Planning and Management

Guidelines for Protecting, Enhancing and Managing significant natural assets

Prepared by AM Muir, MH Collinson, BA Lane, N Rosengren, M Tansley, PF Breen, M Evans and

GW Carr.

Ecology Australia

Flora and Fauna Consultants

272-276 Heidelberg Road

Fairfield Victoria 3078

Contents

1.0 Introduction

2.0 Protecting and enhancing significant natural heritage

2.1 Background and issues

2.2 Policy

2.3 Actions

3.0 Ecologically sustainable development

3.1 Background and issues

3.2 Policy

3.3 Actions

4.0 Managing land degradation processes

4.1 Background and issues

4.2 Policy

4.3 Actions, responsibilities and timeframe

5.0 Restoring vegetation

5.1 Background and issues

5.2 Policy

5.3 Actions, responsibilities and timeframe

6.0 Implementation, monitoring, reporting and review

6.1 Implementation

6.2 Monitoring and reporting

6.3 Implementation costs

7.0 Planning scheme amendment

Environmental Significance Overlay 1

Environmental Significance Overlay 2

Environmental Significance Overlay 3

Appendices

Appendix 1: Guidelines for preparing Land Management Plans

Appendix 2: Terms of reference for the Brimbank Natural Heritage Committee

Appendix 3: Significant plant taxa

Appendix 4: Significant fauna

1.0 Introduction

Brimbank City council's Natural Heritage Strategy has been developed following

a review and assessment of the present condition and extent of the city's natural

heritage. The goal of the Natural Heritage Strategy is to conserve and protect

Brimbank's significant natural heritage.

The strategy's policy direction has been guided by the Victorian Planning

Provisions (November 1996) and the Australian Natural Heritage Charter (1996).

It provides further direction to Brimbank City council's Municipal Strategic

Statement, Shaping Brimbank's Future (1996), Section 10.2 of which commits

the Council to:

Protect and enhance important natural assets and strongly discourage

development that undermines the environmental significance of

Brimbank's remnant native grasslands, the sensitive areas north of the

Calder Freeway, the Maribyrnong River, Kororoit Creek and Taylors Creek

Valley, and other areas of comparable importance.

The Strategy also has links to several other strategies that have been developed

or are in the process of development Ð the Cultural Heritage Strategy, Leisure

Strategy, Urban Design Strategy, Municipal Public Health Plan and the

Community Consultation Strategy.

The Natural Heritage Strategy has been prepared in two parts Ð the present

Planning and Management document provides a framework to guide

implementation through policies, management actions and planning controls. A

separate volume of Background Papers provides detailed discussion and support

for the policies and actions and planning controls.

Twenty-three sites of floral or faunal significance (national, State, regional) have

been identified within Brimbank. They comprise grasslands, grassy wetlands,

escarpments and riparian sites. Many of these places are of national or State

significance because they support species or communities of indigenous flora

and fauna which are rare or threatened at the national or State level. The

Strategy also identifies three places of geological or geomorphological

significance (two of State significance and one potentially of national

significance).

The policy is to be implemented through the provision of Environmental

Significance Overlays (ESOs). The following policy statements constitute the

objectives for the overlay schedules.

2.0 Protecting and Enhancing Significant Natural Heritage

2.1. Background and Issues

Brimbank contains natural features of national, State, regional and local

significance.

Flora

It is home to 564 vascular plant species (316 indigenous and 248 exotic), of

which four are of national significance, six are of State to national significance, 18

are of State significance and 164 are of regional significance.

The municipality contains four broad vegetation communities, of which one

(Plains Grassland) is of State to national significance, one (Grassy Wetland) is of

State significance and two (Escarpment Shrubland or Woodland and Riparian

Complex) are of high regional significance. Plains Grassland is listed under the

Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.

Fauna

Brimbank also supports 23 mammal species (eight of them introduced), 149 bird

species (11 introduced), 10 frog species, 20 reptile species and four fish species

(one introduced). Of these, three species are of national significance (the Plains

Wanderer, Striped Legless Lizard and Australian Grayling), five are of State

significance and 26 (three mammal, 17 bird, three amphibian and three reptile)

are of regional significance. In addition, the municipality contains habitat features

that may support populations of the nationally significant Southern Lined Earless

Dragon.

Areas within Brimbank would form critical habitat for the ongoing survival in the

wild of some of these flora and fauna species. Some of the threatened species

are covered by the Commonwealth Endangered Species Act 1992, the Victorian

Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988, or both. Flora and fauna species of

national and State significance are listed in Appendices 3 and 4.

Geology and Geomorphology

Brimbank features a range of geological outcrops representing most of the major

surface geological units in the Melbourne area. These range in age from Silurian

(the oldest) to Holocene, and include marine and non-marine sediments as well

as volcanics.

The landforms typical of the West Victorian Volcanic Plain land system are well

represented in the municipality. These include flat lava plains, two eruption points

and deeply incised river and creek valleys Ð the Maribyrnong River in particular

features well developed meanders and alluvial terraces. These features range

from State to local significance.

Additional Background

Twenty-three sites of regional to national flora and fauna significance and 22

sites of local to State (and potentially national) geological and geomorphological

significance are identified, discussed and mapped in the accompanying

Background Papers.

2.2 Policy

Protect and enhance the unique character and identity that Brimbank's

natural heritage provides, recognising the contribution indigenous flora,

fauna, geology and geomorphological features contribute to the landscape

character.

Conserve the natural integrity of Brimbank's significant places, ecological

processes, genetic diversity and geodiversity.

Maintain relationships with organisations carrying out research on

grassland management, restoration and ecology.

Actively encourage community involvement in the monitoring, protection

and enhancement of Brimbank's natural heritage, including interested

individuals and community groups, friends groups, schools, Aboriginal

people, NESB groups and agencies.

2.3 Actions, Responsibility and Timeframe

Actions

Responsibility

Timeframe

Priority

Seek funding for restoration, protection and

enhancement programs from agencies

including, but not limited to, Parks Victoria,

National Landcare Program, Natural Heritage

Trust.

Council and other

stakeholders

Ongoing

Protect significant sites from inappropriate

activities by fencing and siting facilities away

from important natural features.

Council and other

land holders

Ongoing

Develop land management information kits for

landholders utilising existing materials where

appropriate and available. Include information

on:

pest plant and animal control

grazing and native vegetation

revegetation

erosion control.

Council and other

agencies

September 1997 H

Actively encourage the community to become

involved in the local environment. Facilitate

involvement of local Friends groups, individuals,

community groups, schools, NESB and

Aboriginal people.

Council and other

stakeholders

Ongoing

Review, evaluate and revise strategies to

protect, enhance and manage Brimbank's

significant natural heritage.

Council with other

stake holders

Every 3 years

Undertake a periodic assessment of the extent

and condition of Brimbank's natural heritage.

Council

Every 3 years

Record data in a manner consistent with data

formats used by State and Commonwealth

agencies. Investigate the appropriateness of

reporting in the format suggested in the State of

the Environment Report (State of the

Environment Reporting Unit, Department of

Environment, Sport and Territories, 1996).

Conduct periodic, systematic and ongoing

monitoring of Brimbank's flora, fauna, geology,

geomorphological features, and water quality,

with emphasis given to the most significant

natural assets to review short-term management

effects. Review and adopt the best available

scientific knowledge and technologies.

Council

At least annually H

Work with other agencies to coordinate

programs and advocate for the protection of

indigenous species on significant sites.

Council with other

agencies

Ongoing

Develop priorities for implementing Action

Statements for endangered species.

Council with DNRE Ongoing

Incorporate Environmental Significance

Overlays into Brimbank's planning scheme to

cover sites of significance listed in Table 1 to

Schedules One and Two.

Council

1997

Encourage the State and Commonwealth

governments to acquire by negotiation, accept

title to (in the case of developer contributions),

and undertake management of places of

national and State significance.

Council with other

government

departments

Ongoing

Observe the principles and requirements of the

Commonwealth Endangered Species Act 1992

and the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee

Act 1988.

Council with other

agencies

Ongoing

3.0 Ecologically Sustainable Development

3.1 Background and Issues

In 1992, the Commonwealth Department of Environment released the National

Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable Development. The goal of this strategy is:

Development that improves the total quality of life, both now and in the

future, in a way that maintains the ecological processes on which life

depends.

One of the three key elements of this strategy is:

To protect biodiversity and maintain essential ecological processes

and life support systems.

The Victorian Planning Provisions (November 1996) refer councils to this

strategy as part of the environmental aspects of the State planning policy

framework. Councils are required to implement ecologically sustainable

development under this policy framework.

Part of the purpose of this strategy is to provide a framework within which

development in Brimbank can be planned and executed in a manner consistent

with the principles of ecological sustainability, particularly with regard to the

protection of biodiversity and ecosystems. This chapter focuses on biodiversity

and ecosystem issues with regard to the two basic ingredients of planning:

strategic planning

development control.

Strategic planning involves decisions about where land uses will be located.

Development control involves decisions about how development should proceed

on a parcel of land. This section provides two parts of the strategy covering these

two important planning functions of Brimbank City Council.

Strategic planning approaches

The strategic land-use plan for Brimbank needs to be reviewed in the light of the

new information on the location of significant natural heritage features presented

in the accompanying Background Papers to this strategy. This information shows

that there are a number of highly significant sites and populations on private land

that, unless protected or managed in a suitable manner will be lost as a

consequence of future development.

There are inherent difficulties in rezoning from an intensive use to one more

compatible with the protection of natural heritage features. Furthermore, there

are often significant costs involved in the public purchase of private land.

Notwithstanding this, the option of acquisition should be considered for the most

significant sites (with State, Commonwealth or non-government financial

assistance). As a minimum, the Council will work with State and Commonwealth

agencies to ensure that there is appropriate site reservation and management of

the following sites of national and State conservation significance (in priority

order):

Flora and fauna sites:

Deer Park Grassland

Fitzgerald Road Grassland

Albion Explosive Factory Grasslands

Reid Street Grassland

Jones Creek Grasslands

Baldwin Ave Grassland.

Geology and geomorphology sites:

Taylors Creek 2 (Augustines Way).

In addition to these sites, a small number of sites are still in public ownership,

albeit by a range of authorities. Council should investigate options with these

agencies for the effective protection of significant features on the following sites

of national and State significance (in priority order):

Flora and fauna sites:

Derrimut Grassland Reserve

St Albans Grassland Reserve

Sunshine Tip Grassland

Pioneer Park, Sydenham

Sydenham Radio Transmission Site and Flora Reserve

Brimbank Park

Maribyrnong River

Sunshine Rail Reserve.

Geology and geomorphology sites:

Organ Pipes National Park.

Development Control Approaches

As most of the sites listed above are unlikely to be able to be acquired, the only

option is for Council to negotiate with the landholder or developer, through the

development control process, for the protection of as much of the significant

features of the land as possible. If land is transferred to the State, it should also

be managed by the State.

3.2 Policy

Protect Brimbank's significant natural heritage by ensuring that new

developments do not have a detrimental impact on the integrity of

ecological and earth processes.

Council must be satisfied that the possible impact of a rezoning, land-use,

management or development proposal will not unduly undermine the

significance of Brimbank's natural heritage. Where there is doubt about

the impact of a proposal, a precautionary approach will be adopted.

Planning controls are to apply to the Albion Explosive Factory Grassland

and the Sydenham Radio Transmission Site and Flora Reserve when the

Commonwealth divests the land.

3.3 Actions, Responsibility and Timeframe

Actions

Responsibility

Timeframe

Priority

Require that developers (including the Council)

carry out a survey to identify and verify natural

heritage values on land identified with significant

features before development works begin or a

permit is issued. See Schedule One and Two.

Council and

developers

Ongoing

Ensure that development plans are sympathetic

with natural heritage values and do not pose a

risk of loss or damage to significant sites.

Council and

developers

Ongoing

Work with developers and other stakeholders to

transfer to public ownership significant remnant

sites as part of development contributions.

Council, developers

and other

stakeholders

Ongoing

Where opportunity permits, land swaps and the

trading of development rights should also be

considered.

Encourage developers to prepare Land

Management Plans for significant sites

remaining in private ownership.

Council and

developers

Ongoing

Develop an information kit for applicants

seeking to redevelop or rezone land outlining

the Council's policy regarding natural heritage

and the process for assessing sites with

significant heritage values.

Council

1997

Investigate funding options that the State and

Commonwealth governments may have

available from time to time for off-reserve

conservation incentives for landholders.

Council

Ongoing

4.0 Managing Land Degradation Processes

4.1 Background and Issues

Several degrading processes are threatening the natural heritage values of

Brimbank. These are briefly indicated below. A more detailed account of the

problems and their solution can be found in the accompanying Background

Papers.

Weed Invasion

Weed invasion is the overwhelming management problem in Brimbank. Weed

invasions are responsible for massive degradation or threaten to degrade every

vegetation community and remnant in the municipality, some of which are highly

significant grassland remnants. By degrading vegetation, it follows that weed

invasions also threaten faunal values, particularly in grasslands.

Of particular note is the threat posed to the most significant vegetation remnants

in the municipality (primarily grasslands) by the exotic perennial Chilean Needle

grass (*Nassella neesiana). Control of this plant is the single most urgent natural

heritage management problem facing Brimbank.

Overgrazing

Stock grazing and grazing by rabbits and hares can have enormous impacts on

vegetation remnants, both by physical damage (particularly in wetlands and

riparian environments), and by their selective eating habits, which can

dramatically alter the species composition of sites and prevent the regeneration

of woody species. Several remnants in the municipality are grazed by stock Ð

primarily cattle or horses Ð and have been for considerable periods of time. This

has altered the floristics and structure of these remnants, as well as the physical

environment (e.g. by increasing soil compaction).

Grazing also interacts with other issues, particularly weeds. For example,

Serrated Tussock (*Nassella trichotoma) is not eaten by rabbits (or livestock) and

therefore is promoted under intense grazing regimes. On the other hand, grazing

is likely to have assisted in the control of many exotic perennial grasses which

may otherwise have more severely degraded grassland values. To remove

grazing stock completely, or even to reduce the grazing regime, may result in an

outbreak of exotic perennial grasses (including Chilean Needle-grass) which may

be very difficult to control.

Inappropriate Fire Regimes

Prior to European settlement, several natural processes interacted to reduce

grassland biomass, particularly grazing by native fauna and fire, the latter being

promoted by Aborigines as part of their management of grasslands. Since

European settlement, however, the fire frequency has been reduced and the

grazing regimes altered substantially with sheep and cattle tending to replace or

supplement native herbivores. Burning grasslands (perhaps every two to five

years) is necessary to open up the sward (usually of Kangaroo Grass, Themeda

triandra) and promote species diversity. However, opening up the grassland also

facilitates ingress of exotic species, sometimes on a formidable scale. This

tendency works against other management objectives, particularly reducing

weed populations. Despite these difficulties, fire remains a grassland

management tool, albeit one that must be used cautiously on a site-specific

basis, and that must be integrated with other management tools, particularly the

use of follow-up spot-spraying with herbicide.

Pest Animals

Pest animals are common within Brimbank and pose a major threat to the

environment and to native wildlife. Pest animals recorded within the municipality

include Red Fox, European Rabbit, Brown Hare, feral and stray dogs and cats,

Black Rat, Brown Rat, House Mouse, as well as pest birds such as Common

Blackbird, Common Starling and House Sparrow. Of these pest animals, rabbits,

foxes, dogs and cats are the ones which cause the most environmental damage.

Degrading Water Quality

The two main streams monitored for water quality in the Brimbank area are the

Maribyrnong River and Kororoit Creek. Overall, the water quality in these

streams was moderate; however, the biological health of these streams,

particularly Kororoit Creek, was relatively poor. Specific measures to improve

water quality and stream health within Brimbank are discussed in the

accompanying Background Papers.

Urban development has significant consequences for the hydrology and water

quality of nearby wetlands and waterways. Consequently, there is a need for

future urban development to be designed in a manner that minimises impacts on

water quality. An important aspect of this is the concept of water-sensitive urban

design for new urban areas and associated developments (e.g. shopping

centres). Water-sensitive urban design involves creating wetlands (where

appropriate) and maximising the natural process of stormwater infiltration to

increase groundwater recharge. This reduces erosive runoff peaks and promotes

natural soil biological treatment of stormwater before it reaches waterways.

Should this be appropriate, existing manuals and guidelines (e.g. those

developed for the Perth metropolitan area) could be adapted as performance

standards for urban design in new urban areas in Brimbank.

4.2 Policy

Conserve, monitor and maintain the natural heritage values of Brimbank

through the control of land degradation processes that affect the long-term

integrity of significant species, natural heritage places, ecological

communities, geodiversity and water quality.

4.3 Actions, Responsibility and Timeframe

Actions

Responsibility

Timeframe

Priority

Prepare and implement a Pest Plant and Animal

Management Plan for council-owned and -

managed land. This would:

map weeds (important species)

prioritise sites according to

biological significance for

programmed works

prioritise weeds to be controlled

(giving high priority to Nassella

spp.)

prioritise pest animals to be

controlled(giving high priority to

rabbits).

Council with advice

from DNRE and

liaison with adjoining

municipalities

1997 and ongoing VH

Work with regional municipalities and the Port

Phillip Catchment and Land Protection Board

(CALP) to ensure that the full range of

environmental weeds are included within

relevant legislation and that adequate funding is

available on a regional basis to control these

species.

Council, Port Phillip

CALP, other

regional councils.

Ongoing

Coordinate planning and management activities

with adjoining municipalities and government

agencies to develop a regional perspective.

Council and other

agencies

Ongoing

Progressively remove environmental weeds

from parks and streets (as development allows

or senescence takes place).

Council with

stakeholders

Ongoing

Encourage private and public landowners to

control environmental and noxious weeds and

pest animals.

DNRE with Council Ongoing

Review the Pest Plant and Animal Management

Plan every three years:

re-assess nature and location of

important weed species

review the effectiveness of the

control program

adjust priorities as required

review and adopt the best available

scientific knowledge and

technologies.

Council

Every 3 years

Implement a grazing, slashing and burning

regime for significant sites owned and managed

by the Council to control vegetation biomass.

Adopt the most up-to-date research findings

where possible.

Council with advice

from grassland

management

research institutions

and DNRE

Mid 1998

Encourage owners of significant sites to

manage grazing regimes (or other means of

biomass reduction) to the benefit of the

indigenous flora and fauna following the

development of a management plan prepared

by a suitably qualified and experienced

ecologist.

DNRE with Council Ongoing

to gain funding for land restoration projects. Council with other

stakeholders

Ongoing

Ensure that all works on Council- owned and -

managed sites with significant natural heritage

values are supervised by a qualified ecologist or

other suitably qualified person.

Council

Ongoing

5.0 Restoring Vegetation

5.1 Background and Issues

The areas of Brimbank described below are considered appropriate for

revegetation. In some cases, these areas are already subject to revegetation

plans, in which case, these should be continued and strengthened. No attempts

have yet been made to revegetate some of the other areas.

Gaps in the riparian and escarpment vegetation along the Maribyrnong

River need to be revegetated.

The banks and escarpments of the Kororoit Creek should be revegetated

progressively.

The grassland remnants between the Albion Explosives Factory

Grassland and the Sunshine Tip Grassland could be linked into one

system of habitat by planting Kangaroo Grass (ideally) or Common

Tussock-grass in the intervening areas. Development of these areas will

need to set aside sufficient areas along Jones Creek for this to occur. This

may contribute to the protection and enhancement of the site for a

population of the nationally vulnerable Striped Legless Lizard.

5.2 Policy

Ensure that the integrity of Brimbank's natural heritage is maintained and,

where necessary, restored through a revegetation program concentrating

efforts along identified habitat corridors and sites of significance.

Revegetation is not considered a substitute for the protection of remnants.

5.3 Actions, Responsibility and Timeframe

Actions

Responsibility

Timeframe

Priority

Develop and implement a revegetation program

using indigenous plant material along identified

habitat corridors and sites of significance(as

appropriate).

Council with advice

from research

institutions

Ongoing

M/H

Link weed control and other management

activities with the revegetation program.

Council

Ongoing

Coordinate Council revegetation program with

other land management agencies, ideally

developing a regional approach.

Council with other

stakeholders

Ongoing

Encourage and assist private landowners to

undertake revegetation programs on their land

to control land degradation by providing

information

Council with other

stakeholders and

DNRE

Ongoing

6.0 Implementation, Monitoring, Reporting and Review

6.1 Implementation

To deliver Brimbank's Natural Heritage Strategy, a management structure is

proposed that will efficiently and effectively manage day-to-day and longer-term

issues with the involvement of key stakeholders.

A Natural Heritage Committee (NHC) consisting of Councillors, council officers, a

specialist in grassland management, a representative of the Victorian National

Parks Association and a community representative will be established to oversee

the implementation of the Natural Heritage Strategy (the terms of reference for

the NHC are provided in Appendix 2). The NHC will meet at least every three

months, or more often as required.

Responsibility for day-to-day implementation of the Strategy will lie with a

designated council officer who will report to and receive advice from the Natural

Heritage Committee.

A Natural Heritage Consultative Group (NHCG) will be established with

representatives invited to participate from the community, government and

interested organisations. This forum will be coordinated by the council officer

responsible for day-to-day implementation of the strategy. The committee should

meet twice per year and include representatives from, among others:

Brimbank Natural Heritage Committee (the committee chairperson)

Brimbank City Council (the council officer responsible for implementing the

Natural Heritage Strategy)

Port Phillip Catchment and Land Protection Board

Department of Natural Resources and Environment

Department of Infrastructure, Office of Planning and Heritage

Melbourne Water Corporation

Parks Victoria

VicRoads

VicRail

Large private land holders

Local environment groups

Victoria University, Department of Environmental Management

Interested individuals

MFB and CFA

Urban Land Authority.

The NHCG is an informal panel of representatives who will meet to discuss

planning and management issues, and funding programs for natural heritage

areas in Brimbank.

6.2 Monitoring and Reporting

Monitoring of the Brimbank's Natural Heritage Strategy should occur at two

levels.

First there should be regular (at least annual) monitoring of performance, review

of technical aspects of the works program, and reporting on significant events.

An annual report will be prepared following review and presented to Council.

Second, the state of Brimbank's natural heritage will be review at least every

three years. Monitoring will include a review of the status of threatened species,

weed invasions, grazing regimes, fire regimes, pest animals, water quality,

revegetation and management strategies. A report will be prepared on The State

of Brimbank's Natural Heritage. Management strategies and planning will be

reviewed following presentation of The State of Brimbank's Natural Heritage and

a report presented to the Council on the effectiveness and limitations of work

done in the previous three-year period. Adjustments to the strategy will be

recommended along with budget estimates for the following three-year period.

6.3 Implementation Costs

The following table sets out the funding allocation required to implement

Brimbank's Natural Heritage Strategy over the next three years. The funding level

will deliver a modest but much needed management program to protect and

enhance Brimbank's significant natural heritage.

Brimbank's commitment to the principles outlined in the Strategy Ð and a funding

commitment from the Council Ð will mean that applications for works and

programs grants from other spheres of government, utilities and other agencies,

and philanthropic trusts will be considered more favourably.

Item

1997/98

1998/99

1999/00

0.3 EFT officer

15,000

15,600

16,200

Printing materials

5,000

5,200

5,400

Works program (pest plant and animal

control, revegetation, fencing, etc)

80,000

83,200

86,500

Annual Monitoring

3,000

Three-yearly assessment and review

18,000

Total annual costs

$103,000

$107,000

$129,100

Note: On-ground works will only be carried out on council-owned or -managed sites

7.0 Planning scheme amendment

Prepare a planning scheme amendment to introduce:

(a) A Local policy on Brimbank's Natural Heritage, including:

Protecting and enhancing significant natural heritage

Protect and enhance the unique character and identity that Brimbank's

natural heritage provides, recognising the contribution indigenous flora,

fauna, geology and geomorphological features contribute to the landscape

character.

Conserve the natural integrity of Brimbank's significant places, ecological

processes, genetic diversity and geodiversity.

Maintain relationships with organisations carrying out research on

grassland management, restoration and ecology.

Actively encourage community involvement in the monitoring, protection

and enhancement of Brimbank's natural heritage, including interested

individuals and community groups, friends groups, schools, Aboriginal

people, NESB groups and agencies.

Ecologically sustainable development

Protect Brimbank's significant natural heritage by ensuring that new

developments do not have a detrimental impact on the integrity of

ecological and earth processes.

The Council must be satisfied that the possible impact of a rezoning, land

use, management or development proposal will not unduly undermine the

significance of Brimbank's natural heritage. Where there is doubt about

the impact of a proposal, a precautionary approach will be adopted.

Managing land degradation processes

Conserve, monitor and maintain the natural heritage values of Brimbank

through the control of land degradation processes that affect the long-term

integrity of significant species, natural heritage places, ecological

communities, geodiversity and water quality.

Restoring Vegetation

Ensure the integrity of Brimbank's natural heritage is maintained and,

where necessary, restored through a revegetation program concentrating

efforts along identified habitat corridors and sites of significance.

Revegetation is not considered a substitute for the protection of remnants.

(b) Environmental significance overlay

Schedule 1

Sites of national, State or regional significance for flora and fauna. (Sites 1 to 21

and 30 to 31 in Table 1 to Schedules One and Two, which are more particularly

described in the Brimbank Natural Heritage Strategy Background Papers.)

Schedule 2

Sites of Local significance for flora and fauna (Sites 22 to 29 in Table 1 to

Schedules One and Two).

Schedule 3

Sites of geological and geomorphological significance. (Sites 1 to 22 in the Table

to Schedule Three, which are more particularly described in the Brimbank

Natural Heritage Strategy Background Papers.)

Schedule One to Environmental Significance Overlay

ES01

Sites of national, State or regional significance for flora and fauna

1.0 Environmental objective

To provide for the implementation of Brimbank's local policy for sites of

natural significance, particularly to:

protect population or communities of native plants and fauna of

national, state or regional (i.e. within the Greater Melbourne

Region) significance, consistent with the principles and

requirements of the Commonwealth Endangered Species

Protection Act 1992 and the Victoria Flora and Fauna Guarantee

Act 1988.

2.0 Requirements

An application to rezone land or use land to construct a building or

construct or carry out works, to remove, destroy or lop any vegetation, or

to subdivide land must be accompanied by the following information:

the results of a detailed flora and fauna survey and assessment of

the land which is undertaken by qualified and experienced

personnel using methods acceptable to the Department

administering the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and which

documents:

any significant populations or communities of native plants

any significant populations of native fauna

any concentrations of environmental weeds

an independent review of the flora and fauna survey and

assessment undertaken by appropriately qualified and experienced

personnel

information which demonstrates that development impacts on sites

of national, State or regional significance for flora and fauna would

be minimised and that the integrity of the site will be maintained or

enhanced

a Land Management Plan prepared in accordance with the

guidelines contained in the Brimbank Natural Heritage Strategy

which presents details of proposed arrangements for the effective

and ongoing management of the land consistent with the

environmental objectives to this schedule

a demonstration that adequate safeguards would be put in place to

ensure that activities in any developed portions of the land do not

detrimentally affect significant communities or populations of native

plants or native fauna or their habitats.

3.0 Decision Guidelines

Before deciding on an application to rezone land or use land to construct a

building or construct or carry out works, to remove, destroy or lop

vegetation, or to subdivide land, the responsible authority must consider:

the State Planning Policy framework

the local policy on Brimbank's natural heritage and the Brimbank

Natural Heritage Strategy (March 1997)

the comments of the Department of Natural Resources and

Environment.

The responsible authority must be satisfied that:

the flora and fauna survey and assessment of the land has been

adequately completed under appropriate seasonal conditions

the flora and fauna survey and assessment has been

independently reviewed in an appropriate manner

any development plans for the land clearly take into consideration

the environmental objectives of this schedule

implementation of the land management plan will prevent

detrimental impacts on significant communities or populations of

native plants and fauna.

4.0 Exemptions

A permit is not required to remove, destroy or lop vegetation where:

the vegetation is an environmental weed as specified in Table 2 to this

overlay

the vegetation is dead

the removal, destruction or lopping of vegetation is necessary for

emergency access works or emergency works by a public authority or

municipal council

the removal, destruction or lopping of vegetation is in accordance with a

fire prevention notice under the Country Fire Authority Act or Local

Government Act

the removal, destruction or lopping of vegetation is for the maintenance of

assets in accordance with a Code of Practice prepared under Section 65

of the State Electricity Commission Act 1958

the removal, destruction or lopping of vegetation is of the minimum extent

necessary for establishing sight-lines for the measurement of land by

surveyors in the exercise of their profession, and if using hand-held tools.

Schedule Two to Environmental Significance Overlay

ES02

Sites of local significance for flora and fauna

1.0 Environmental objective

To provide for the implementation of Brimbank's local policy for sites of

natural significance, particularly to:

protect population or communities of native plants and fauna of

local significance (i.e. within the Brimbank City Council area),

consistent with the principles and/or requirements of the

Commonwealth Endangered Species Protection Act 1992 and the

Victoria Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.

2.0 Requirements

An application to rezone land or use land to construct a building or

construct or carry out works, to remove, destroy or lop any vegetation, or

to subdivide land must be accompanied by the following information:

options for development of the site in a manner which protects and

enhances, where possible, the integrity of the site

details of proposed arrangements for the effective and ongoing

management of undeveloped sections of the land to ensure the

conservation and enhancement of significant qualities

a demonstration that adequate safeguards would be put in place to

ensure that activities in any developed portions of the land do not

detrimentally affect significant communities or populations of native

plants or native fauna or their habitats.

3.0 Decision Guidelines

Before deciding on an application to rezone land or use land to construct a

building or construct or carry out works, to remove, destroy or lop

vegetation, or to subdivide land responsible authority must consider:

the State Planning Policy framework

the local policy on Brimbank's Natural Heritage and the Brimbank

Natural Heritage Strategy (March 1997)

the comments of the Department of Natural Resources and

Environment.

The responsible authority must be satisfied that:

all reasonable means of effectively protecting the significant

qualities of the site have been considered

arrangements can be made for the adequate management of

undeveloped portions of the land to ensure the survival of identified

communities and populations of native plants and fauna

implementation of the Land Management Plan will prevent

detrimental impacts on significant communities or populations of

native plans and fauna.

4.0 Exemptions

A permit is not required to remove, destroy or lop vegetation where:

the vegetation is an environmental weed as specified in Table 2 to

this overlay

the vegetation is dead

the removal, destruction or lopping of vegetation is necessary for

emergency access works or emergency works by a public authority

or municipal council

the removal, destruction or lopping of vegetation is in accordance

with a fire prevention notice under the Country Fire Authority Act or

Local Government Act

the removal, destruction or lopping of vegetation is for the

maintenance of assets in accordance with a Code of Practice

prepared under Section 65 of the State Electricity Commission Act

1958

the removal, destruction or lopping of vegetation is of the minimum

extent necessary for establishing sight-lines for the measurement of

land by surveyors in the exercise of their profession, and if using

hand held tools.

Table 1 to Schedules One and Two:

Sites of Biological Significance as identified in the Brimbank Natural

Heritage Strategy

No Name

Significance Description

1. Derrimut Grassland

National

Grassland/Grassy Wetland

2. Deer Park Grassland

National

Grassland/Grassy Wetland

3. Fitzgerald Road Grassland

National

Grassland

4. St Albans Rail Reserve

National

Grassland

5. Sunshine Tip

State (PN)

Grassland

6. Reid Street

State (PN)

Grassland

7. Jones Creek Grasslands

State (PN)

Grassland

8. Pioneer Park

State (PN)

Grassland

9. Baldwin Avenue Grassland

State (PN)

Grassland/Escarpment

10. Sunshine Rail Reserve

State

Grassland

11. Diggers Rest Rail Reserve

Regional

Grassland

12. Taylors Creek Shrubland

Regional (PN) Escarpment

13. Brimbank Park

Regional (PN) Riparian/Escarpment (Grassland)

14. Maribyrnong River bed and banks

National

Aquatic/Riparian

15. Maribyrnong River surrounds

Regional

Riparian/Escarpment

16. Organ Pipes National Park

Regional

Riparian/Escarpment(Grassland)

17. Kororoit Creek Escarpments

Regional

Escarpment

18. Sydenham Rail Reserve

Regional

Grassland

19. Taylors Creek

Regional

Riparian/Escarpment

20. Kororoit Creek Central

Regional

Riparian

21. St Albans Road Grassland

Regional

Grassland

22. O'Brien Park

Local

Grassland

23. Taylors Lakes Grassland

Local

Grassland

24. Deer Park Central Grassland

Local

Grassland

25. Cyril Clements Reserve

Local

Grassland

26. Amethyst Close, Turquoise Close and

Moonstone Circuit, St Albans East

Local

Grassland/Grassy Wetland

27. Balfour Ave, Sunshine North

Local

Grassland

28. Deer Park Shopping Centre Grassland

Local

Grassland

29. West of Murray Street, Ardeer

Local

Grassland

Planning controls to apply when Commonwealth land is divested

30. Albion Explosive factory Grassland

National

Grassland/Grassy Wetland

31. Sydenham Radio Transmission

Site and Flora Reserve

Regional (PN) Grassland

PN Denotes potentially of national significance.

Table 2 to Schedules One and Two:

Environmental Weeds

Species

Common name

Cynara cardunculus

Spanish Artichoke

Helminthotheca echioides

Ox-tongue

Hypochoeris radicata

Cat's Ear

Lycium ferocissimum

African Box-thorn

Nassella hyalina

Fine Needle-grass

Nassella leucotricha

Pale Needle-grass

Nassella neesiana

Chilean Needle-grass

Nassella trichotoma

Serrated Tussock

Plantago lanceolata

Ribwort

Allium vineale

Crow Garlic

Asphodelus fistulosus

Onion Weed

Aster subulatus

Aster-weed

Berkheya rigida

African Thistle

Brassica fruticulosa

Twiggy Turnip

Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. monilifera Boneseed

Cirsium vulgare

Spear Thistle

Conium maculatum

Hemlock

Convolvulus arvensis

Common Bindweed

Echium plantagineum

Paterson's Curse

Foeniculum vulgare

Fennel

Fraxinus angustifolia ssp. angustifolia

Desert Ash

Galenia pubescens

Galenia

Genista monspessulana

Montpellier Broom

Juncus acutus ssp. acutus

Sharp Rush

Lavatera cretica

Cretan Hollyhock

Leontodon taraxacoides

Hairy Hawkbit

Marrubium vulgare

Horehound

Species

Common name

Myrsiphyllum asparagoides

Simlax Asparagus

Olea europaea ssp. europaea

African Olive

Opuntia vulgaris

Drooping Prickly Pear

Opuntia sp.

Prickly Pear

Oxalis pes-caprae

Soursob

Plantago coronopus

Buck's-horn Plantain

Prunus cerasifera

Cherry Plum

Populus sp.

Poplar

Ricinus communis

Castor Oil Plant

Rosa rubiginosa

Sweet Briar

Rubus discolor

Blackberry

Rumex conglomeratus

Clustered Dock

Rumex crispus

Curled Dock

Salix spp.

Willows

Schinus molle var. areira

Pepper Tree

Silybum marianum

Variegated Thistle

Sonchus spp.

Sow-thistles

Tradescantia albiflora

Wandering Jew

Tragopogon porrifolius

Salsify

Ulex europaeus

Furze

Shaded species should receive priority for control.

Schedule Three to Environmental Significance Overlay

ES03

Sites of geological and geomorphological significance

1.0 Environmental objective

To provide for the implementation of Brimbank's local policy for sites of

natural significance, particularly to:

protect sites containing geological and geomorphological features

that are unique or important examples in the national, local,

regional (i.e. metropolitan) or local (i.e. municipal) context.

2.0 Requirements

An application to rezone or use land to construct a building or construct or

carry out works, or to subdivide land, must be accompanied by a report

which demonstrates that consideration has been given to the

management principles for geological and geomorphological sites

contained in the Brimbank Natural Heritage Strategy Background Papers.

3.0 Decision Guidelines

Before deciding on an application to rezone land or use land to construct a

building or construct or carry out works, or to subdivide land, the

responsible authority must consider:

The State Planning Policy framework

The local policy on Brimbank's natural heritage and the Brimbank

City Council's Natural Heritage Strategy (March 199)

The responsible authority must be satisfied that:

all reasonable means of effectively protecting the significant

qualities of the site have been considered

the management principles for geological and geomorphological

sites contained in the Brimbank Natural Heritage Strategy

Background Papers have been followed.

Table 1 to Schedule Three: Sites of Geological and Geomorphological

Significance

No Name

Significance

1. Organ Pipes National Park

State

2. Sydenham Park (below Organ Pipes)

Regional

3. Maribyrnong River, Keilor North

Regional

*4. Brimbank Park, Keilor

Regional

*5. Maribyrnong River, Keilor

Local

6. Taylors Creek - Tintaldra Drive, Keilor

Local

7. Taylors Creek - Augustines Way, Keilor

State

8. Taylors Creek - Campaspe Court, Keilor-Keilor

Downs

Regional

9. Taylors Creek - Green Gully Keilor

Potentially national for archaeology;

once State for geology, now local

*10. Round Hill, St Albans

Local

*11. Mount Derrimut (Diarmuid Hill), Derrimut

Local

12. Kororoit Creek, St Albans

Local

*13. Kealba quarry, McIntyre Road

Regional

*14. St Albans gilgai (in former explosives reserve) Local-Regional

15. Kororoit Creek, Deer Park)

Local

16. Lake Stanley (Andersons Swamp), Ardeer

Local

17. Kororoit Creek valley, Ardeer

Local

18. Kororoit Creek valley, Sunshine

Local

*19. Brooklyn quarry, Jones Road

Regional

*20. Sunshine tip (former quarry), Market Street Local

21. Kororoit Creek valley, Brooklyn

Local

*22. Former quarries, Maribyrnong River valley,

Sunshine North

Regional

*As identified in the Brimbank Natural Heritage Strategy.

Appendix 1: Guidelines for Preparing Land Management Plans

Land Management Plans (LMPs) will be prepared in the following circumstances:

to cover the management of development on sites adjacent to or near

significant natural heritage values

to cover the management of those parcels of private land that support the

highest natural heritage values and that will not be developed but

transferred to public ownership or otherwise protected through appropriate

permanent management arrangements.

LMPs will be framed in a manner that is consistent with the Environmental

Management System (EMS) of the developer or landowner or, in the case of

council-owned land, with the Council's EMS.

LMPs will contain elements covering each significant issue identified in Section

10 of the Brimbank Natural Heritage Strategy Background Papers, where

relevant.

LMPs will outline the general arrangements for implementation, including

responsible authorities and personnel, a timetable, priorities and internal and

external reporting arrangements.

Each element of an LMP will contain the following statements:

objective

strategy

activities

performance measures

timetable

responsible authorities and personnel

reporting arrangements

non-conformance procedures.

LMPs will be developed in consultation with the Brimbank City Council; the

Department of Natural Resources and Environment will be invited to assist.

Appendix 2: Terms of Reference for the Brimbank Natural Heritage

Committee

The committee shall:

oversee the implementation, monitoring, reporting and review of the

Brimbank Natural Heritage Strategy on behalf of Brimbank City Council

develop plans and programs for implementing strategies within the

Brimbank Natural Heritage Strategy

report annually or as required by Council on the implementation of the

Brimbank Natural Heritage Strategy

recommend to the Council the annual forward priorities and plans for

implementing the Brimbank Natural Heritage Strategy

every three years, undertake a review of the achievements, relevance and

technical veracity of the strategy, including the preparation of a report on

The State of Brimbank's Natural Heritage and a three-year forward

program for implementation of the Brimbank Natural Heritage Strategy

review significant development applications that are submitted to the

Council for development in or potentially affecting sites of environmental

significance, and recommend to Council's Planning Department how these

applications should be dealt with, consistent with the objectives of the

Brimbank Natural Heritage Strategy

provide input to reviews of Brimbank's strategic land-use plan to ensure

consistency with the objectives of the Brimbank Natural Heritage Strategy.

Appendix 3: Significant Plant Taxa

Vascular Plant Taxa of National and State Significance Occurring in the

City of Brimbank, December 1996

Botanical name

Common name

Significance

Ee Diuris fragrantissima P F

White Diuris

National

Ee Rutidosus leptorrhynchoides F

Button Wrinklewort

National

Ve Senecio macrocarpus F

Large-fruit Groundsel

National

Vv Pimelea spinescens ssp. spinescens Plains Rice-flower

National

Ke Microseris aff. lanceolata (Basalt Plains) Plains Yam-daisy

State-National

Ke Podolepis aff. jaceoides (Basalt Plains) Basalt Podolepis

State-National

Kv Craspedia paludicola

Swamp Billy-buttons

State-National

Kv Helichrysum aff. rutidolepis (Lowland

Swamps)

Pale Swamp Everlasting

State-National

Kr Dianella longifolia s.l. (Volcanic Plains) Plains Flax-lily

State-National

Kk Pimelea curviflora aff. var. subglabrata Curved Rice-flower

State-National

e Psoralea tenax F

Tough Psoralea

State

v Comesperma polygaloides F

Small Milkwort

State

v Isolepis congrua

Slender Club-sedge

State

r Desmodium varians

Slender Tick-trefoil

State

r Panicum decompositum

Australian Millet

State

r Ptilotus macrocephalus

Feather-heads

State

r Ptilotus spathulatus

Pussy-tails

State

r Senecio cunninghamii var. cunninghamii Branching Groundsel

State

r Stipa gibbosa

Spurred Spear-grass

State

r Stipa setacea

Corkscrew Spear-grass

State

r Tripogon loliiformis

Rye Beetle-grass

State

d Callitris glaucophylla

White Cypress-pine

State

d Eremophila deserti

Turkey-bush

State

d Eutaxia microphylla

Common Eutaxia

State

d Glycine tabacina s.l

Variable Glycine

State

d Minuria leptophylla

Minnie Daisy

State

d Pycnosorus chrysanthes

Golden Billy-buttons

State

d Senecio squarrosus

Leafy Fireweed

State

E(e) Denotes taxa considered to be endangered in Australia (Victoria) by Briggs and Leigh

(1995), Gullan et al (1990) or Carr (1996). Upper case letter denotes national (Australian) status;

lower case letter denotes State (Victorian) status.

V(v) Denotes taxa considered to be vulnerable in Australia (Victoria) by Briggs and Leigh (1995),

Gullan et al (1990), Flora Section (1994) or Carr (1996). Upper case letter denotes national

(Australian) status; lower case letter denotes State (Victorian) status.

K(k) Denotes taxa considered to be insufficiently known in Australia by Carr (1996). Upper case

letter denotes national (Australian) status; lower case letter denotes State (Victorian) status.

r Denotes taxa considered to be rare in Victoria by Gullan et al (1990), Flora Section (1994) or

Carr (1996).

d Denotes taxa considered to be depleted in Victoria by Gullan et al (1990), Flora Section (1994)

or Carr (1996).

F Denotes taxa listed under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.

P Denotes presumed extinct in the wild.

Appendix 4: Significant Fauna

Fauna Taxa of National and State Significance Recorded in the City of Brimbank,

December 1996

National

Striped Legless Lizard

Delma impar

Plains-wanderer

Pedionomus torquatus

Australian Grayling

Prototroctes maraena

State

Baillon's Crake

Porzana pusilla

Lewin's Rail

Rallus pectoralis

Little Bittern

Ixobrychus minutus

Mountain Galaxias

Galaxias olidus

Spotted Mountain Trout

Galaxias truttaceus