1. Executive Summary.................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

2. Background ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 5

2.1. Scope of the Review....................................................................................................................................................................... 5

2.2. Implementation analysis .............................................................................................................................................................. 6

2.2.1. External Influences......................................................................................................................................................... 6

2.2.2. Internal Influences.......................................................................................................................................................... 7

3. Progress Report............................................................................................................................................................................................ 9

3.1. Protect Biodiversity ....................................................................................................................................................................... 9

3.1.1. Key Outcomes ................................................................................................................................................................... 9

3.1.2. Action Plan Implementation Summary................................................................................................................ 10

3.1.3. Gap analysis .................................................................................................................................................................... 12

3.2. Adaptive Management of Biodiversity ................................................................................................................................ 12

3.2.1. Key Outcomes ................................................................................................................................................................ 13

3.2.2. Action Plan Implementation Summary................................................................................................................ 14

3.2.3. Gap Analysis.................................................................................................................................................................... 16

3.3. Connect Biodiversity ................................................................................................................................................................... 16

3.3.1. Key Outcomes ................................................................................................................................................................ 16

3.3.2. Action Plan Implementation Summary................................................................................................................. 17

3.3.3. Gap Analysis..................................................................................................................................................................... 17

3.4. Engage and Promote Biodiversity ......................................................................................................................................... 18

3.4.1. Key Outcomes ................................................................................................................................................................ 18

3.4.2. Action Plan Implementation Summary................................................................................................................ 19

3.4.3. Gap Analysis.................................................................................................................................................................... 19

4. Revised Action Plan 2018-2022 ........................................................................................................................................................ 20

Brimbank Biodiversity Strategy 2012-2022

Review and Revised Action Plan 2018 3

In 2012 Council adopted the Brimbank Biodiversity

Strategy 2012-2022 (the Strategy) as part of Council’s

commitment to protect, maintain and enhance

biodiversity. Biodiversity, or biological diversity, refers

to the variety of all life forms on earth – the different

plants, animals and microorganisms, the genes they

contain, and the ecosystems of which they form part

(Commonwealth of Australia 1996).

The Strategy set a vision on how

existing biodiversity and increase the diversity

and sustainability of fauna habitat and remnant

vegetation, through best practices available in

biodiversity protection, adaptive management

techniques and increased connectivity of biodiversity

whilst encouraging community awareness,

engagement and acceptance of Brimbank’s natural

Within Brimbank, Council manages, for the purpose of

biodiversity conservation, over 390ha of land across

46 assets. These assets support grasslands, grassy

woodlands, escarpment shrublands and fragments

within waterway corridors. Brimbank supports some

of the last urban populations of grassland endangered

species and communities.

The Strategy set four key objectives and identified the

critical threats and opportunities (actions) that must be

addressed to achieve the Strategy’s vision. Following

the Strategy’s endorsement, Council has delivered the

following key achievements across the four objectives:

Protect Biodiversity

• Implemented planning scheme amendments that

provide greater protection of native vegetation and

species, on both private and public land through

Environmental Significance Overlays.

• Created a native vegetation alert for Council’s land

use planners to identify properties that potentially

support native vegetation or fauna habitat.

• Provided organisation-wide access to native

vegetation mapping of Council owned and managed

land to reduce incidences of unpermitted clearance.

Adaptive Management Of

• Mapped the extent, condition and legislative

context of native vegetation across 1400 hectares

of Brimbank owned or managed land. This mapping

includes 330 hectares of native vegetation with 10

different Ecological Vegetation Classes, three of

which had not previously been documented within

• Produced a Native Vegetation Mapping Project

Report which outlined recommendations to protect

and manage vegetation and habitats in the open

• Increased the condition (quality) of managed

grassland assets with increased ecological burn

frequency, intensive weed control and species

• Created an indigenous seed production area to

enable genetically diverse species reintroduction.

Connect Biodiversity

• Developed the Brimbank Habitat Connectivity Plan

2018-2023 which identifies a series of actions

across ten geographic corridors.

Engage And Promote

• Implemented the annual Environment Events

Calendar which provides a diverse range of

community programs and opportunities.

• Implemented standard conservation/grassland

signage at 19 sites and interpretative signage at

three high profile grassland reserves.

Brimbank Biodiversity Strategy 2012-2022

Review and Revised Action Plan 2018

The Strategy provides for a mid-point Review of

progress following five years of implementation. This

Review provides an analysis of external and internal

influences, a summary of progress for each objective,

strategic and operational ‘gaps’ and an updated action

Key opportunities that have been identified through

this Review include:

1. Developing a formal measure for monitoring and

reporting on progress across the four objectives to

protect, adaptively manage, connect and engage

and promote biodiversity.

2. Mapping the extent and condition (quality) of native

vegetation values within the municipal open space

network to determine a decline or increase from

2013/14 & 2015/16 mapping.

3. Reviewing and, where needed, setting

management priorities and objectives within

Council’s broad open space network, particularly

where significant native vegetation, indigenous

fauna habitat and biodiversity ‘hot spots’ persist.

4. Identifying opportunities to retain and protect

native vegetation on private land through the land

use planning process.

5. Implementing the Brimbank Habitat Connectivity

Plan 2018-2023, with focus on delivering the

Kororoit Creek and Taylors Creek Implementation

Plans to increase the resilience of biodiversity

values in a changing climate.

6. Undertaking appropriate geology and

geomorphology studies and remove any further

references to the Natural Heritage Study 1997

within the land use planning provisions.

Brimbank Biodiversity Strategy 2012-2022

Review and Revised Action Plan 2018 5

The Brimbank municipality lies within the Victorian

Volcanic Plains (VVP) Bioregion, which prior to

European settlement was covered in highly productive

grasslands, wetlands and woodlands. Brimbank’s

landscape of flat plains and steep escarpments was

formed through volcanic activity. The VVP is one of

the most depleted bioregions in Australia, with natural

temperate grasslands of the VVP listed as critically

endangered under the Federal Environment Protection

and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act) 1999.

The Brimbank Natural Heritage Strategy 1997

provided a snapshot of native vegetation within the

municipality, with clearance and fragmentation of

grasslands identified as an ongoing threat. In the

period since 1997, the extent of native grasslands,

riparian and escarpment vegetation has declined

within Brimbank due to continuing urbanisation and

development, invasive plant and animal species and

inappropriate land management.

In 2012 Council endorsed the Brimbank Biodiversity

Strategy 2012-2022. This Strategy, Council’s first

municipal biodiversity strategy, was developed in

response to the Brimbank Community Plan 2009-2030

which required the ‘development of policies, programs

and management plans, including a Biodiversity

Strategy aimed at increasing the biodiversity and

conservation values of land within the municipality.’

The Strategy set a clear vision:

to protect existing biodiversity and

increase the diversity and sustainability

of fauna habitat and remnant vegetation,

through best practices available in

biodiversity protection, adaptive

management techniques and increased

connectivity of biodiversity whilst

encouraging community awareness,

engagement and acceptance of

Brimbank’s natural environment

The Strategy provided four key objectives, with each

objective setting out opportunities, threats and actions

moving forward. The objectives are to:

1. Protect biodiversity

2. Adaptive management of biodiversity

3. Biodiversity connectivity

4. Engage and promote biodiversity.

2.1. Scope of the Review

The Strategy provides for a Review to be undertaken

mid-way through its implementation. This Review

• An evaluation of the effectiveness of completed

• A reassessment of remaining actions

• Consideration for reallocating uncompleted actions.

In addition, this Review also analyses external and

internal influences which have affected and informed

the Strategy implementation. The Review also explores

new opportunities that could be explored through a

revised Action Plan.

The Review is discussed across the following sections:

• Implementation analysis, including a review of

internal and external influences

• Revised action plan.

Brimbank Biodiversity Strategy 2012-2022

Review and Revised Action Plan 2018

2.2. Implementation analysis

A range of external and internal factors have

influenced the delivery of actions within the Strategy.

These influences are discussed below.

2.2.1. External Influences

Victorian Planning Provisions

Since 2012, two major changes to State Government

planning legislation have affected municipal planning

for native vegetation.

The first of these changes occurred in December 2013,

when the Victorian Government reformed the native

vegetation clearing regulations with amendments to

the Victorian Planning Provisions (VPP). These reforms

aimed to cut green tape and simplify the process for

both applicants and Responsible Authorities. This

reform, called the Permitted Clearing Regulations,

made significant changes to the intent, coverage

and process of native vegetation clearing controls

particularly under VPP clauses 52.16 and 52.17.

The implications to Council of this change included:

• An increase in the number of development

applications triggering Clause 52.17, due to a

change in definition to ‘remnant patch’.

• Increased conflict and applicant confusion over

the importance of Brimbank’s biodiversity due

to differences in priority statements between

local, State and Federal legislation. This resulted

in significant differences in documentation

requirements and delays in planning decisions.

• Significant barriers for Council to avoid and minimise

vegetation loss through the introduction of ‘risk

based’ decision with three ‘risk-based’ categories;

low, moderate and high. The vast majority of

Brimbank applications triggered a low-risk pathway,

which could not be refused or objected to on the

basis of biodiversity considerations in 52.17.

• The removal of the need for vegetation offsets

generated within Brimbank to be found in the

municipality or within the same ecological

vegetation class. No State offsets were secured

within Brimbank during this period.

The 2013 Permitted Clearing Regulations decreased

the strength of the planning provision 52.17 to retain

native vegetation in-situ and created easier pathways

for the removal and ‘offset’ of native vegetation

losses. This change resulted in further clearing and

fragmentation of native vegetation values within

In December 2017 the State Government completed a

review of Native Vegetation Clearing Regulations and

the planning scheme was amended again. Changes

• Reinstatement of the need to avoid and minimise

vegetation removal, placing greater emphasis on

vegetation avoidance as a first step.

• Consideration of large old trees and endangered

Ecological Vegetation Classes.

At the time of this Review, Council is yet to assess

a planning application utilising the updated Native

Vegetation Clearing Regulations, and it remains unclear

if the changes will have a positive impact on retaining

native vegetation values within Brimbank.

Further changes to the Victorian planning scheme

include the State Government’s ongoing review

through the Smart Planning Project. This Project has

seen the digitisation of all Victorian planning schemes.

The final and most important stage of the Project is a

review of the form and content of planning schemes.

The changes will have positive implications for the

Brimbank Planning Scheme as all local policy objectives

and strategies will sit under the corresponding State

planning policy. This new approach will also highlight

where there are gaps in Brimbank’s local policy. The

transition to this new planning approach, called the

Planning Policy Framework, will be implemented in late

Protecting Victoria’s Environment -

Biodiversity 2037

In early 2017 the State Government released

‘Biodiversity 2037’, which is ‘Victoria’s plan to stop the

decline of our native plants and animals and improve

our natural environment so it is healthy, valued and

actively cared for’. This Plan is ambitious and clear in

scope, and the priorities and goals are likely to lead

to valuable collaboration opportunities with other

government departments and communities.

A Guide to Healthy Parks Healthy People

Parks Victoria’s A Guide to Healthy Parks Healthy

People 2017 provides a framework and priorities for

managing parks and their values. Parks are described as

a nature-based solution to Victoria’s environmental and

social challenges. The guide supports the importance

Council places on conservation reserves, and opens up

partnership opportunities between Parks Victoria and

Brimbank Biodiversity Strategy 2012-2022

Review and Revised Action Plan 2018 7

Healthy Waterways Strategy

Melbourne Water is currently developing a Healthy

Waterways Strategy (2018-2028) for maintaining

and improving catchment health in the Port Phillip

and Westernport Region, including the Maribyrnong

and Werribee catchments. Waterways are known

biodiversity hotspots and habitat corridors, and their

management actions and priorities are an important

contributor to Council’s Strategy vision.

Biodiversity Sensitive Urban Design

Biodiversity Sensitive Urban Design has emerged in

recent years as a new approach for managing and

protecting biodiversity in urban landscapes.

Biodiversity sensitive urban design focuses on

incorporating natural habitats within our cities to

support wildlife conservation and to improve human

health and well-being. Providing urban residents with

‘every day’ access to nature presents an opportunity

to protect and retain sites supporting significant

biodiversity values. This liveability approach seeks

to retain biodiversity values within the municipality,

in contrast to the standard development offsetting

approach that reduces the opportunity for local

residents to engage and connect with nature.

2.2.2. Internal Influences

Internal influences and developments have provided

both challenges and opportunities in achieving the

objectives of the Strategy.

A healthy and connected natural

environment where indigenous

landscapes are protected, valued

• Adaptively manage

• Engage and promote

— Brimbank Biodiversity

— Brimbank Habitat

— Brimbank Planning Scheme

Brimbank Environmental Sustainability

Policy and Framework

The Brimbank Environmental Sustainability Policy

and Framework (updated 2017) outlines the guiding

principles and strategic pathways to improve the

environmental sustainability of Brimbank’s natural

environment. The Policy and Framework further

strengthen Council’s strategic approach to addressing

biodiversity issues.

Brimbank Climate Change Adaptation

Framework 2017-2022

In 2017 Council endorsed the Brimbank Climate

Change Adaptation Framework. A key action in this

Framework is the development of the Brimbank

Habitat Connectivity Plan, which is Council’s primary

approach to enhance the movement of indigenous

flora and fauna and to contribute to resilience through

population scale genetic diversity.

Council plans, policies and strategies for

A range of Council plans, policies and strategies focus

and refer to open space within Brimbank, including:

— Creating Better Parks Policy update (2016)

— Urban Forest Strategy 2016

— Cycling and Walking Strategy 2016

— Sports Facility Development Plan 2016, revised in

— Sustainable Water Management Strategy 2013-

These policy and strategy documents facilitate the

use of open space and linear corridors across the

municipality, which can complement and compete

with biodiversity values and the vision outlined in

Brimbank’s Biodiversity Strategy.

Nationally vulnerable - Growling Grass Frog

Brimbank Biodiversity Strategy 2012-2022

Review and Revised Action Plan 2018

Heatwave prevention

The growing concern with heatwaves in Melbourne’s

west, which is exacerbated by climate change

predictions, has provided challenges for the protection

and management of the municipality’s indigenous

flora and fauna. An increase in tree canopy cover is

seen as a primary Council response to heatwaves and

funding from the State and Federal Government has

contributed to Council planting approximately 170,000

trees in over 100 Brimbank reserves. The long-term

effect on grasslands and its specialist flora and fauna

from this increased canopy cover is unknown at this

time, and the absence of baseline fauna data will limit

Council’s ability to monitor change over time.

Internal Open Space Working Group

The development of an internal Open Space Working

Group, with representation from staff across Council,

provides a forum to discuss upcoming works,

collaboration opportunities and ensures ongoing

dialogue of proposed changes or uses within

Brimbank’s open space network.

Brimbank Biodiversity Strategy 2012-2022

Review and Revised Action Plan 2018 9

A detailed review of the four key objectives is provided

in the following section. Included are key outcomes

delivered to date, case studies, a gap analysis which

informs a revised Action Plan, and a summary of action

plan implementation which utilises the following key:

Action implemented as planned

Action implemented with adjustments to

Action not implemented

3.1. Protect Biodiversity

The Protect Biodiversity objective addresses the

ongoing decline of biodiversity through land use

planning controls, internal procedures and information,

and landholder assistance programs.

Brimbank supports some of the last urban populations

of endangered species in Australia, many of which are

listed under State and Federal legislation. Council’s

responsibility to protect significant sites can have

a great impact on preventing the extinction of

threatened species. Alongside actions to retain natural

values, the Protect Biodiversity objective includes

measures that minimise impacts and inappropriate land

uses within the open space network.

Since the Strategy’s endorsement in 2012, Council has

focussed resources into biodiversity planning as a core

role. This function includes a statutory biodiversity

function, including policy and legislation amendments,

statutory and strategic planning and enforcement of

unpermitted clearance of local biodiversity assets.

3.1.1. Key Outcomes

The key outcomes achieved for this objective since

• Strengthening the Brimbank Planning Scheme to

add legal protection to important natural areas and

to annually review zoning anomalies. Environment

Significance Overlays (ESO 4 Kororoit Creek Corridor

Protection, 5 Maribyrnong Valley and Environs, 6

Sites of Known Biological Significance) have been

incorporated into the Brimbank Planning Scheme.

• Advocacy to State and Federal Government for

policy and legislation improvements that support

the Strategy’s vision.

• Assessing planning referrals to identify and prevent

major disturbance and barriers to biodiversity and

• The creation of a native vegetation alert layer for

Council’s land use planners to identify properties

that potentially support native vegetation or fauna

• Providing advice to residents, property developers

and consultants on planning proposals.

• Providing internal advice to minimise the risk of

unpermitted vegetation clearance.

• Monitoring compliance with legislation and planning

permits, and working with local, State and Federal

departments to enforce the illegal clearance of

native vegetation and habitat.

Using GIS to protect valuable areas

Locating biodiversity assets to inform projects

and works has been simplified with the

creation of Geographic Information Systems

(GIS) layers. The layers highlight areas

supporting native vegetation so that Council

staff can identify and avoid sensitive areas.

This project enables Council to protect areas

of native vegetation, strategically improve the

network of habitat for indigenous flora and

fauna and avoid unpermitted disturbance that

could result in legal action.

A native vegetation alert for private property

enables statutory planners to be aware of

native vegetation which needs to be addressed

under the Planning & Environment Act.

Brimbank Biodiversity Strategy 2012-2022

Review and Revised Action Plan 2018

3.1.2. Action Plan Implementation Summary

Proceed with Planning Scheme Amendments:

C146 Maribyrnong River Corridor, C131 Kororoit

Creek Corridor and C53 Identified sites of biological

significance, to incorporate Environmental

Significance Overlays 4, 5 and 6 (ESO 4, 5, 6) into

the Brimbank Planning Scheme with the revision

to accommodate changes to Federal and State

Planning scheme amended.

Further strategic work required to review

current Environment Significance Overlays

and acknowledge and protect identified

Habitat Connectivity corridors.

Further reviews need to accommodate

changes to Federal or State legislation.

Investigate possible additional landholder

incentives programs for properties covered by

current and future Environmental Significance

Overlays to assist in the protection and

enhancement of biodiversity values.

Action scope to be adjusted and incorporated

with other private landholder programs that

aim to improve biodiversity values.

Develop specific guidelines to assist Council officers

issuing condition of land and fire abatement

notices to properties covered by Environmental

Significance Overlays to protect and maintain

biodiversity values.

Internal procedure developed to ensure

land and fire abatement notices maintain

biodiversity values on private land.

Investigate and implement the best form of

permanent protection of all Council owned

conservation assets through the Brimbank

Investigation undertaken. Trust for Nature

covenant determined to provide the best

form of on-title protection.

Develop internal Council procedures and guidelines

to identify requirements under State and Federal

legislation for the protection of flora, fauna and

vegetation communities within the municipality.

Internal procedure developed to ensure

compliance with relevant legislation. Native

vegetation mapping available to all staff.

Continue to build capacity within Council

operations of general open space monitoring,

management/ and compliance to ensure the

protection and maintenance of conservation assets

within the municipality.

Identify and address illegal encroachment and

neighbouring property issues directly impacting

open space areas, in particular conservation assets,

including dumping, discharge of stormwater,

personal use, inappropriate access and boundary

Ongoing. Encroachments addressed

on Taylors Creek and Kororoit Creek in

collaboration with Council and Melbourne

Review and update Council’s current private vehicle

access procedure to minimise negative impacts on

Council owned open space and in particular areas

supporting protected flora and fauna.

Completed. Service reviewed and currently

provided through Council’s Parks Services.

Brimbank Biodiversity Strategy 2012-2022

Review and Revised Action Plan 2018 11

Develop and implement a Council machinery

hygiene procedure to minimise and eliminate the

spread of weeds and disease across open space

and in particular conservation areas within the

Not implemented to date.

Review and update Council’s ‘Dog Off’ leash areas

policy, to minimise negative impacts on biodiversity.

Review and update completed.

Within the municipality develop and install

conservation assets notification signage at all

relevant open space entry points to highlight the

presence of protected native vegetation.

27 standard signs installed at 19 locations.

Ongoing monitoring of signage effectiveness

that prevents unwanted access/disturbance.

Develop Council specifications for landscaping

Not implemented. Adjust action scope to

consider all works within the open space

Advocate to relevant authorities for increased

resourcing and funding for the protection and/or

maintenance of Crown land containing significant

native vegetation or forming part of vital biolinks

within the municipality.

Issue highlighted as part of Melbourne

Open Space Strategy consultation with the

Melbourne Planning Authority. Continue to

advocate with focus on identified Habitat

Brimbank Biodiversity Strategy 2012-2022

Review and Revised Action Plan 2018

3.1.3. Gap analysis

Strategic and operational ‘gaps’ within the Protect

Biodiversity objective have been identified through

the Review process and are outlined below. A revised

Action Plan has also been developed to address these

• The Strategy did not include a measure for

monitoring and reporting on the protection and

enhancement of the extent and condition of native

• Biodiversity sensitive urban design has emerged

in recent years as an important consideration that

focuses on incorporating natural habitats within our

cities to support wildlife conservation and improve

human health and wellbeing. This approach requires

consideration and development moving forward.

• The Strategy was silent on the retention and

protection in-situ of significant biodiversity values

across the municipality that contribute to and

support the Strategy vision.

• The Strategy did not address the need to regularly

update mapping and overlays to ensure the long

term retention of biodiversity values.

• Whilst the Strategy intended to supersede the

Brimbank Natural Heritage Strategy as the

key document informing the management and

protection of the natural environment, it did not

completely fulfil this task. Several references are

still made to the Natural Heritage Strategy within

the Brimbank planning scheme.

3.2. Adaptive Management

Adaptive management approaches are a core function

of Council’s role in nature conservation. Council

manages over 390ha of land across 46 fragmented

assets for the purpose of biodiversity conservation,

including grasslands, grassy woodlands, escarpment

shrublands and patches within waterway corridors.

Many of our conservation assets contain ecosystems

and species listed under State and Federal legislation.

To support the ongoing survival of our indigenous

species and to provide a safe and healthy environment

for the community, Council conducts a range of

adaptive land management activities including:

• ecological burns to promote soil health, reduce

excess biomass, create habitat structure and assist

• targeted and intensive weed and pest control to

reduce exotic species that can out-compete local

• operating a seed production area to harvest large

quantities of genetically diverse indigenous species

that is direct seeded into grassland reserves

• revegetation activities to restore large areas of lost

indigenous plant cover

• conducting salvage and translocation of

endangered species to managed conservation

Council has been recognised as a leader in adaptive

management, especially in grassy ecosystems, and a

number of Council’s restoration projects and methods

have received focus within Australia and globally. Most

importantly, this approach has led to an improvement

in the condition (quality) of managed grassland assets

at Paramount Grassland, Matthews Hill Grassland and

Pioneer Park Grassland, due to increased ecological

burn frequency, intensive weed control and species

Brimbank Biodiversity Strategy 2012-2022

Review and Revised Action Plan 2018 13

3.2.1. Key Outcomes

The key adaptive management outcomes achieved

• Mapped the extent and condition of native

vegetation values and legislative requirements

within the open space network.

• Produced a Native Vegetation Mapping Project

Report which outlined recommendations to protect

and manage vegetation and habitats in the open

• Conducted ongoing ecological burns within

conservation assets to reduce biomass and increase

• Trialled new and innovative methods, such as the

use of sugar instead of chemicals for weed control

• Undertook partnership projects including the

Greening the Maribyrnong and the Maribyrnong

Valley Connection Project.

• Active participation on the Pimelea Spinescens

Recovery Team, Sunshine Diuris Recovery Team and

LGPro Biodiversity Planners Network.

Award winning threatened species

Many grassland plants in Brimbank are

becoming rare as their landscapes are reduced.

To combat this ongoing loss, Council has

undertaken a number of projects to save local

threatened species. This forward thinking

was rewarded when several projects were

recognised at the Keep Australia Beautiful

Awards in 2015, including:

— Establishing a seed production area which

helps fragmented populations to cross

pollinate and produce a reliable source of

seed for the reintroduction of rare herbs.

— Partnering with Friends of Iramoo, Arthur

Rylah Institute and contractors for the

Arching Flax-lily Project, which provides

seed for future restoration by increasing

the genetic diversity of small populations.

— Increasing wild numbers of the spectacular

Button Wrinklewort through a successful

reintroduction project. Seed was

successfully collected from plants outside

of Brimbank, grown in our nursery and

planted into a grassland reserve.

Brimbank Biodiversity Strategy 2012-2022

Review and Revised Action Plan 2018

3.2.2. Action Plan Implementation Summary

Develop a Brimbank Biodiversity Indicator that

classifies the extent and quality of remnant

indigenous vegetation and fauna habitat areas

across the municipality.

Biodiversity Indicator (monitoring

protocol) has not been developed. Data

and recommendations within the Native

Vegetation Mapping Report need to be

Using the Brimbank Biodiversity Indicator, measure

and map the extent and quality of remnant

indigenous vegetation and fauna habitat areas

across the municipality.

Linked to action 14. Native Vegetation Mapping

baseline data completed for 1400ha of open

Using the Brimbank Biodiversity Indicator,

develop a conservation asset management and

monitoring works program for all conservation

assets. These will be informed by the Brimbank

Biodiversity Indicator, Invasive Plants and Animals

Management plan and the Municipal Vegetation

Fire Management plan.

Linked to actions 14 & 15.

Conservation Asset annual works plans

also need to be considered through the

development and implementation of the

monitoring protocol.

Identify, prioritise and undertake flora and

fauna assessments in accordance with the State

Government’s Native Vegetation Management

Framework for eligible sites within the municipality.

Legislative changes no longer require site

assessments for offset recipient sites.

Develop and periodically update mapping of

remnant indigenous vegetation and fauna habitat

across the municipality.

Mapping undertaken in 2013/14 (1000ha) &

2015/16 (400ha). Mapping update required

Develop a Brimbank Native Vegetation Offset

Management register that documents the removal

of all indigenous flora and fauna habitat and lists all

current and potential native vegetation offset sites.

Brimbank received offsets (under the

Framework for Action) are recorded. All

permitted removal of native vegetation is

tracked; however this requires updating and

triggers for follow up.

Update waterway operational plans, in

partnership, to clearly define current ownership

and management responsibilities of Council and

relevant State government agencies.

Not implemented to date.

Develop Habitat Implementation plans for two

Develop an Invasive Plants and Animals

Management plan for the municipality to ensure a

strategic approach to the protection of biodiversity

values across Brimbank.

Pest plant and animal works incorporated into

Conservation Asset annual plans. The focus

has shifted from weed control to an integrated

program including harbour removal, warren

destruction and population control.

Develop a strategic rehabilitation management plan

for Sydenham Park, Keilor North.

Restoration Plan in development, together

with the Sydenham Park Master Plan.

Develop and implement an annual Municipal

Vegetation Fire Management plan in accordance

with the Municipal Emergency Management Plan.

Completed and under implementation.

Review and update the information recorded

in Council’s Significant Tree register to include

Brimbank Biodiversity Strategy 2012-2022

Review and Revised Action Plan 2018 15

Monitor and evaluate the existing “hollow creation

project” at Matthews Hill, Sunshine to determine

the possibility of implementation at other suitable

No monitoring undertaken.

Natural hollow creation undertaken within

Cyril Clements Reserve in 2013/14.

Further opportunities through the Habitat

Support research opportunities where appropriate,

that target improved adaptive management of

relevant flora, fauna and vegetation communities.

Supported research projects on Council

land include; fire ecology, frog habitat,

invertebrates, Pimelea Spinescens subsp.

spinescens population density, Delma impar

population density and modelling.

Delma impar translocation research project

is currently underway, in partnership with

Victoria University.

Advocate to the Department of Sustainability and

Environment for the research outcomes of the

Gilbertsons/Angliss Native Grassland Research

Advocacy undertaken.

Continue to advocate with focus on identified

Ensure adequate resourcing including suitable

technology is available to provide the required

levels of service for managing conservation assets

in accordance with statutory requirements.

Council staff issued with mobile technology.

Further consideration of IT solutions for

management required.

Review and update existing land management

agreements with relevant agencies.

Ongoing agreements with relevant agencies.

Enter into data exchange agreements, where

available, for accessing Biodiversity Databases

including the Department of Sustainability and

Environment’s Flora Information System (FIS) and

Atlas of Victorian Wildlife (AW).

Continue environmental works coordination

with stakeholders, including Melbourne Water,

Parks Victoria and neighbouring Councils, to

maximise land management outcomes across the

Ongoing collaboration to maximise land

management outcomes including pest plant

Participate in relevant Regional and/or State

Biodiversity working groups such as the proposed

LGPro Native Vegetation Special Interest Group.

Ongoing participation in LGPro Biodiversity

Ongoing monitoring of available and relevant

funding opportunities.

Ongoing review and submission of funding

applications including Melbourne Water

Corridors of Green funding program.

Review and update Council’s Sustainable Land

Management Incentive scheme, to increase

participation to maximise biodiversity outcomes.

Revised grant program being implemented.

Brimbank Biodiversity Strategy 2012-2022

Review and Revised Action Plan 2018

3.2.3. Gap Analysis

• The progress in adaptive management is difficult

to measure without overarching monitoring and

reporting protocols. Progress to date has been

measured against individual action delivery, which

does not provide an accurate and holistic picture of

• Action to date has focused on conservation

reserves, however adaptive land management

approaches are needed where native vegetation

and habitat persists within the broader open space

• An assessment of what is managed for the purpose

of biodiversity within the open space network is

• A greater focus on establishing and monitoring

medium and longer term management objectives

for conservation assets is required for consistency

in decision making and reporting.

3.3.1. Key Outcomes

The key connect biodiversity outcomes achieved

• Comprehensive data collection on Brimbank’s

landscape, species and remaining habitat through

vegetation mapping and consultation with local

• Partnering with Hume City Council to commission

the Northwest Ecological Connectivity

Investigation, which involved an extensive

consultation process involving community experts,

consultants, researchers, species experts, land

managers and government agencies to gather a

broad range of information and opinions.

• Developed the Brimbank Habitat Connectivity

Plan 2018-2023, which was a key action for this

A new approach – the NECI

The Northwest Ecological Connectivity

Plan (NECI) is the core research project

that informed Council’s approach to habitat

connectivity planning. The investigation was

commissioned in partnership with Hume City

The investigation took over a year to complete

and brought together research, landscape

modelling and various species and land

management experts. Alongside the ecological

research, a working group of 12 government

authorities and community groups across

Northwest Melbourne formed a valuable

working partnership.

Ecological burn, Paramount Grassland, Derrimut

3.3. Connect Biodiversity

The Strategy recognises that conservation objectives

require the retention and improvement of broad

landscape connections. This objective requires the

protection, creation and management of corridors that

suit species indigenous to our landscape.

Brimbank Biodiversity Strategy 2012-2022

Review and Revised Action Plan 2018 17

3.3.2. Action Plan Implementation Summary

Develop a Brimbank Biodiversity Connectivity Plan

creating biolinks to enhance the genetic diversity

of threatened flora and fauna, including planting

guidelines and species lists for areas in or adjacent

Implementation to commence

Investigate and implement appropriate protection

of biolinks in the Brimbank Planning Scheme.

Included in Brimbank Habitat Connectivity Plan

Review and update Council’s current Naturestrip

Landscaping Guidelines to enable local residents

to increase biodiversity values within identified

Supported ‘Seeds from the Streets’ program.

Action now redundant, with private landholder

schemes now included within Brimbank

Habitat Connectivity Plan

3.3.3. Gap Analysis

• Climate change was not identified as a biodiversity

connectivity concern in the Strategy, whereas it is

now highlighted as a key threat to biodiversity. The

Brimbank Habitat Connectivity Plan 2017 provides

actions to increase connectivity in the broader

landscape, which is the most effective known

option to combat the impacts of a changing climate.

• The Strategy focused on the natural environment,

and primarily remnant indigenous vegetation. A

broader focus is, however, required that considers

all components contributing to urban biodiversity

including constructed environments and habitats.

The Brimbank Habitat Connectivity Plan took

this broader focus and defined different habitat

requirements of specialist species in remnant

vegetation, and generalist species utilising general

habitat such as street tree plantings.

Visiting Eastern Great Egret, Shearwater Meadows, Cairnlea

Brimbank Biodiversity Strategy 2012-2022

Review and Revised Action Plan 2018

3.4. Engage and Promote

The Strategy actively encourages and provides

opportunity for our community to connect with

nature, which aligns with Council’s community first

focus. Community education and engagement are

a core component of Council’s approach to realising

conservation opportunities and to address ongoing

The Strategy aims to support our residents and

schools to engage with nature and to get involved

in conservation. The Strategy also provides ongoing

support to conservation volunteers and the structure

to enable them to undertake works on Council land.

3.4.1. Key Outcomes

The key connect biodiversity outcomes achieved

• Supporting community members to participate in

on-ground works that deliver conservation land

management outcomes.

• Supporting conservation volunteers with their

administrative activities and projects by maintaining

Friends Agreements, providing funding for

equipment and resources and assisting with the

development of grant applications.

• Delivery of the annual Environmental Events

Calendar which provides a broad range of

environmental events across Brimbank, attracting

local residents and visitors. Events include National

Tree Day, World Environment Day, Clean Up Australia

Day and Aussie Bird Count/ National Bird Week.

• Delivery of a range of programs that enable

community engagement with our cultural heritage,

improve community health and knowledge, promote

active communities and increase community

stewardship of our natural environment.

• Opportunistic value-add Council programs including

storytime in the park and after school programs,

community bike rides and nature play activities.

• Regular distribution of Council’s environmental

newsletter, known as the Leaflet and Little Leaflet.

• Development of on-line school resources, delivery

of incursions and excursions promoting and

educating students of local biodiversity values.

• Biodiversity interpretive signage at three high

Award winning education

The Brimbank Schools Sustainability Resources

has helped deliver environmental education to

Brimbank’s 70 primary and secondary schools.

These resources align with both the Australian

curriculum and ResourceSmart AuSSIVic and

were developed through a collaborative effort

between Brimbank City Council and Brimbank

teachers. The Primary School Education

Resource Kit received recognition in 2015 when

Brimbank was awarded with a Keep Australia

Beautiful Victoria Award.

Brimbank Biodiversity Strategy 2012-2022

Review and Revised Action Plan 2018 19

3.4.2. Action Plan Implementation Summary

Review and promote existing annual environment

community engagement program offering a diverse

range of educational activities and experience

based opportunities.

Develop a Brimbank biodiversity community

‘knowledge share’ network as an opportunity

for ‘friends of’ groups, conservation volunteers

and community members to contribute to

the development of the annual environment

community engagement program.

Review and incorporate new action into 2018-

Review and update Brimbank Friends Agreements

for volunteers to undertake works on Council land.

Continue to develop the existing range of Council’s

primary and secondary school education programs

to promote Brimbank’s biodiversity values, nature

landscape and flora and fauna values.

Develop and implement an awareness program

for relevant Council departments relating to

the management and protection of Brimbank

biodiversity values.

Native vegetation mapping available to all

Opportunistic awareness sessions conducted

Develop a Brimbank biodiversity interpretive

signage implementation plan.

Implementing through the ‘Nature Places’

capital works program

3.4.3. Gap Analysis

• The Strategy did not explore the positive

relationship between the natural environment and

the health and wellbeing of our community. This

relationship provides a significant opportunity

in conservation management as it broadens the

importance of biodiversity to a wider community

• Habitat gardening programs were not identified.

These programs focus on increasing the quantity

of indigenous vegetation and habitat features on

Brimbank Biodiversity Strategy 2012-2022

Review and Revised Action Plan 2018

4. Revised Action Plan 2018-2022

Objective 1: Protect Biodiversity

Undertake the appropriate geology and geomorphology studies and

remove any requirement to reference Natural Heritage Study 1997

within the Brimbank planning scheme.

Review the effectiveness of existing planning controls to

acknowledge and protect identified natural assets and habitat

corridors. Identify alternative planning controls where required.

Develop Brimbank biodiversity sensitive urban design guidelines. Within existing

Develop a formal measure for monitoring and reporting on the

protection and enhancement of significant biodiversity values

across the municipality.

Identify opportunities to retain and protect native vegetation on

private land through the land use planning process.

Investigate the feasibility of developer contribution plan or open

space contributions that aim to improve or enhance the natural

Maintain the Brimbank Offset register and document ongoing

removal of all indigenous flora and fauna habitat on public and

Seek permanent protection for significant Council owned

conservation assets through Trust for Nature covenants.

Continue to provide technical advice internally regarding proposed

works on private and Council land covered by Environmental

Significance Overlays and/or regarding State and Federal legislative

requirement pertaining to native vegetation.

Continue to build capacity and knowledge of internal departments

through internal engagement programs to ensure the protection

and maintenance of biodiversity values within the municipality.

Identify and address illegal encroachment and neighbouring

property issues directly impacting open space areas in particular

native vegetation values including dumping, discharge of

stormwater, personal use, inappropriate access and boundary

Develop and implement a Council machinery hygiene procedure to

minimise the spread of weeds and disease across the open space

Advocate to relevant authorities for increased resourcing and

funding for the protection and or maintenance of Crown land

containing significant biodiversity values or forming part of an

identified habitat corridor.

Brimbank Biodiversity Strategy 2012-2022

Review and Revised Action Plan 2018 21

Objective 2: Adaptive Management of Biodiversity

Continue active conservation land management actions of weed control,

biomass reduction, pest animal control and planting/direct seeding on

Conservation assets.

Review the open space network, classifying areas and management

objectivities for native vegetation values and habitat. The review to

consider areas supporting significant native vegetation, indigenous

fauna habitat and biodiversity ‘hot spots’.

Develop formal monitoring and reporting protocols for short, medium

and long term management objectives of conservation assets.

Continue to evaluate land management actions to ensure management

actions adapt as required.

Map the extent and condition (quality) of native vegetation values within

the open space network to determine a decline or increase from 2013/14

Continue to trial new methods in biodiversity management including

indigenous land management practices. Use trial results and emerging

industry knowledge to ensure best practice management principles are

followed in conservation areas.

Investigate the application of emerging IT for adaptive land management

Continue to develop an integrated pest animal control program to ensure

a strategic approach to the protection of biodiversity values across

Develop a restoration management plan for Sydenham Park, Keilor

Implement annual Vegetation Fuel Reduction Plan, for Conservation

Assets, in accordance with the Municipal Fire Prevention Management

Assess trees municipal wide for habitat and foraging values and embed

protections for identified trees into the proposed Municipal Tree Policy.

Support research opportunities where appropriate, that target

improved adaptive management of relevant flora, fauna and ecological

Review and update existing land management agreements with relevant

agencies including VicTrack and Melbourne Water

Continue environmental works coordination with stakeholders, including

Melbourne Water, Parks Victoria and neighbouring Councils, to maximise

land management outcomes across the municipality.

Participate in relevant Regional and State land management and

biodiversity working groups.

Review and update Council’s Sustainable Land Management Incentive

Grant, to increase participation to maximise outcomes.

Brimbank Biodiversity Strategy 2012-2022

Review and Revised Action Plan 2018

Objective 3: Connect Biodiversity

Implement the Brimbank Habitat Connectivity Plan 2018-2023.

Develop and implement the Kororoit Creek and Taylors Creek

waterway implementation plans.

Develop monitoring and reporting protocols for habitat protection,

restoration and creation projects.

Objective 4: Engage and Promote Biodiversity

Develop and implement annual environment community

engagement program offering a diverse range of educational

activities and experiences based opportunities.

Develop and implement citizen science programs focused on

indigenous flora and fauna.

Continue to support ‘friends of’ groups, volunteers and community

to protect, enhance and connect with the natural environment.

Update and administer the Brimbank Friends Agreements for

conservation volunteers to undertake works on Council land.

Develop a targeted habitat gardening program to increase the

overall quantity of indigenous vegetation and habitat features on

Develop and facilitate the creation of a community biodiversity

working group who can provide local expertise.

Review existing range of Council’s primary school education

resources to promote Brimbank’s biodiversity values, nature

landscape and flora and fauna values.

Continue to provide opportunities for schools to actively enhance

and engage with the natural environment.

Continue implementation of ‘Nature Places’ projects, where amenity

infrastructure is strategically incorporated into conservation areas

to invite our community into nature.

Develop new and innovative ways of communicating and promoting

to increase our community reach.

Develop/formalise evaluation and reporting protocols on the

engagement and promotion programs.

Brimbank City Council

info@brimbank.vic.gov.au

PO Box 70, Sunshine, VIC 3020

Hearing or speech impaired?

www.relayservice.gov.au

Find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube