPTILES Common Long-necked Turtle Chelodina longicollis 2001 3 - - - Tree Dragon Amphibolurus muricatus 2004 12 Partial - - Lace Goanna Varanus varius 1988 2 Partial - - McCoy's Skink Nannoscincus maccoyi 1989 2 - - -



Record (AVW)


Records (AVW)


Delicate Skink Lampropholis delicata 2004 15 - - - Garden Skink Lampropholis guichenoti 2006 27 - - - Weasel Skink Saproscincus mustelinus 2004 14 - - - Metallic Skink Niveoscincus metallicus 2002 1 - - - Bougainville's Skink Lerista bougainvillii 1996 4 - - - Blotched Blue-tongued Lizard Tiliqua nigrolutea 2004 18 - - - Common Blue-tongued Lizard Tiliqua scincoides 2000 8 - - - Eastern Small-eyed Snake Rhinoplocephalus nigrescens 2003 9 - - - Tiger Snake Notechis scutatus 1998 3 - - - Eastern Three-lined Skink Bassiana duperreyi 1992 1 - - - Glossy Grass Skink Pseudemoia rawlinsoni 2003 2 - - - Red-bellied Black Snake Pseudechis porphyriacus 1999 3 - - - Eastern Brown Snake Pseudonaja textilis 1992 5 - - - Freshwater Turtle Chelidae sp. 1988 2 - - - Black Rock Skink Egernia saxatilis intermedia 1992 1 Partial - - Southern Water Skink Eulamprus tympanum tympanum 1992 7 - - - Lowland Copperhead Austrelaps superbus 2002 24 - - -

FISHES Pouched Lamprey Geotria australis 1970 2 - - - Short-finned Eel Anguilla australis 2001 18 - - - *Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss 2001 1 - - - *Brown Trout Salmo trutta 2000 4 - - - Australian Smelt Retropinna semoni 2000 4 - - - Broad-finned Galaxias Galaxias brevipinnis 1992 3 - - - Common Galaxias Galaxias maculatus 2001 4 - - - Freshwater Catfish Tandanus tandanus 1990 1 - - - Macquarie Perch Macquaria australasica 2010 17 - - - Southern Pigmy Perch Nannoperca australis 1977 2 - - - *Goldfish Carassius auratus 2000 3 - - - *Common Carp Cyprinus carpio 2000 4 - - S *Roach Rutilus rutilus 2001 16 - - -



Record (AVW)


Records (AVW)


*Oriental Weatherloach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus 2000 2 - - - *Eastern Gambusia Gambusia holbrooki 2000 7 - - - *Redfin Perch Perca fluviatilis 2000 7 - - - River Blackfish Gadopsis marmoratus 1992 6 - - -

INVERTEBRATES Caddisfly Plectrotarsus gravenhorstii 1954 3 - - - Central Highlands Burrowing Cray Engaeus affinis 1914 1 - - - Tubercle Burrowing Cray Engaeus tuberculatus 1963 1 - - - Foothill Burrowing Cray Engaeus victoriensis 1962 1 - - - Granular Burrowing Cray Engaeus cunicularius 1964 2 - - - Central Highlands Spiny Cray Euastacus woiwuru 0 1 - - -

Source: DSE Atlas of Victorian Wildlife (2007)


Appendix 2.2 – 178-180 Victoria Road “Coowerp” Fauna results Table A2.2. Fauna recorded at the Coowerp property (Yearing Meadows) on the 18 November 20103 (Kohler and Miller, 2003).





Record (AVW)


Records (AVW)


MAMMALS Platypus Ornithorhynchus anatinus 2003 45 - - S Water Rat Hydromys chrysogaster 2003 9 - - S *European Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 2004 101 - - S *Red Fox Vulpes vulpes 2005 68 - - S

BIRDS Australian Wood Duck Chenonetta jubata 2006 277 Total Mi S Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita 2006 243 Total - S Galah Eolophus roseicapilla 2006 173 Total - S Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus 2003 81 Partial Ma S Pallid Cuckoo Cuculus pallidus 2004 90 - Ma S Fan-tailed Cuckoo Cacomantis flabelliformis 2004 178 - Ma S Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena 2003 236 Partial Ma S Grey Fantail Rhipidura albiscarpa 2004 379 - - S Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys 2006 199 - - S Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca 2006 264 - Ma S Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae 2004 190 - Ma S White-browed Scrubwren Sericornis frontalis 2004 321 - - S



Record (AVW)


Records (AVW)


Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis 2003 40 - - S Superb Fairy-wren Malurus cyaneus 2006 409 - - S Yellow-faced Honeyeater Lichenostomus chrysops 2004 223 - - S White-plumed Honeyeater Lichenostomus penicillatus 2003 141 - - S New Holland Honeyeater Phylidonyris novaehollandiae 2004 167 - - S Red Wattlebird Anthochaera carunculata 2006 391 - - S Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen 2006 430 - - S *Spotted Turtle-Dove Streptopelia chinensis 2006 163 - - S *Common Blackbird Turdus merula 2004 255 - - S *European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis 2006 69 - - S *Common Myna Acridotheres tristis 2006 158 - - S *Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris 2006 165 Partial - S

REPTILES Glossy Grass Skink Pseudemoia rawlinsoni 2003 2 - - S

FROGS Spotted Marsh Frog Limnodynastes tasmaniensis 2004 24 - - H Common Froglet Crinia signifera 2006 154 - - H Southern Brown Tree Frog Litoria ewingii 2004 96 - - H



Appendix 2.3 – Yering Meadows (Croydon Golf Club) Vertebrate Fauna results Table A2.3. Fauna recorded during the present survey 27 September, 11 October and 21 October 2010, and previously recorded within 10 kilometres of the

study area.





Record (AVW)


Records (AVW)


MAMMALS Platypus Ornithorhynchus anatinus 2003 45 - - - Short-beaked Echidna Tachyglossus aculeatus 2004 58 - - - Brush-tailed Phascogale Phascogale tapoatafa 2005 165 Total - - Agile Antechinus Antechinus agilis 2004 124 Partial - - Common Dunnart Sminthopsis murina 2006 16 - - - Southern Brown Bandicoot Isoodon obesulus obesulus 1929 1 - - - Long-nosed Bandicoot Perameles nasuta 2002 6 - - - Common Brushtail Possum Trichosurus vulpecula 2003 83 Total - - Mountain Brushtail Possum Trichosurus cunninghami 1992 2 Total - - Common Ringtail Possum Pseudocheirus peregrinus 2004 111 Partial - I Yellow-bellied Glider Petaurus australis 1990 2 Total - - Sugar Glider Petaurus breviceps 2004 101 Total - - Feathertail Glider Acrobates pygmaeus 1992 12 Total - - Koala Phascolarctos cinereus 2003 53 - - - Common Wombat Vombatus ursinus 2004 121 - - - Black Wallaby Wallabia bicolor 2003 83 - - -



Record (AVW)


Records (AVW)


Eastern Grey Kangaroo Macropus giganteus 2004 95 - - I Grey-headed Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus 1999 2 - - - Eastern Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus megaphyllus 1988 1 - - - White-striped Freetail Bat Tadarida australis 2004 25 Total - S/H Gould's Long-eared Bat Nyctophilus gouldi 1989 2 Total - - Lesser Long-eared Bat Nyctophilus geoffroyi 2004 35 Total - - Common Bent-wing Bat Miniopterus schreibersii (group) 1998 30 - - - Gould's Wattled Bat Chalinolobus gouldii 2004 15 Total - - Chocolate Wattled Bat Chalinolobus morio 2003 19 Total - - Southern Myotis Myotis macropus 2002 2 Partial Ma - Eastern False Pipistrelle Falsistrellus tasmaniensis 1988 2 Total - - Southern Forest Bat Vespadelus regulus 2002 8 Total - - Little Forest Bat Vespadelus vulturnus 2004 46 Total - - Large Forest Bat Vespadelus darlingtoni 2002 17 Total - - Bush Rat Rattus fuscipes 2004 49 - - - Swamp Rat Rattus lutreolus 2000 12 - - - *Black Rat Rattus rattus 2004 43 - - - *Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus 2000 4 - - - *House Mouse Mus musculus 2002 26 - - - Water Rat Hydromys chrysogaster 2003 9 - - - *European Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 2004 101 - - S *European Hare Lepus europeaus 1998 3 - - - *Goat (feral) Capra hircus 2006 1 - - - *Red Deer Cervus elaphus 2003 2 - - - *Sambar Cervus unicolor 2004 2 - - - Dingo/Dog (feral) Canis lupus 1995 5 - - - *Red Fox Vulpes vulpes 2005 68 - - I *Cat Felis catus 2001 7 - - - Southern Freetail Bat (long penis) Mormopterus sp. 1 1998 10 - - - Freetail Bat (eastern form) Mormopterus sp. EG 2002 1 - - -

BIRDS



Record (AVW)


Records (AVW)


Painted Button-quail Turnix varia 1992 12 - - - White-headed Pigeon Columba leucomela 2004 3 - - - Common Bronzewing Phaps chalcoptera 2004 99 - - S Brush Bronzewing Phaps elegans 2002 28 - - - Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes 2006 2 - - S Wonga Pigeon Leucosarcia melanoleuca 2000 1 - - - Lewin's Rail Lewinia pectoralis 1955 1 - Mi - Australian Spotted Crake Porzana fluminea 1992 2 - - - Baillon's Crake Porzana pusilla 2001 3 - Ma - Spotless Crake Porzana tabuensis 2001 46 - Ma - Black-tailed Native-hen Gallinula ventralis 1994 2 - - - Dusky Moorhen Gallinula tenebrosa 2006 92 - - S Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio 2002 89 - Ma S Eurasian Coot Fulica atra 2002 87 - - S Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus 2001 4 - - - Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae 2001 68 - - S Hoary-headed Grebe Poliocephalus poliocephalus 2001 14 - - - Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo 2001 66 - - S Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris 2001 61 - - - Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius 2002 13 - - - Little Pied Cormorant Microcarbo melanoleucos 2006 102 - - S Darter Anhinga novaehollandiae 2004 41 - - - Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus 2001 80 - Ma - Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus 1994 4 - Ma - Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia 2000 3 - Mi/Ma - Silver Gull Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae 2001 9 - Ma - Red-kneed Dotterel Erythrogonys cinctus 1999 5 - Mi - Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles 2006 185 - Mi S Banded Lapwing Vanellus tricolor 1994 1 - Mi - Black-fronted Dotterel Elseyornis melanops 2001 26 - Mi S Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus 1999 2 - Mi/Ma -



Record (AVW)


Records (AVW)


Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata 1985 1 - Mi/Ma - Latham's Snipe Gallinago hardwickii 2001 42 - Mi/Ma S Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus 1993 1 - Mi/Ma - Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca 2006 88 - Ma S Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis 2006 66 - Ma S Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia 2001 18 - - - Yellow-billed Spoonbill Platalea flavipes 2001 24 - - - Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta 2001 46 - Mi/Ma - White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae 2006 176 - - S White-necked Heron Ardea pacifica 2003 34 - - - Nankeen Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus 1995 18 - Ma - Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus 1988 1 - - - Australian Wood Duck Chenonetta jubata 2006 277 Total Mi S Black Swan Cygnus atratus 2001 32 - Mi - Plumed Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna eytoni 1995 4 - Mi - Australian Shelduck Tadorna tadornoides 2001 35 Total Mi - Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa 2006 260 - Mi S Chestnut Teal Anas castanea 2001 20 Total Mi S Grey Teal Anas gracilis 2006 69 Total Mi S Australasian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis 2001 8 - Mi S Pink-eared Duck Malacorhynchus membranaceus 1999 14 Partial Mi - Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa 1986 1 - Mi - Hardhead Aythya australis 2001 14 - Mi - Blue-billed Duck Oxyura australis 2001 3 - Mi - Musk Duck Biziura lobata 1992 7 - Mi/Ma - Swamp Harrier Circus approximans 1995 17 - Mi/Ma - Grey Goshawk Accipiter novaehollandiae 2005 1 - Mi - Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus 2003 96 - Mi/Ma - Collared Sparrowhawk Accipiter cirrhocephalus 2001 15 - Mi - Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax 2004 99 - Mi - Little Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides 2000 13 - Mi -



Record (AVW)


Records (AVW)


White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster 2000 33 - Mi/Ma - Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus 2001 46 - Mi/Ma - Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura 1985 1 - Mi - Black-shouldered Kite Elanus axillaris 2006 72 - Mi S Letter-winged Kite Elanus scriptus 1978 1 - Mi - Australian Hobby Falco longipennis 2001 38 - Mi - Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus 2006 13 Partial Mi - Brown Falcon Falco berigora 2003 48 - Mi S Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides 2000 23 Partial Mi/Ma - Southern Boobook Ninox novaeseelandiae 2003 94 Total Ma - Barking Owl Ninox connivens 1991 5 Total - - Powerful Owl Ninox strenua 2004 342 Total - - Pacific Barn Owl Tyto javanica 2000 4 Partial - - Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae 1992 1 Total - - Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus 2006 75 Total - S Scaly-breasted Lorikeet Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus 1987 1 Total - - Musk Lorikeet Glossopsitta concinna 2003 11 Total - - Purple-crowned Lorikeet Glossopsitta porphyrocephala 1995 13 Total - - Little Lorikeet Glossopsitta pusilla 1986 1 Total - - Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus funereus 2006 100 Total - - Gang-gang Cockatoo Callocephalon fimbriatum 2004 85 Total - - Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita 2006 243 Total - S Little Corella Cacatua sanguinea 2005 20 Total - S Long-billed Corella Cacatua tenuirostris 1999 34 Total - S Galah Eolophus roseicapilla 2006 173 Total - S Australian King-Parrot Alisterus scapularis 2004 10 Total - - Crimson Rosella Platycercus elegans elegans 2006 352 Total - S Eastern Rosella Platycercus eximius 2006 235 Total - S Western Rosella Platycercus icterotis 1988 1 - - - Red-rumped Parrot Psephotus haematonotus 2003 9 Total - S Blue-winged Parrot Neophema chrysostoma 1995 5 Partial Ma -



Record (AVW)


Records (AVW)


Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor 1986 1 Total Ma - Budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus 1999 1 Partial - - Tawny Frogmouth Podargus strigoides 2003 36 - - - Australian Owlet-nightjar Aegotheles cristatus 2003 44 Total - - Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis 1986 1 Total Ma - Azure Kingfisher Alcedo azurea 2003 8 - - - Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae 2004 332 Total - S Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus 2003 81 Partial Ma - Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus 1994 9 - Ma - White-throated Nightjar Eurostopodus mystacalis 2000 42 - Ma - White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus 1999 30 - Mi/Ma - Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus 2000 3 - Ma - Pallid Cuckoo Cuculus pallidus 2004 90 - Ma S Fan-tailed Cuckoo Cacomantis flabelliformis 2004 178 - Ma S Brush Cuckoo Cacomantis variolosus 1999 24 - - - Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx basalis 2002 41 - Ma - Shining Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx lucidus 2001 101 - Ma - Eastern Koel Eudynamys orientalis 1997 1 - - - Superb Lyrebird Menura novaehollandiae 2003 21 - - - Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena 2003 236 Partial Ma S Tree Martin Hirundo nigricans 2001 18 Total Ma - Fairy Martin Hirundo ariel 1995 46 Partial - - Grey Fantail Rhipidura albiscarpa 2004 379 - - S Rufous Fantail Rhipidura rufifrons 2000 46 - Mi/Ma - Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys 2006 199 - - S Leaden Flycatcher Myiagra rubecula 2004 28 - - - Satin Flycatcher Myiagra cyanoleuca 2002 71 - Mi/Ma - Restless Flycatcher Myiagra inquieta 1999 10 - - - Jacky Winter Microeca fascinans 1999 10 - - - Scarlet Robin Petroica boodang 2004 148 - - - Red-capped Robin Petroica goodenovii 1999 4 - - -



Record (AVW)


Records (AVW)


Flame Robin Petroica phoenicea 2006 30 - Ma - Pink Robin Petroica rodinogaster 1992 9 - Ma - Rose Robin Petroica rosea 1996 22 - - - Hooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata 1986 1 - - - Eastern Yellow Robin Eopsaltria australis 2004 292 - - S Golden Whistler Pachycephala pectoralis 2004 274 - - S Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris 2004 178 - - - Olive Whistler Pachycephala olivacea 1997 10 - - - Grey Shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonica 2004 359 Partial - S Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca 2006 264 - Ma S Crested Shrike-tit Falcunculus frontatus 2004 99 - - - Eastern Whipbird Psophodes olivaceus 2002 15 - - - Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae 2004 190 - Ma S Common Cicadabird Coracina tenuirostris 1989 3 - Ma - White-winged Triller Lalage sueurii 1991 8 - - - Spotted Quail-thrush Cinclosoma punctatum 2004 47 - - - Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis 1931 2 - - - White-fronted Chat Epthianura albifrons 2001 2 - - H White-throated Gerygone Gerygone olivacea 1992 5 - - - Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris 2002 50 - - - Striated Thornbill Acanthiza lineata 2004 244 - - S Yellow Thornbill Acanthiza nana 2002 43 - - - Brown Thornbill Acanthiza pusilla 2004 326 - - S Buff-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza reguloides 2004 114 - - S Yellow-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza chrysorrhoa 2001 99 - - S White-browed Scrubwren Sericornis frontalis 2004 321 - - S Chestnut-rumped Heathwren Calamanthus pyrrhopygius 2002 3 - - - Striated Fieldwren Calamanthus fuliginosus 1988 1 - - - Speckled Warbler Pyrrholaemus sagittatus 1991 5 - - - Brown Songlark Cincloramphus cruralis 1988 2 - - - Rufous Songlark Cincloramphus mathewsi 1988 4 - - -



Record (AVW)


Records (AVW)


Little Grassbird Megalurus gramineus 2001 17 - - H Clamorous Reed Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus 2001 38 - Ma S Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis 2003 40 - - S Superb Fairy-wren Malurus cyaneus 2006 409 - - S Masked Woodswallow Artamus personatus 1999 4 - - - White-browed Woodswallow Artamus superciliosus 1982 1 - - - Dusky Woodswallow Artamus cyanopterus 2001 42 Partial - - Varied Sittella Daphoenositta chrysoptera 2003 87 - - - Brown Treecreeper (south-eastern ssp.) Climacteris picumnus victoriae 1931 2 Total - - White-throated Treecreeper Cormobates leucophaeus 2004 315 Total - - Red-browed Treecreeper Climacteris erythrops 2003 32 Total - - Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum 2003 92 - - - Spotted Pardalote Pardalotus punctatus 2004 314 - - - Silvereye Zosterops lateralis 2004 162 - Ma S White-naped Honeyeater Melithreptus lunatus 2004 277 - - - Black-chinned Honeyeater Melithreptus gularis 1986 1 - - - Brown-headed Honeyeater Melithreptus brevirostris 2001 65 - - - Eastern Spinebill Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris 2004 222 - - S Regent Honeyeater Anthochaera phrygia 1988 8 - Mi - Fuscous Honeyeater Lichenostomus fuscus 1990 5 - - - Yellow-faced Honeyeater Lichenostomus chrysops 2004 223 - - S White-eared Honeyeater Lichenostomus leucotis 2004 271 - - S Helmeted Honeyeater Lichenostomus melanops cassidix 1884 1 - Mi - Yellow-tufted Honeyeater Lichenostomus melanops 1999 13 - - - White-plumed Honeyeater Lichenostomus penicillatus 2003 141 - - S Crescent Honeyeater Phylidonyris pyrrhoptera 2000 47 - - - New Holland Honeyeater Phylidonyris novaehollandiae 2004 167 - - S Bell Miner Manorina melanophrys 2006 245 - - - Noisy Miner Manorina melanocephala 2006 69 - - S Little Wattlebird Anthochaera chrysoptera 2004 12 - - S Red Wattlebird Anthochaera carunculata 2006 391 - - S



Record (AVW)


Records (AVW)


Noisy Friarbird Philemon corniculatus 2001 3 - - - Little Friarbird Philemon citreogularis 1988 1 - - - Australasian Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae 2000 17 - Ma S Diamond Firetail Stagonopleura guttata 1999 1 - - - Zebra Finch Taeniopygia guttata 1992 1 - - - Red-browed Finch Neochmia temporalis 2006 141 - - S Olive-backed Oriole Oriolus sagittatus 2003 99 - - - White-winged Chough Corcorax melanorhamphos 2004 148 - - - Pied Currawong Strepera graculina 2004 186 - - S Grey Currawong Strepera versicolor 2003 195 - - - Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus 2006 243 - - S Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen 2006 430 - - S Bassian Thrush Zoothera lunulata 2003 53 - Ma - Australian Raven Corvus coronoides 2003 151 - - - Little Raven Corvus mellori 2006 262 - Ma S Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus 2001 202 Partial - - Cattle Egret Ardea ibis 2001 20 - Mi/Ma - *Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus 1998 2 - - - *Northern Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 2000 9 - - S *Rock Dove Columba livia 2003 11 - - - *Spotted Turtle-Dove Streptopelia chinensis 2006 163 - - S *Common Blackbird Turdus merula 2004 255 - - S *Song Thrush Turdus philomelos 2000 9 - - - *European Skylark Alauda arvensis 2001 28 - - H *Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus 1998 1 - - *House Sparrow Passer domesticus 2003 116 - - S *European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis 2006 69 - - S *European Greenfinch Carduelis chloris 2001 14 - - - *Common Myna Acridotheres tristis 2006 158 - - S *Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris 2006 165 Partial - S

REPTILES



Record (AVW)


Records (AVW)


Common Long-necked Turtle Chelodina longicollis 2001 3 - - - Tree Dragon Amphibolurus muricatus 2004 14 Partial - - Lace Goanna Varanus varius 1988 3 Partial - - White's Skink Egernia whitii (group) 1991 1 - - - McCoy's Skink Nannoscincus maccoyi 1991 7 - - - Delicate Skink Lampropholis delicata 2004 23 - - - Garden Skink Lampropholis guichenoti 2006 56 - - - Weasel Skink Saproscincus mustelinus 2004 28 - - - Metallic Skink Niveoscincus metallicus 2002 1 - - - Bougainville's Skink Lerista bougainvillii 1996 5 - - - Blotched Blue-tongued Lizard Tiliqua nigrolutea 2004 23 - - - Common Blue-tongued Lizard Tiliqua scincoides 2000 10 - - - Gray's Blind Snake Ramphotyphlops nigrescens 1986 1 - - - Eastern Small-eyed Snake Rhinoplocephalus nigrescens 2003 11 - - - Tiger Snake Notechis scutatus 1998 6 - - - Eastern Three-lined Skink Bassiana duperreyi 1992 1 - - - Glossy Grass Skink Pseudemoia rawlinsoni 2003 2 - - - Red-bellied Black Snake Pseudechis porphyriacus 1999 4 - - - Eastern Brown Snake Pseudonaja textilis 1992 7 - - - Freshwater Turtle Chelidae sp. 1988 2 - - - Black Rock Skink Egernia saxatilis intermedia 1992 3 Partial - - Southern Water Skink Eulamprus tympanum tympanum 2004 15 - - - Lowland Copperhead Austrelaps superbus 2002 25 - - -

FROGS Southern Bullfrog Limnodynastes dumerilii 2004 38 - - H Striped Marsh Frog Limnodynastes peronii 2002 13 - - H Spotted Marsh Frog Limnodynastes tasmaniensis 2004 24 - - H Brown Toadlet Pseudophryne bibronii 1999 2 - - - Southern Toadlet Pseudophryne semimarmorata 1992 16 - - - Common Froglet Crinia signifera 2006 154 - - H Plains Froglet Crinia parainsignifera - - - - H



Record (AVW)


Records (AVW)


Southern Brown Tree Frog Litoria ewingii 2004 96 - - H Lesueur's Frog Litoria lesueuri 1992 2 - - - Peron's Tree Frog Litoria peronii 2000 2 Partial - - Growling Grass Frog Litoria raniformis 2000 14 - - - Whistling Tree Frog Litoria verreauxii verreauxii 2006 24 - - H

FISHES Pouched Lamprey Geotria australis 1970 2 - - - Short-finned Eel Anguilla australis 2001 18 - - - *Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss 2001 1 - - - *Brown Trout Salmo trutta 2000 4 - - - Australian Smelt Retropinna semoni 2000 4 - - - Broad-finned Galaxias Galaxias brevipinnis 1992 3 - - - Common Galaxias Galaxias maculatus 2001 4 - - - Freshwater Catfish Tandanus tandanus 1990 1 - - - Macquarie Perch Macquaria australasica 2010 17 - - - Southern Pigmy Perch Nannoperca australis 1977 2 - - - *Goldfish Carassius auratus 2000 3 - - - *Common Carp Cyprinus carpio 2000 4 - - S *Roach Rutilus rutilus 2001 16 - - - *Oriental Weatherloach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus 2000 2 - - - *Eastern Gambusia Gambusia holbrooki 2000 7 - - - *Redfin Perch Perca fluviatilis 2000 7 - - - River Blackfish Gadopsis marmoratus 1992 6 - - -

INVERTEBRATES Large Ant Blue Acrodipsas brisbanensis 0 1 - - - Caddisfly Plectrotarsus gravenhorstii 1954 3 - - - Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana 2004 1 - - - Stonefly Thaumatoperla robusta 1963 1 - - - Central Highlands Burrowing Cray Engaeus affinis 1914 1 - - -



Appendix 2.4 – Significant fauna species Table A2.4. Significant fauna within 10 kilometres of the study area.

Sources used to determine species status: EPBC Environment Protection and biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth) DSE Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria (DSE 2009) FFG Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Victoria) Species status: Use of the study area: EX Extinct 1 Known resident RX Regionally extinct 2 Possible resident CR Critically endangered 3 Frequent visitor EN Endangered 4 Occasional visitor VU Vulnerable 5 Rare visitor RA Rare 6 Vagrant visitor NT Near threatened 7 Unlikely/no suitable habitat CD Conservation dependent LR Lower risk (least concern) DD Data deficient (insufficiently or poorly known)

L Listed as threatened under FFG Act I Invalid or ineligible for listing under the FFG Act

# Protected Matters Search Tool (DSEWPC)

Common Name Scientific Name Last documented

record

Total # of records

EPBC Act DSE (2009) FFG ACT National Action Plan

Likely use of study area

NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus 1988 1 - EN L VU 5 Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor 1986 1 EN EN L EN 6 Regent Honeyeater Anthochaera phrygia 1988 8 EN CE L EN 7 Helmeted Honeyeater Lichenostomus melanops cassidix 1884 1 EN CE L CR 7 Southern Brown Bandicoot Isoodon obesulus obesulus 1929 1 EN NT - NT 7 Grey-headed Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus 1999 2 VU VU L VU 4



record

Total # of records



Growling Grass Frog Litoria raniformis 2000 14 VU EN L VU 5 Macquarie Perch Macquaria australasica 2000 5 EN EN L DD 7 Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana 2004 1 CE EN L - 7 # Australian Grayling Prototroctes maraena - - VU VU L VU 7 # Australian Painted Snipe Rostratula australis - - VU CR L VU 6 # Dwarf Galaxias Galaxiella pusilla - - VU VU L VU 7 # Smoky Mouse Pseudomys fumeus - - EN CR L RA 7 # Spot-tailed Quoll Dasyurus maculatus - - EN EN L VU 7

STATE SIGNIFICANCE Lewin's Rail Lewinia pectoralis 1955 1 - VU L NT 5 Baillon's Crake Porzana pusilla 2001 3 - VU L - 4 Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia 2000 3 - NT L - 7 Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia 2001 18 - VU - - 4 Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta 2001 46 - VU L - 4 Australasian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis 2001 8 - VU - - 3 Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa 1986 1 - EN L - 5 Hardhead Aythya australis 2001 14 - VU - - 4 Blue-billed Duck Oxyura australis 2001 3 - EN L - 5 Musk Duck Biziura lobata 1992 7 - VU - - 5 Grey Goshawk Accipiter novaehollandiae 2005 1 - VU L - 5 White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster 2000 33 - VU L - 6 Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura 1985 1 - VU L - 6 Barking Owl Ninox connivens 1991 5 - EN L NT 7 Powerful Owl Ninox strenua 2004 342 - VU L - 7 Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae 1992 1 - EN L NT 7 Hooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata 1986 1 - NT L NT 7 Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis 1931 2 - EN L NT 7 Chestnut-rumped Heathwren Calamanthus pyrrhopygius 2002 3 - VU L - 7 Speckled Warbler Pyrrholaemus sagittatus 1991 5 - VU L NT 7 Brown Treecreeper Climacteris picumnus victoriae 1931 2 - NT - NT 7 Diamond Firetail Stagonopleura guttata 1999 1 - VU L NT 5 Brush-tailed Phascogale Phascogale tapoatafa 2005 165 - VU L NT 7



record

Total # of records



Common Dunnart Sminthopsis murina 2006 16 - VU - - 7 Eastern Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus megaphyllus 1988 1 - VU L - 5 Southern Myotis Myotis macropus 2002 2 - NT - NT 5 Broad-shelled Turtle Macrochelodina expansa 2001 1 - EN L - 5 Lace Goanna Varanus varius 1988 3 - VU - - 7 Brown Toadlet Pseudophryne bibronii 1999 2 - EN L DD 7 Southern Toadlet Pseudophryne semimarmorata 1992 16 - VU - - 7 Freshwater Catfish Tandanus tandanus 1990 1 - EN L - 6 Damselfly Hemiphlebia mirabilis 1954 2 - EN L - 7

REGIONAL SIGNIFICANCE Brown Quail Coturnix ypsilophora 1996 4 - NT - - 4 Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius 2002 13 - NT - - 6 Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus 1994 4 - NT - - 6 Latham's Snipe Gallinago hardwickii 2001 42 - NT - - 3 Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus 1993 1 - NT - - 6 Nankeen Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus 1995 18 - NT - - 4 Azure Kingfisher Alcedo azurea 2003 8 - NT - - 4 Spotted Quail-thrush Cinclosoma punctatum 2004 47 - NT - - 6 Black-chinned Honeyeater Melithreptus gularis 1986 1 - NT - - 5 Glossy Grass Skink Pseudemoia rawlinsoni 2003 2 - NT - - 7

Source: DSE Atlas of Victorian Wildlife (AVW 2009); DEWHA Protected Matters Search Tool (http://www.environment.gov.au/erin/ert/epbc/index.html)


RREEFFEERREENNCCEESS


References AVW 2007. Atlas of Victorian Wildlife. Viridians Biological Databases Pty Ltd,

Melbourne.

Briggs, J.D. & Leigh, J.H. 1996. Rare or Threatened Australian Plants. CSIRO Australia & Australian Nature Conservation Agency.

Cogger, H. G. 1996. Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. 5th Edition. Reed Books Australia, Melbourne.

Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities; Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 Protected Matters Search Tool, http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/about/index.html

DPCD 2010. Department of Planning & Community Development: http://services.land.vic.gov.au

DSE 2005. Advisory List of Rare or Threatened Plants in Victoria - 2005. Department of Sustainability & Environment, Victoria, East Melbourne, Victoria.

DSE 2007. Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria. Department of Sustainability & Environment, Victoria.

DSE 2010. Biodiversity Maps (www.dse.vic.gov.au).

Duncan, A., Baker, G.B. & Montgomery, N. 1999. The Action Plan for Australian Bats. Environment Australia, Canberra.

Ecology Partners Pty Ltd 2009. Due diligence flora and fauna assessment of a proposed site for the relocation of the Eastern Golf Course Yering, Victoria. Unpublished letter report for Robert Luxmoore Project Management Pty Ltd on behalf The Eastern Golf Club.

Ecology Partners Pty Ltd 2010a. Targeted surveys for Growling Grass Frog and River Swamp Wallaby-grass, for the Eastern Golf Course relocation, Yering, Victoria. Unpublished report prepared for Robert Luxmoore Project Management Pty Ltd on behalf The Eastern Golf Club.

Ecology Partners Pty Ltd 2010b. Eastern Golf Club, Relocation to Windsor Park, Yering, Victoria: Yarra Bank and Bushland Management Plan. Unpublished report prepared for Robert Luxmoore Project Management Pty Ltd on behalf The Eastern Golf Club.

FIS 2007. Flora Information System. Viridians Biological Databases Pty Ltd, Melbourne.

Garnett, S. & Crowley, G. 2000. The Action Plan for Australian Birds. Environment Australia, Canberra.

IUCN 2009. 2009 IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals. International Union for the Conservation of Nature & Natural Resources, Geneva.

Kohler, S and Miller, J. 2003. Flora and fauna assessment of “Coowerp”, 178-180 Victoria Road, Yering, Victoria. Unpublished report prepared for Meinhardt Infrastructure & Environment Pty Ltd by Biosis Research Pty Ltd.

Maxwell, S., Burbidge, A. & Morris, K. 1996. Action Plan for Australian Marsupials and Monotremes. IUCN Species Survival Commission.


McGuckin, J. 2003. Aquatic conditions and values on the Coowerp property, Yering. Unpublished report prepared by Streamline Research Pty Ltd. Melbourne.

Tyler, M.J. 1997. The Action Plan for Australian Frogs. Environment Australia, Canberra.

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