Ecological Advice, Hopkins Road, Truganina 3029 and Christies Road, Ravenhall 3023

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1 Final Report Ecological Advice, Hopkins Road, Truganina 3029 and Christies Road, Ravenhall 3023 Prepared for Cleanaway Waste Management May 2016 Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd MELBOURNE: 292 Mt Alexander Road, Ascot Vale VIC 3032 GEELONG: 230 Latrobe Terrace, Geelong West Vic 3218 BRISBANE: Level 22, 127 Creek Street, Brisbane QLD 4000 ADELAIDE: 22 Greenhill Road, Wayville SA 5034 CANBERRA: PO Box 6067, O Connor ACT 2602 SYDNEY: Level 5, 616 Harris Street, Ultimo, NSW, (03)

2 Contents 1 INTRODUCTION STUDY AREA METHODS RESULTS CONCLUSION REFERENCES FIGURES APPENDIX ATTACHMENT 1 HABITAT COMPENSATION OBLIGATION STATEMENT Document Control Assessment Ecological Advice Address Project number 8024 Project manager Other EHP staff File name Client Bioregion CMA Council Aaron Organ Director/Principal Ecologist) Shannon LeBel (Senior Botanist), Monique Elsley (GIS) 8024_EHP_MRL_EA_Final_ Cleanaway Waste Management Victorian Volcanic Plain Port Philip and Westernport Melton City Council Copyright Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd This document is subject to copyright and may only be used for the purposes for which it was commissioned. The use or copying of this document in whole or part without the permission of Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd is an infringement of copyright. Disclaimer Although Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd have taken all the necessary steps to ensure that an accurate document has been prepared, the company accepts no liability for any damages or loss incurred as a result of reliance placed upon the report and its contents. 2

3 1 Introduction Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd was commissioned by Cleanaway Waste Management to prepare Ecological Advice relating to the land at Hopkins Road, Truganina 3029 and Christies Road, Ravenhall A planning permit application for use and development of the existing quarry as a landfill site has been submitted to the City of Melton (PA2016/5118) to extend the existing Melbourne Regional Landfill (MRL). This report contains advice detailing the results of an ecological assessment conducted within the proposed development footprint, and as instructed, specifically responds to the City of Melton s letter of 7 th March 2016 request for further information (RFI) relating to the implications under Clause and the Environment Significance Overlay Schedule 2 and Schedule 5 (ESO2 and ESO5) of the local planning scheme, to enable Council to assess the Application. 1.1 Background Information The site has been the subject of previous ecological assessments as part of the existing approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) (Costello and Timewell 1999; 2001) leading to the creation of the Northern Grassland in the north-east corner of the site. The quarry operates under the following existing approvals: Planning permit #PA2001/249 approved by Melton Shire Council; Work Authority 97 (WA97) approved by the (former) Victorian Department of Primary Industries (DPI), now the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR); and, EPBC 2002/862 approved by the (former) Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Heritage (DEH), now Department of the Environment (DoE). 2 Study Area The study area is located at Hopkins Road, Truganina 3029 and Christies Road, Ravenhall 3023, approximately 20 kilometres west of Melbourne s CBD (Figure 1). The study area is currently the site of the active Ravenhall Quarry operated by Boral Resources (Vic) Pty Ltd, and as such, areas subjected to existing quarrying activities are highly disturbed. The landfill extension and associated infrastructure will be predominantly located within the area previously approved for quarry extraction, and therefore with the exception of some areas adjacent to Hopkins Road, Riding Boundary Road and Middle Road will not require native vegetation removal. The study area assessed as part of the planning permit is proposed to wholly be located within the existing quarry buffers, and include (Figure 2a and 2b): A soil wedge extending from the quarry void around the proposed MRL extension boundaries, with an additional 10 metre buffer from the soil wedge included along the southern edge of both the northern and southern portions of the MRL extension (Figure 2). Stormwater ponds within the landscape buffer area (Figure 2c); 3

4 Landfill gas infrastructure which traverses the Riding Boundary Road reserve; A soil bund adjacent to the south and west of pond #4; and Several proposed stormwater drains that cross the landscape buffer area (See Figure 2a and 2b). In addition, there is proposed to be a new weighbridge immediately south of the Riding Boundary Road reserve outside of the quarry buffer (Figure 2b). The study area is generally flat, with no natural ridges, or crests within or immediately adjacent to the site. The headwaters of Skeleton Creek are located within land on the other side of Hopkins Road, and historically, within the land already quarried. However, the main headwater drain now diverts around the quarry, with the regularly inundated section of Skeleton Creek occurring much further south of the study area. According to the DELWP Native Vegetation Information Management Tool (DELWP 2016a), the study area occurs within the Victorian Volcanic Plain bioregion. It is located within the jurisdiction of the Port Philip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and the Melton City Council municipality. It should be noted that the study area is also located in the Ravenhall (Quarry Site) Precinct Structure Plan (PSP 1084) within the Western Growth Corridor as defined by the Melbourne Strategic Assessment (MSA), and unless determined otherwise, is subject to the implications of the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy (BCS) (DELWP 2016a). 3 Methods 3.1 Desktop Assessment Relevant literature, online-resources and numerous databases were reviewed to provide an assessment of flora and fauna values associated with the study area. The following information sources were reviewed: The Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) Native Vegetation Information Management (NVIM) Tool (DELWP 2016a) for: o Modelled data for location risk, remnant vegetation patches, scattered trees and habitat for rare or threatened species; o The extent of historic and current EVCs; and, o Areas subject to the habitat compensation obligations under the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy (BCS) for Melbourne s Growth Areas (DEPI 2013a). The online resource Planning Maps Online to ascertain current zoning and environmental overlays (DELWP 2016b); Aerial photography of the study area; Relevant environmental legislation and policies; and, Previous ecological assessments within the study area. 4

5 3.2 Site Inspection A site assessment by a qualified ecologist was conducted on 29 September The site assessment sought primarily to identify the presence, extent and type of remnant native vegetation present within the study area (Figure 2), and to identify potential habitat for species and ecological communities listed under the EPBC Act. The study area was walked, with all observed flora and fauna species recorded, any significant records mapped and the overall condition of vegetation and habitats noted. Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs) were determined with reference to DELWP pre-1750 and extant EVC mapping and their published descriptions (DELWP 2016c). Where remnant vegetation was identified a habitat hectare assessment was undertaken following methodology described in the Vegetation Quality Assessment Manual (DSE 2004). 3.3 Permitted Clearing Assessment (the Guidelines) Under the Planning and Environment Act 1987, Clause of the Planning Schemes requires a planning permit from the relevant local Council to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation. The assessment process for the clearing of vegetation outside of the Melbourne Strategic Assessment area follows the Permitted clearing of native vegetation - Biodiversity assessment guidelines (the Guidelines) (DEPI 2013b). 3.4 Biodiversity Conservation Strategy In June 2009 the Victorian Government entered into an agreement with the Commonwealth Government to undertake a Strategic Impact Assessment (SIA) under the EPBC Act (DSE 2009). The SIA Program Report (DSE 2009) is the primary document identifying potential impacts of the proposed program of urban development on matters of National Environmental Significance. The Program Report includes a commitment to develop and implement a Biodiversity Conservation Strategy for Melbourne s Growth Areas which would inform the preparation of Growth Corridor Plans and precinct structure plans. The Biodiversity Conservation Strategy (BCS) (DEPI 2013a) and associated sub-regional species strategies (DEPI 2013c; 2013d; 2013e) identify conservation outcomes and offset consolidation strategies for Victoria s native vegetation and matters of National Environmental Significance, including mechanisms for how these outcomes will be delivered. The BCS covers Melbourne s four growth areas within the expanded 2010 Urban Growth Boundary, as well as the previous 28 precincts, except where a planning scheme amendment to introduce a Precinct Structure Plan has been approved prior to 1 March To facilitate the planning approvals process for Melbourne s growth areas, the Victorian Government has introduced the Time Stamping project (DSE 2009). This project captures, and time stamps native vegetation information within the new urban growth areas. This data can then be used to calculate native vegetation offsets for future development, and to prepare Native Vegetation Precinct Plans (NVPP) for these areas. 5

6 3.4.1 Habitat compensation under the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy Habitat compensation fees associated with removal of native vegetation and significant flora and fauna habitat under the BCS are based on the Habitat Compensation under the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy (DEPI 2013a), and are calculated with the following considerations: Native vegetation (DEPI 2013e): Habitat compensation for patches of native vegetation will be based on the Time Stamping data extent, with all native vegetation considered to be Very High conservation significance. Clearance of native vegetation will invoke an offset fee $95, (excl. GST) per hectare cleared. Spiny Rice-flower (DEPI 2013e): All native vegetation patches within the western and north-western growth areas and the Outer Metropolitan Ring Transport Corridor will invoke a compensatory habitat fee of $7, (excl. GST) to cover the cost of securing and managing conservation reserves for Spiny Rice-flower. This is additional to the abovementioned offset for clearance of native vegetation. Growling Grass Frog (DEPI 2013d): Habitat mapped as Category 1 habitat in the Sub-regional Species Strategy (DSE 2011a) has been designated for retention and may not be cleared. Habitat mapped as Category 2 will invoke a compensatory habitat fee of $7, (excl. GST) per hectare cleared or impacted (e.g. drained) to cover the cost of securing and managing Growling Grass Frog corridors identified in the species sub-regional strategy. Golden Sun Moth (DEPI 2013c): All habitat within the northern, north-western and western growth areas and the Outer Metropolitan Ring Transport Corridor (native and non-native grassland and woodlands) and excluding any areas identified as Growling Grass Frog habitat will be deemed to be confirmed habitat. However only non-native habitat will invoke a compensatory habitat fee as fees for native habitat have been built in to the price of native vegetation habitat compensation. All non-native habitat cleared will invoke a compensatory habitat fee of $7, (excl. GST) per hectare cleared. Other Considerations (DEPI 2013a; DEPI 2013c): Fees listed above do not include potential additional costs associated with the salvage and translocation of significant flora (e.g. Spiny Rice-flower). 3.5 Assessment Qualifications and Limitations The snap shot nature of a standard biodiversity assessment means that migratory, transitory or uncommon fauna species may have been absent from typically occupied habitats at the time of the site assessment. In addition, annual or cryptic flora species such as those that persist via underground tubers may also be absent. Targeted flora or fauna surveys were not undertaken. Nevertheless, the terrestrial flora and fauna data collected during the field assessment and information obtained from relevant desktop sources is 6

7 considered adequate to provide an accurate assessment of the ecological values present within the study area. 4 Results 4.1 Vegetation Condition All areas inspected were modified and highly degraded with few areas supporting native vegetation patches or significant fauna habitat. Given that the majority of the landfill extension and associated infrastructure will be predominantly located within the area previously approved for quarry extraction, a permit will not be required for native vegetation removal in these areas. Scattered native vegetation is present, predominantly low densities (between 5% and 30% cover) throughout the study area (Figure 2b). Native vegetation present within the study area was low in diversity and comprises scattered occurrences of Wallaby grass Rytidosperma spp., Kangaroo Grass Themeda triandra, Red-leg Grass Bothriochloa macra, Ruby Saltbush Enchylaena tomentosa and Creeping Saltbush Atriplex semibaccata (Plates 1-2) Remnant Patches Plains Grassland Where native vegetation is present in densities greater than 25%, it was representative of the Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Heavier Soils Plains Grassland (EVC 132_61). Nine patches of Plains Grassland comprising a total area of hectares were recorded comprising three habitat zones of differing quality (Figure 2; Appendix 1). All patches were of low quality, and comprised a low cover (25%-30%) of Wallaby Grass, Kangaroo Grass, Red-leg Grass, or a combination of all three. Herb diversity was low, with two species of Saltbush the only other indigenous species noted. Plate 1. Plains Grassland patch comprising Wallaby Grass in the buffer zone north of Middle Road (29/09/2015). Plate 2. Cracking Soils with Red-leg Grass present in the buffer zone north of Riding Boundary Road (29/09/

8 4.1.2 Exotic and Planted Vegetation Areas not supporting remnant native vegetation area have a high cover (>80%) of exotic grass species, many of which have been direct-seeded for use as pasture. Scattered native grasses are generally present in these areas, however they did not have the required 25% cover to be considered a remnant patch. The majority of the study area is in poor ecological condition and is dominated by exotic vegetation, including the noxious weeds Artichoke Thistle Cynara cardunculus, African Boxthorn Lycium ferocissimum, Spear Thistle Cirsium vulgare and Serrated Tussock Nassella trichotoma, together with environmental weeds such as Cane Needle-grass Nassella hyalina, Cape Weed Arctotheca calendula Ribwort Plantago lanceolata, Galenia Galenia pubescens, Wild Turnip Brassica sp., and Ox-tongue Helminthotheca echioides. Exotic pasture grasses such as Bearded Oat Avena fatua, Toowoomba Canary Grass Phalaris aquatica and Soft Brome Bromus hordeaceus are also widespread throughout (Plates 3-6). Plate 3. Artichoke Thistle infestation within the landscape buffer zone north of Riding Boundary Road (29/09/2015). Plate 4. Spear Thistle and African Boxthorn in the landscape buffer zone north of Riding Boundary Road (29/09/2015). Planted vegetation in the study area is comprised of landscape and amenity plantings, likely as part of the requirements of the existing Work Authority for the existing quarry. Common landscape plantings include Drooping Sheoak Allocasuarina verticillata, River Red-gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Yellow Gum Eucalyptus leucoxylon subsp. connata, Yate Eucalyptus cornuta, and several Wattles Acacia spp Scattered Trees No scattered trees were recorded within, or immediately adjacent to the study area. 8

9 Plate 5. Serrated Tussock infestation within the landscape buffer zone north of Riding Boundary Road (29/09/2015). Plate 6. Cane-Needle Grass within the drainage line of the buffer zone (29/09/2015). 4.2 Fauna Habitat Native and Introduced Grasslands The majority of the study area consists of degraded grassland, likely to be used as a foraging resource by common generalist bird species which are tolerant of modified open areas. Fauna observed using this habitat included; Australian Magpie Cracticus tibicen, Common Blackbird Turdus merula, Little Raven Corvus mellori, Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca, House Sparrow Passer domesticus, Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys and European Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus. 4.3 Permitted Clearing Assessment (the Guidelines) Clause Vegetation proposed to be removed The study area is within Location C, with hectares of native vegetation proposed to be removed. As such, the permit application would be assessed under the High Risk-based pathway. A habitat hectare assessment qualifying the condition scores of native vegetation is provided in Appendix 1. Table 1. Permitted Clearing Assessment (the Guidelines) Risk-based pathway High Total Extent Remnant Patch (ha) Scattered Trees (no.) 0 Location Risk C Strategic Biodiversity Score >

10 4.3.2 Offset Targets As the study area is located within Western Growth Corridor as defined by the Melbourne Strategic Assessment (MSA), unless determined otherwise, native vegetation and significant species habitat clearance is subject to the implications of the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy (BCS) (DEPI 2013a). These implications are detailed below (Section 4.4). 4.4 Biodiversity Conservation Strategy Habitat Compensation obligations applicable to the proposal. Based on the proposed infrastructure footprint provided by Golder Associates Pty Ltd, under the BCS a total habitat compensation fee of $183, (excl. GST) will apply to the study area 1 (Figure 2c). This comprises: $144, (excl. GST) for removal of hectares of native vegetation within the study area; $12, (excl. GST) for removal of hectares of habitat for Spiny Rice-flower; $18, (excl. GST) for removal of hectares of habitat for Golden Sun Moth; and, $8, (excl. GST) for removal of hectares of habitat for Growling Grass Frog. Habitat compensation fees associated with removal of native vegetation and significant species habitat within the study area is summarised in Table 2, and further detailed in Attachment 1. Habitat compensation is payable to the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) prior to removal of vegetation or habitats. Table 2. Habitat compensation fees under the BCS, as of April Matter of NES Offset cost under BCS* Hectares / No. Offset cost* Native vegetation $95, $144, Spiny Rice-flower $7, $12, Golden Sun Moth $7, $18, Growling Grass Frog $7, $8, Total $183,423.79* Note. * GST exclusive 4.5 Significance Assessment Flora Based on the highly modified and disturbed nature of the quarry buffer zones, significant flora species are considered unlikely to occur within the study area. Although Spiny Rice-flower is known to occur in close proximity to the site, due to the disturbed and highly modified condition of the quarry buffer zones, Spiny Rice-flower is considered highly unlikely to occur within any of the areas inspected. In addition, the quarry 1 Parcel boundaries, fees and habitat compensation and land security obligations shown are subject to change, and as such the statement is considered to be an estimate. The MSA Team at the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) will be able confirm the final fees via correspondence which will take up to 10 business days. 10

11 buffer zone considered most likely to contain suitable habitat (north of Riding Boundary Road) is managed under the existing EPBC Act approval 2002/864 (Condition 3C), which includes provisions to translocate any specimens located within this part of the site to the Northern Grassland site to the north-east of the quarry Fauna With the exception of the presence of suitable habitat (albeit highly modified and low quality) for Striped Legless Lizard in the buffer zone immediately north of Riding Boundary Road, given the highly modified and disturbed nature of the buffer zones, significant fauna species are considered unlikely to occur within the site (Figure 2b). Although this area is highly modified with clear evidence of past ground disturbance and rock removal, embedded and sub-surface rock is still present, and cracking clay soils are evident (Plates 1-4). In addition, there are several known records of Striped Legless Lizard within close proximity of the site. The existing EPBC approval 2002/862 includes measures to manage the impacts to Striped Legless Lizard (Condition 3B). These measures are relevant to the area identified in Annexure 3 of EPBC 2002/862 as the Extension Application Area which appears to extend into the buffer area and directly abuts Hopkins Road and Riding Boundary Road. That is, all additional areas proposed to be disturbed are situated entirely within the disturbance footprint (i.e. the action ) for which the previous EPBC Act referral and subsequent approval under the Act pertains to Communities The nationally significant Natural Temperate Grassland of the Victorian Volcanic Plain (NTGVVP) is known to occur in several locations in close proximity to the site, and is modelled to occur throughout the quarry. As this community was not listed prior to the existing EPBC Act approval, the current approval contains no provisions relating to this community. However, based on the site inspection, and the modified and degraded condition of the existing buffer zones and surrounds, vegetation within the buffers did not meet the condition thresholds to qualify as NTGVVP. 5 Conclusion Although it is our understanding that the study area is within the MSA, and habitat compensation obligations are generated in accordance with the BCS, a permit from the Shire of Melton may be required for the removal of native vegetation at the following locations: Within the footprint of the proposed new weighbridge immediately south of the Riding Boundary Road reserve; The buffer zone north of Riding Boundary Road reserve, including stormwater pond #8, and the stormwater drains from Ponds 7 and 8; Where the landfill gas infrastructure traverses the Riding Boundary Road reserve; The potential stormwater drains to Hopkins Road from Pond 5; Within the footprint of Ponds 5, 8 and 22; and 11

12 The buffer zone north of Middle Road, including the potential outlets from Pond 1. Urban development in the Western growth corridor of the Melbourne Strategic Assessment area is permitted by the Part 10 EPBC Act class of action approvals granted by the Commonwealth Environment Minister on the 5 th September The Commonwealth approvals regulate urban development in the area covered by the MSA under the EPBC Act. The approvals must be considered in conjunction with the Program Report (DSE 2009) and relevant documents (DEPI 2013a; 2013c; 2013d; 2013e). Provided the proposed development within the study area is undertaken in accordance with these approvals, and the proponent complies with the habitat compensation arrangements and fees described in the BCS, no additional referral to the Commonwealth Environment Minister under the EPBC Act is required to assess impacts to matters of National Environmental Significance. 12

13 References Costello, C. and Timewell, C Flora and fauna survey & conservation management plan, Boral, Deer Park. Report prepared by Biosis Research Pty Ltd. Costello, C. and Timewell, C Preliminary Ecological Assessment of Boral Resources (Vic) Pioneer Land, Rockbank, Victoria. Report prepared by Biosis Research Pty Ltd. DELWP 2016a. Native Vegetation Information Management Tool [WWW Document] URL Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. DELWP 2016b. Planning Maps Online [www Document]. URL DELWP 2016c. Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Benchmarks for each Bioregion [WWW Document]. URL Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. DEPI 2013a. Biodiversity Conservation Strategy for Melbourne s Growth Corridors. Victorian Government Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Melbourne, May DEPI 2013b. Permitted clearing of native vegetation - Biodiversity assessment guidelines (the Guidelines). Victorian Department of Environment and Primary Industries. DEPI 2013c. Sub-Regional Species Strategy for the Golden Sun Moth. Victorian Government Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Melbourne, May DEPI 2013d. Sub-Regional Species Strategy for the Growling Grass Frog. Victorian Government Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Melbourne, May DEPI 2013e. Draft Habitat Compensation under the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy: Melbourne Strategic Assessment. Victorian Government Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Melbourne, May DSE Delivering Melbourne s Newest Sustainable Communities. Strategic Impact Assessment Report for the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment, October

14 Figures 14

15 PLUMPTON Legend Leakes Rd Greigs Rd ROCKBANK Western Fwy Clarke Road Streamside Reserve Caroline Springs Bvd CAROLINE SPRINGS BURNSIDE HEIGHTS BURNSIDE Kororoit Creek KINGS PARK ALBANVALE Oakwood Rd Study Area Proposed MRL extension Railway Freeway Major Road Collector Road Minor Road Proposed Road Mount Cottrell Nature Conservation Reserve Caroline Springs Western Hwy Westwood Dr Tamar Dr Ballarat Rd DEER PARK Neale Rd CAIRNLEA!!!!! Minor Watercourse Permanent Waterbody Land Subject to Inundation Wetland/Swamp Parks and Reserves BCS Conservation Area Crown Land Localities MOUNT COTTRELL Boundary Rd Dohertys Rd Tarneit Rd TARNEIT TRUGANINA Derrimut Rd Hopkins Rd Skeleton Creek RAVENHALL Ravenhall Nature Conservation Reserve Robinsons Rd Robinson Foleys Rd DERRIMUT Mt Derrimut Rd Station Rd Deer Park Mount Derrimut Nature Conservation Reserve LAVERTON NORTH Melton (C) Figure 1 Location of the study area Ecological Advice in relation to the Melbourne Regional Landfill Extension ¹ ^_ Ravenhall Metres Melbourne!( VicMap Data: The State of Victoria does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information in this publication and any person using or relying upon such information does so on the basis that the State of Victoria shall bear no responsibility or liability whatsoever for any errors, faults, defects or omissions in the information. 7395_Fig01_StudyArea 18/01/2016 melsley

16 Figure 2a Ecological features Ecological Advice in relation to the Melbourne Regional Landfill Extension Legend Perimeter of landfill cell Soil wedge or toe line Cell boundaries Treatment plant Works approval boundary Contours at 10m intervals Additional 10m buffer Proposed weighbridge Proposed stormwater pond (with ID) Landfill gas infrastructure pipe Quarry landscape buffer Ecological features Plains Grassland patch (EVC 132) (> 25% cover) Scattered Native Vegetation (< 25% cover) Potential Striped Legless Lizard habitat Melton (C) ^_ Ravenhall Melbourne!( VicMap Data: The State of Victoria does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information in this publication and any person using or relying upon such information does so on the basis that the State of Victoria shall bear no responsibility or liability whatsoever for any errors, faults, defects or omissions in the information. ¹ Metres 7395_Fig02_EcolFeat_MB 11/02/2016 MElsley

17 Figure 2b Ecological features Ecological Advice in relation to the Melbourne Regional Landfill Extension Legend Perimeter of landfill cell Soil wedge or toe line Cell boundaries Treatment plant Works approval boundary Contours at 10m intervals Additional 10m buffer Proposed weighbridge Proposed stormwater pond (with ID) Landfill gas infrastructure pipe Quarry landscape buffer Ecological features Plains Grassland patch (EVC 132) (> 25% cover) Scattered Native Vegetation (< 25% cover) Potential Striped Legless Lizard habitat Melton (C) ^_ Ravenhall Melbourne!( VicMap Data: The State of Victoria does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information in this publication and any person using or relying upon such information does so on the basis that the State of Victoria shall bear no responsibility or liability whatsoever for any errors, faults, defects or omissions in the information. ¹ Metres 7395_Fig02_EcolFeat_MB 11/02/2016 MElsley

18 Figure 2c BCS - Habitat compensation footprint Ecological Advice in relation to the Melbourne Regional Legend Proposed infrastructure footprint Golden Sun Moth habitat Growling Grass Frog Category 2 habitat Time Stamped Native Vegetation Melton (C) ^_ Ravenhall Melbourne!( VicMap Data: The State of Victoria does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information in this publication and any person using or relying upon such information does so on the basis that the State of Victoria shall bear no responsibility or liability whatsoever for any errors, faults, defects or omissions in the information. ¹ Metres 8024_DELWP_Data_fr7395 4/05/2016 melsley

19 Appendix 1 Table A1.1. Habitat Hectare Assessment (as requested by Council s RFI) Vegetation Zone PG1 PG2 PG3 Bioregion Victorian Volcanic Plain Victorian Volcanic Plain Victorian Volcanic Plain EVC / Tree Plains Grassland (Heavier Soils) Plains Grassland (Heavier Soils) Plains Grassland (Heavier Soils) EVC Number 132_61 132_61 132_61 EVC Conservation Status Endangered Endangered Endangered Large Old Trees /10 N/A N/A N/A Canopy Cover /5 N/A N/A N/A Under storey / Lack of Weeds / Patch Recruitment / Condition Organic Matter / Logs /5 N/A N/A N/A Treeless Multiplier EVC Subtotal = Landscape Value / Habitat Points / Habitat Score Total Area (ha) Area (ha) to be removed Area (ha) to be retained Total habitat hectares Habitat hectares to be removed

20 Attachment 1 Habitat Compensation Obligation Statement 20

21 Habitat Compensation Obligations Statement Statement of obligations under the Melbourne Strategic Assessment Date of issue: 26 April 2016 Project Details Project Name Data Source Local Government Area INF#99 Melbourne Regional Landfill / Quarry Infrastructure Project Data submitted to DELWP on 21 April, 2016 by Shannon LeBel (Ecology and Heritage Partners) Melton City Council Proponent Details Organisation Contact Ecology and Heritage Partners Shannon LeBel slebel@ehpartners.com.au Telephone (03) Address 292 Mt Alexander Rd, Ascot Vale, VIC 3032 Habitat Compensation obligations Summary of habitat compensation obligations and status Habitat Type Obligation Status Native Vegetation ha Obligations not met Spiny Rice-flower ha Obligations not met Golden Sun Moth ha Obligations not met Growling Grass Frog ha Obligations not met Conservation Area habitat compensation obligations Nil habitat compensation obligations Salvage and translocation obligations Spiny Rice-flower Habitat Type Striped Legless Lizard The State of Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning 2016 Obligation DELWP records show there are Spiny Rice-flower present on your property, and salvage of the species is needed to support the MSA restoration program. If permission is granted, DELWP will undertake the required salvage activities on your behalf. If access to the land is not granted, salvage must be conducted in line with DELWP s standards at the landowner s expense. DELWP has recently conducted an evaluation which outlines salvage and translocation of the Striped Legless Lizard (SLL) is not a feasible activity under the program. Salvage of SLL has been suspended pending the finalisation of the evaluation. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence To view a copy of this licence, visit