corangamite catchment management authority€¦ · biological diversity or „biodiversity‟ is...

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Corangamite

Catchment Management Authority

BIODIVERSITY

RISK MITIGATION PROTOCOL

August 2002

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Corangamite Catchment Management Authority

Biodiversity Risk Mitigation Protocol

August 2002

This publication was produced for

Prepared by Mick Baker and Mandy Watson, Department of Natural Resources and Environment,

Flora and Fauna Branch, Warrnambool.

August 2002

© Corangamite Catchment Management Authority

64 Dennis St

Colac 3250

Disclaimer: This document may be of assistance to you, but the Authority, its employees and other

contributors do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate

for your particular purposes, and therefore disclaim all liability for any error, loss or other

consequence that may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.

Front Page: Saline swamp, Eurack

Photo: Steve McDougall

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CONTENTS

Page

Background 1

What is Biodiversity and why do we need to protect it?….…………….. 1

The Impact of Salinity on Biodiversity…………………………………. 2

The National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality in Australia … 3 The Corangamite CMA Biodiversity Risk Mitigation Protocol ………... 4

Biodiversity Risk Management in the Corangamite CMA Region 6

Overview………………………………………………………………… 6

Biodiversity Asset Information..………………………………………… 7

Existing Risk Controls…………………………………………………... 7

Additional Options for Risk Control……………………………………. 8 Opportunities for Biodiversity Enhancement…………………………… 8

The Biodiversity Risk Mitigation Procedure 9

Flow-chart……………………………………………………………….. 10

Checklist 1. Project Scope……………………………………….……… 12 Checklist 2. Biodiversity Assets………………………………………… 13

Checklist 3. Biodiversity Impacts……………………………………….. 15

Checklist 4. Existing Risk Mitigation Tools…………………………….. 16

Checklist 5. Additional Risk Mitigation Options……………………….. 18 Checklist 6. Biodiversity Enhancement Opportunities………………….. 19

References 20

Appendices

Appendix 1. Review of NAP Projects (CCMA specific document that can be removed from the protocol)

List of Figures

Fig. 1. River Red-gum community

Fig. 2. Cycle of vegetation clearance and increased salinity Fig. 3. A freshwater marsh affected by salinity

Fig. 4. Revegetation project

Fig. 5. Fragmented and isolated vegetation Fig. 6. Significant roadside vegetation

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Background

Corangamite Biodiversity Risk Mitigation Protocol 1.

BACKGROUND

WHAT IS BIODIVERSITY AND WHY DO WE NEED TO PROTECT IT?

Biological diversity or „biodiversity‟ is defined as the variety of all life-forms; the different

plants, animals and micro-organisms, the genes they contain, and the ecosystems of which

they form a part (NRE, 1997). The continual process of evolution means that the pool of living diversity is dynamic, and when the genetic variation within species decrease, a species

can become extinct or an ecosystem complex lost.

Biodiversity is important not only for it‟s intrinsic aesthetic value, but also because it provides a foundation for the continued existence of a healthy planet and human well-being. All food

resources, many medicines and industrial products are derived from the wild and

domesticated components of biodiversity. Biotic resources also provide us with many services, referred to as ecosystem services, which include the purification of air and water and

the disposal of wastes. There are also many important social values of biodiversity to

consider such as aesthetic, recreational and cultural uses (Department of Environment, Sport

and Territories, 1994).

By recognising the role that biodiversity plays in the natural environment, it is easy to

understand that ecosystems rich in diversity are more resilient and able to recover more readily from stress. Unlike many other resources, biodiversity is renewable, but only if it is

used and nurtured wisely (CSIRO, 2000).

Fig. 1. A remnant River Red-gum community along a drainage line in the Corangamite catchment.

An area with high biodiversity values that require protection. Photo: NRE Flora & Fauna, Colac

Background


THE IMPACT OF SALINITY ON BIODIVERSITY

Biodiversity in Australia is threatened by a range of processes including vegetation clearance,

changing land uses, introduced plants, animals and diseases, and pollution. Salinity has only

recently been recognised as a threat to biodiversity that is directly responsible for destroying

extensive areas of Australian landscapes through vegetation loss.

Dryland salinity usually arises as a result of replacing deep-rooted native vegetation with

shallow-rooted annual crops and pastures, which allows increased leakage of water below the root zone and into groundwater systems. Rising water tables mobilise salt stored in the soil,

bringing it to the surface and in contact with plant roots, or transporting it into surface water

bodies.

It has long been recognised that native vegetation clearance is a key factor in the proliferation

of salinity problems. However, the impact of salinity on biodiversity has not been as widely

acknowledged. The most obvious effect of salinity in landscape terms is the loss of native vegetation. The loss of native vegetation in turn compounds the salinity problem. As native

vegetation decreases or dies, the saline ground water tables rise further, causing more

problems for ecosystems, and a “vicious cycle” is created.

Fig. 2. The cycle involving vegetation clearance and increased salinity that results in the loss of

biodiversity (ANZECC, 2001).

Salinity also impacts on biodiversity in wetlands, lakes and streams. Macroinvertebrates,

macrophytes, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and birds can be subject to the adverse

impacts from salinity, both directly through lethal and sub-lethal levels, and indirectly through loss of habitat and reduced availability of food sources.

Background


THE NATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR SALINITY AND WATER QUALITY IN

AUSTRALIA

The National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality in Australia (NAP) identifies high

priority, immediate actions, to address dryland salinity and deteriorating water quality in key catchments and regions across Australia.

As signatories to the Intergovernmental Agreement on a National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality, both the Commonwealth and Victoria have committed to an action plan

(Commonwealth of Australia and the State of Victoria, 2001) to motivate and enable regional

communities to use coordinated and targeted action to:

a) Prevent, stabilise and reverse trends in salinity, particularly dryland salinity,

affecting the sustainability of production, conservation of biological diversity and the

viability of infrastructure, and b) Improve water quality and secure reliable allocations for human uses, industry and

the environment.

Actions aimed at mitigating the impacts of salinity on biodiversity vary according to the area

affected, the extent of damage, and the likelihood of future impacts. However, it is important

that these mitigating actions do not have adverse impacts on biodiversity assets themselves. It is therefore the responsibility of the project proponent to undertake a risk management

procedure to detect potential impacts of proposed management actions on biodiversity (NRE,

2002a).

Fig. 3. Shallow freshwater marshes are susceptible to the impacts from salinity. Salinity control

measures such as tree planting should however consider other site values, such as adjacent

native grassland communities as pictured above. Photo: Steve McDougall NRE Flora & Fauna, Colac

Background


THE CORANGAMITE CMA BIODIVERSITY RISK MITIGATION PROTOCOL

The primary aim of this document is to provide NAP project managers and project leaders

within the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (Corangamite CMA) region, with

the necessary tools to ensure that actions aimed at mitigating the impacts of salinity and poor

water quality do not have adverse impacts on biodiversity. It is also anticipated that this protocol can be used by other project proponents for non-NAP projects for the purpose of

assessing if project proposals are „biodiversity safe‟.

In most cases knowledge about biodiversity assets is imperfect, and because of the depleted

and fragmented nature of biodiversity assets within the Corangamite region, the approach

taken in this protocol is a precautionary one. This protocol does not include a process for assessing the level of risk posed by a particular activity or program, but rather it aims to

provide the simplest process possible to mitigate risk regardless of its level, by treating any

risk as unacceptable. It can be applied to a range of projects or programs that have varying

degrees of risk.

The Corangamite CMA Biodiversity Risk Mitigation Protocol (Corangamite BRMP) brings

together existing biodiversity risk mitigation processes, and directs project proponents to the relevant biodiversity asset information and documentation within the region. It is specifically

designed to ensure that existing risk management tools (such as action statements or

legislation) are applied, but also to ensure that proposals not subject to existing risk control mechanisms, do not „slip through the net‟. Therefore, a range of additional risk mitigation

options is provided.

The Corangamite BRMP provides a process that aims to ensure that in all projects, biodiversity assets will be protected and where possible, enhanced. The protocol can be used

to assist proponents with the development of projects with an on-ground component that

could impact on biodiversity.

The Corangamite BRMP is a five-stage process. At each stage there are separate checklists to

assist proponents to compile relevant information that will guide decision making. At the end

of this process it is expected that project proponents will have gained a greater appreciation of the biodiversity assets potentially affected by their proposal, and the likely impact on those

assets. All relevant existing risk mitigation tools will have been explored and additional risk

mitigation options applied. Opportunities for enhancing biodiversity will also have been considered.

By working through each stage of the process, proponents will have, as far as possible, ensured that a project or program proposal will only go ahead if there is no net loss to

biodiversity in the region, but rather, a net gain. The following is a summary of the process:

Stage One: The full scope of the project is established. In addition to understanding

the immediate effects of the proposal, this stage is designed to ensure that the proponent will consider the less obvious impacts on biodiversity such as off-site,

flow-on or cumulative effects. In addition, anticipated outcomes from large-scale

programs or policies can be more readily appreciated.

Stage Two: Biodiversity assets and potential impacts of the proposal are considered,

with two separate checklists provided to assist with sourcing and compiling

information on biodiversity assets and the types of impacts that may occur.

Background


Stage Three: The application of existing risk mitigation processes is determined and

applied. A checklist of existing biodiversity risk mitigation tools within the region is

provided.

Stage Four: Additional options for risk mitigation are considered. A checklist of the

simplest and most obvious risk mitigation options is provided, as well as a list of

specific suggestions relating to various types of impacts.

Stage Five: Opportunities for biodiversity enhancement are investigated before the

project can proceed.

Fig. 4. Revegetation project involving tree planting, and chemical application to remove the

competition from other plants. Although an attempt to address salinity and water quality

issues, project planning must first consider all existing flora and fauna values at the site, and

the potential offsite or downstream impacts before any on-ground actions are implemented. Photo: NRE CAS, Colac

The Corangamite BRMP project has provided the background to the Statewide Biodiversity Risk Mitigation Protocol prepared by consultants Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) for use by

Catchment Management Authorities, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment,

and other partners involved in NAP across Victoria. The SKM protocol provides a

standardised statewide approach, and will include a risk analysis process for assessing the level of risk posed by particular proposals. The statewide protocol can be used in conjunction

with the Corangamite BRMP if required.

Biodiversity Risk Management in the Corangamite


BIODIVERSITY RISK MANAGEMENT IN THE

CORANGAMITE CMA REGION

OVERVIEW The Corangamite CMA region is broadly characterised by moist foothill and lowland forests

in the south, grassland and grassy woodland communities in central regions, and dry foothill

forests in the north. However, from a total catchment area of 1.3 million hectares, only 21 per cent of original native vegetation cover remains, with the majority found in the forests of the

Otway Ranges and Ballarat area. In addition, 70 per cent of remaining vegetation in the

Corangamite region is threatened, and over half is found on private land (generally

fragmented) and along linear strips (CCMA, 2002). The region contains 218 flora species and 96 fauna species that are threatened in Victoria, the threatened Western (Basalt) Plains

Grassland Community, and 51 migratory bird species listed under the Japan-Australia and

China-Australia migratory bird agreements (NRE, 2000; NRE, 2002b).

The clearing of native vegetation, primarily for agriculture, has contributed to salinity, soil

erosion, poor water quality, the spread of exotic species and a loss of biodiversity in the Corangamite region (CCMA, 2002). Salinity has been recognised as a major threat that is

impacting on biodiversity values in the region. ANZECC (2001) report that by the year 2050,

up to 4 – 8% of all records of threatened flora, and 9 – 17% of all threatened fauna in Victoria

are predicted to be located in shallow water table areas. Increased salinity was listed by ANZECC (2001) as the greatest long-term threat to such species in the Corangamite region.

Fig. 5. Fragmented and isolated remnant vegetation within the Otway Plain bioregion. On-ground

actions such as revegetation projects need to consider opportunities for biodiversity

enhancement, such as establishing linkages and wildlife corridors to connect such areas. Photo: NRE Flora & Fauna, Colac



The Corangamite catchment contains five bioregions, four of which have been largely cleared

for agriculture, but fragments of significant flora and fauna still remain. The Victorian Volcanic Plain bioregion is an area of flat to undulating plains characterised by open areas of

grassland and small patches of woodland vegetation. Over 95 per cent of native vegetation

has been cleared for agriculture, with the majority of remaining remnants, particularly

roadside grasslands and shallow freshwater wetlands, also being threatened (NRE, 1997). The Central Victorian Uplands bioregion has 30.2 per cent of native vegetation remaining,

which mainly consists of dry foothill forest complexes. The Warrnambool Plain bioregion is

nutrient deficient and consists of low dune formations that are largely cleared, with only 5 per cent native vegetation remaining and under threat. The Otway Plain bioregion consists of

coastal plains, river valleys and open eucalypt forests, with 31.9 per cent of native vegetation

remaining. Due to the inaccessible nature of the Otway Ranges bioregion, the area has remained largely intact (81.4% native vegetation remaining), and consists of both moist

foothill forest and dry foothill forest complexes that contain high biodiversity conservation

values (NRE, 1997; CCMA, 2002).

BIODIVERSITY ASSET INFORMATION

Biodiversity asset information for the Corangamite CMA region exists in a wide range of

forms. Checklist 2 provides a list of relevant information sources grouped according to the

following types:

Site inspections

Mapped information (such as vegetation maps and sites of biodiversity significance)

Threatened species lists (compiled from a range of sources)

Databases (such as the Flora Information System and Atlas of Victorian Wildlife)

Planning and management documents (bioregional plans, recovery plans, action

statements, environmental audits and inventories)

Local and/or specialist knowledge

Checklist 2 also provides information on how to access this information. However, it should

be noted that none of these checklists are exhaustive, and all may be added to and updated

over time. The majority of information can be obtained by contacting the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE).

EXISTING RISK CONTROLS

There is a range of existing biodiversity risk control mechanisms or „tools‟ that may apply or have relevance to NAP projects within the Corangamite CMA region. These include:

Legislation - State and Commonwealth (Environment Protection and Biodiversity

Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act),

and the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (containing the Native Vegetation Retention (NVR) controls)

Local Planning Scheme Environmental Overlays

NRE and CMA policies, plans and strategies (eg. Regional Catchment Strategy, Native

Vegetation Plan)

Management plans and action statements (eg. Biodiversity Action Plans and FFG Action

Statements)

Examples of relevant risk control mechanisms and how to access these are provided in

Checklist 4.



ADDITIONAL OPTIONS FOR RISK CONTROL

A generalised list of the methods for mitigating risks to biodiversity is provided in Checklist

5. For example:

Change location and/or timing of the project

Use of alternative techniques or species

Trade-offs eg. Compensatory planting of native vegetation

Engage environmental consultants/contractors to undertake biodiversity audits and impact

assessments

Commission studies/research

Literature reviews

Consult expert opinion

OPPORTUNITIES FOR BIODIVERSITY ENHANCEMENT

Opportunities for biodiversity enhancement must be explored, and where possible built-in to project proposals. The possibilities for enhancing biodiversity are probably unlimited, and

vary according to the type of project and the assets involved. Some examples include:

Incorporating management plan and action statement priority actions into project

proposals

Seeking out incentives to build-on and/or protect existing biodiversity assets associated

with the project

Exploring value adding opportunities such as linkages to adjacent biodiversity sites,

reserves, and projects using corridors, remnant vegetation, Land for Wildlife agreements, Landcare projects, and Trust for Nature Conservation Covenants

Conducting field days and/or environmental training

Investigating management agreements and voluntary conservation schemes

A more detailed list of examples is provided in Checklist 6.

Biodiversity Risk Mitigation Procedure


THE BIODIVERSITY RISK MITIGATION

PROCEDURE

A flowchart and a series of accompanying checklists form the basis of the Corangamite

biodiversity risk mitigation procedure. The flowchart asks a series of questions that direct proponents through the process, and to a relevant checklist or the next appropriate step. The

flowchart is divided into five stages. At each stage in the procedure separate checklists are

provided and should be used to assist proponents to gather the appropriate information. All stages in each of the checklists are to be addressed, and when completed, the relevant boxes

ticked and the checklist signed. The checklists can be removed from this document and

attached to project proposals for auditing purposes.

Fig. 6. Significant roadside vegetation. The high biodiversity value of these areas is often overlooked

during different planning and management activities Photo: NRE Flora & Fauna, Colac



Corangamite CMA


FLOWCHART

The Corangamite BRMP provides a simple step by step process that aims to ensure that in all cases, biodiversity assets will be

protected, and where possible, enhanced. In most cases, knowledge about biodiversity assets is imperfect, and given the depleted

and fragmented nature of biodiversity assets within the region, the approach taken in this protocol is a precautionary one.

Therefore any risk to biodiversity is treated as unacceptable. This protocol does not include an analysis of the level of risk posed

by a particular activity or program, but rather it aims to mitigate risk regardless of its level. This protocol can be applied to a

range of projects or programs that have varying degrees of risk.

STAGE 1. ESTABLISH THE SCOPE OF THE PROJECT

Step 1. Is the full scope of the project understood and clearly stated?

Step 2. Does the proposal include on-ground works?

STAGE 2. ESTABLISH THE BIODIVERSITY ASSETS OF THE PROJECT

Step 3. Are there any biodiversity assets to be considered?

Step 4. Are there any activities, processes or anticipated outcomes from the proposal that may

have direct or indirect impacts on biodiversity?

Apply Checklist 1 and sign off


YES NO Proceed to Step 7.






STAGE 3. DETERMINE THE APPLICATION OF EXISTING RISK MITIGATION ‘TOOLS’

Step 5. Do any existing risk mitigation ‘tools’ apply?

Follow any identified required processes and sign off before proceeding

STAGE 4. CONSIDER ADDITIONAL RISK MITIGATION OPTIONS

Step 6. Have all possible steps been taken to avoid and/or minimise the impact on

biodiversity values?

Record these on Checklist 5 Record these on Checklist 5

STAGE 5. INVESTIGATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR BIODIVERSITY ENHANCEMENT

Step 7. Have steps been taken to enhance biodiversity values?

Record these on Checklist 6 Record these on Checklist 6

PROJECT CAN PROCEED

Note: If the project can not proceed, a full risk analysis may be required. A process for conducting biodiversity risk analysis can

be found in the statewide biodiversity risk management protocol prepared by Sinclair Knight Merz.


YES NO/UNSURE Apply checklist 5 and sign off

YES NO Apply Checklist 6 and sign off



Corangamite Biodiversity Risk Mitigation Protocol 12 .

Corangamite CMA


CHECKLISTS

CHECKLIST 1.

Project Scope

Notes

Please boxes and sign-off when complete – include notes throughout

1. Project Type On-ground

Research/inventory

Management/planning

Policy/program

Other – noted

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2. Project Location Site-specific grid references or coordinates, marked on a map

Bioregion identified

Catchment identified

NRE region or local office identified

Municipality identified

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3. Project Description Single site

Multiple sites

Project size recorded

Project area continuous

Project area fragmented

Direct area of influence noted on map eg. Proximity to

drainage lines, water courses, wetlands, remnant vegetation

Indirect area of influence noted on a map eg. Nearby

vegetation, wetlands/water courses potentially effected

Terrain and soil types notes noted

Rainfall and temperature of location noted

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4. Project Management Land tenure and/or management responsibility noted

Current land use noted

Previous land use noted

Surrounding land use noted

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5. Stakeholders Affected Relevant individuals and organisations/agencies contacted

and listed here

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6. Timing and Duration of Project Start time noted

Finish time noted

Expected duration and times of year noted

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CHECKLIST 2.

Biodiversity Assets

Notes


1. Site Inspection/s

Describe any habitat/vegetation types present, including

wetlands

Record information about condition (size, species present,

structure, regeneration, weediness etc.) Investigate using

existing systems for recording habitat parameters such as Land

for Wildlife Notes or Native Vegetation Framework (Draft)

Identify any locally significant flora and fauna species present

and/or potential to be present

Is the site subject to Landcare projects or activities, Land for

Wildlife and/or Conservation Covenant agreements?

Provide comments on any benefits stemming from biodiversity

values of the site (sociological, recreational etc.)

Seek advice from NRE Flora and Fauna (FF) on any aspect of

site inspection

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2. Maps

Check Biodiversity Maps and their associated tables for sites of

significance

o Maps produced by FF staff and are comprised of sites of

biodiversity significance, threatened species point data,

Ramsar Wetlands, species subject to Japan-Australia and

China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreements. Hardcopy maps and lists are available from NRE FF

Check Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVC) maps for types and

conservation status of remnant vegetation present (pre-1750 and

current). Hardcopy maps available from NRE FF

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3. Threatened Species Lists

Check threatened species lists for threatened flora, fauna and

communities that occur within the Corangamite CMA region.

Lists can be obtained from NRE FF

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4. Databases

Undertake additional desktop survey using tools such as:

o Flora Information System (FIS) and the VROTPop

Database for flora information

o Atlas of Victorian Wildlife for wildlife records

o Aquatic Fauna Database

o Biosites (sites of biodiversity significance)

o Wetlands Database (includes Ramsar sites) and the

Directory of Important Wetlands

o Other (NRE has comprehensive databases containing

these and additional information on biodiversity in the

Corporate Geospatial Data Library – Seek advice from NRE FF)

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CHECKLIST 2.

Biodiversity Assets – Continued

Notes


5. Documents

Review relevant documents such as:

o Corangamite Biodiversity Action Plans (available from

CCMA or NRE FF)

o Management plans, recovery plans and scientific reports

(refer to NRE FF) o FFG action statements www.nre.vic.gov.au

o Environmental audits and inventories eg. Assessment of

the Conservation Status of Native Grasslands on the

Western Plains Victoria and Sites of Botanical

Significance; the West Victoria Comprehensive Regional

Assessment – Biodiversity Assessment

o Seek advice from NRE FF

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6. Local Specialist Knowledge

Consult local NRE FF and Catchment Agricultural Services

(CAS) for professional advice

o See the Department of Natural Resources and

Environment (NRE) Website: www.nre.vic.gov.au then

locations and contacts for nearest contact point

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CHECKLIST 3.

Biodiversity Impacts

Notes


1. Direct impacts

Removing or disturbing native vegetation

Pest control works such as vegetation (weed or harbour)

removal, ripping, poisoning, etc.

Altering fauna habitat eg. Removal of dead fallen or standing

timber, removal of rocks

Chemical/nutrient application

Capturing/diverting/draining water or altering flows

Altering stream structure and habitat eg. De-snagging

Soil disturbance or compaction

Introduction or proliferation of non-endemic/exotic species

Genetic modification or contamination

Other

o A list of potentially threatening processes are listed under

Schedule 3 of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988,

located on NRE‟s Website: www.nre.vic.gov.au then Plants & Animals / Native Plants & Animals / FFG Act

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2. Indirect impacts

Potential off-site impacts noted eg. Saline or chemical

contamination of soil, ground-water or surface-water, and

chemical drift

Flow-on effects noted eg. Downstream siltation, sedimentation,

eutrophication, saline contamination, or flow or temperature

changes

Cumulative effects noted eg. Nutrient or chemical

contamination

Potential future impacts noted eg. Loss of genetic diversity,

changes to catchment water yield

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3. Impacts Unknown

If impacts are unknown, seek further advice from NRE FF,

CAS staff or other expertise

Anticipated negative outcomes of large-scale projects or

policies noted eg. Agricultural intensification, broad-scale

replacement of pastureland with environmental weed pastures

such as phalaris or tall wheat grass

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CHECKLIST 4.

Existing Risk Mitigation Tools

Notes


1. Commonwealth legislation

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC)

Act 1999

o Administrative guidelines, threatened species information,

recovery plans and threat abatement plans are available

from the Environment Australia Website: www.ea.gov.au

then EPBC Act / Biodiversity Conservation

Other legislation such as the Natural Heritage Trust Act 1997

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2. State legislation

Flora and Fauna Guarantee (FFG) Act 1988

o Threatened species information and action statements are

available from NRE‟s Website: www.nre.vic.gov.au then Plants & Animals / Native Plants & Animals / FFG Act

Planning and Environment Act 1987

o Specifically native vegetation retention (NVR) controls.

Information available from NRE FF, or the Victorian

Government Website: www.vic.gov.au then laws and legal

/ legislation and documents

Other state legislation such as; Wildlife Act 1975, Catchment

and Land Protection Act 1994, National Parks Act 1975,

Conservation Forests and Lands Act 1987, Crown Lands (Reserves) Act 1978, Local Government Act 1989, Forests Act

1958, Water Act 1989, Land Act 1958, Coastal Management Act

1995, Victorian Conservation Trust Act 1972, Environment

Protection Act 1970

o Legislative documents are available from the Victorian

Government Website: www.vic.gov.au then laws and legal

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3. Local legislation

Local Government local laws eg. Relating to droving or pet

control, or fire (contact Local Government By-laws officer)

……………………………………………………

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4. Local Planning Policy Framework

Local Government Planning Scheme Environmental

Significance and Vegetation Protection Overlays including:

o Overlays relevant to Colac Otway, Corangamite, Surf

Coast, Greater Geelong, Moorabool, Golden Plains, and

Ballarat City shires

o Local Government planning schemes are available on the

Department of Infrastructure Website:

www.doi.vic.gov.au then planning schemes

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http://www.ea.gov.au/epbc/biodiversity


http://www.vic.gov.au/

http://www.vic.gov.au/

http://www.doi.vic.gov.au/



CHECKLIST 4.

Existing Risk Mitigation Tools – Continued

Notes


5. Regional Strategies / Policies / Plans Draft Corangamite Regional Catchment Strategy

Draft Corangamite Native Vegetation Plan

Corangamite Regional Nutrient Management Plan

Corangamite Draft Waterways Health Strategy

Corangamite Draft Floodplain Management Strategy

Corangamite Weed Action Plan

Corangamite Rabbit Action Plan

Western District Lakes Ramsar Site Strategic Management Plan

Other

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6. FFG Action Statements

Threatened species action statements relevant to the

Corangamite CMA region (currently 33)

o Threatened species information and action statements are

available from NRE‟s Website: www.nre.vic.gov.au then

Plants & Animals / Native Plants & Animals / FFG Act, or

seek further advice from NRE FF

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7. Threatened Species / Communities Recovery Plans

Recovery and management plans relevant to the Corangamite

CMA region. National recovery plans are available from the

Environment Australia Website: www.ea.gov.au then EPBC Act

/ Biodiversity Conservation, or seek advice from NRE FF for

other state and regional documents

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8. Parks Victoria Management Plans

Refer to Parks Victoria Website: www.parks.vic.gov.au then

publications.

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Date

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Organisation

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http://www.parks.vic.gov.au/



CHECKLIST 5.

Additional Risk Mitigation Options

Notes


Change location of site – Record here

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Change timing of project – Record here

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Use of alternative techniques or technology – Record here

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Use of alternative species indigenous to location – Record here

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Trade-offs eg. Fencing off remnant vegetation or

wetland/grassland habitat, replacement of vegetation removed

using NVR habitat-hectare guidelines – Record here

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Consult NRE FF, Greening Australia or other for expert advice

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Consider previous experience ie: review literature for results

obtained from similar projects or studies – Record here

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Engage environmental consultants/contractors to undertake

audits and impact assessments

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Consider applying other risk management processes such as a

risk analysis (example provided in SKM Protocol) – Record here

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Consider not proceeding with the project is risks to biodiversity

are high

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Signature

Date

Position

Organisation

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CHECKLIST 6.

Biodiversity Enhancement Opportunities

Notes


Consider incorporating recommended NRE, CMA and other

regional recovery, conservation and management plans and

actions into proposal – Record here

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Consider incorporating FFG action statement intended and

desirable management actions, or actions in threatened species

recovery plans (see action statements and recovery plans

relevant to the Corangamite CMA, or seek advice from NRE

FF) – Record here

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Consider the use of NRE strategies, policies and plans such as Corangamite Biodiversity Action Plans (available from CCMA

or NRE FF) or Forest Management Plans for the Otway Forest

Management Area or the Midlands (seek advice from NRE FF

or Forestry Victoria)

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Look for value adding opportunities eg. Linkages to existing

biodiversity sites or other projects, revegetation programs, and

habitat protection works – Record here

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Use existing guidelines for revegetation, regeneration and

habitat enhancements eg. NVR habitat-hectare guidelines, Land for Wildlife resource information – Record here

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Investigate management agreements and voluntary conservation

schemes eg. Public Authority Management Agreement‟s, Land

for Wildlife, Conservation Covenants – Record here

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Consider building in biodiversity promotion and educational

opportunities such as field days and environmental training –

Record here

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Other – Record here

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Signature

Date

Position

Organisation

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References


REFERENCES

ANZECC (2001). Implications of Salinity for Biodiversity Conservation and Management.

Recommendations from a Taskforce on Salinity and Biodiversity. Australia and New

Zealand Environment and Conservation Council.

CCMA (2002). Draft Corangamite Native Vegetation Plan. Corangamite Catchment

Management Authority, Colac.

Commonwealth of Australia & the State of Victoria (2001). An Agreement between the

Commonwealth of Australia and State of Victoria for the Implementation of the

Intergovernmental Agreement on a National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality.

CSIRO (2000). Understanding Valuing Conservation. Commonwealth Scientific and

Industrial Research Organisation.

Department of the Environment, Sport & Territories (1994). Biodiversity and It’s Value.

Biodiversity Series Paper No. 1. Commonwealth Department of the Environment, Sport and Territories.

NRE (1997). Victoria’s Biodiversity Strategy: Directions in Management. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria.

NRE (2000). Atlas of Victorian Wildlife. Department of Natural Resources and Environment,

Victoria.

NRE (2002a). Draft Guidelines for Biodiversity Risk Assessment and Management in the

Development of New Projects in NRE. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria.

NRE (2002b). Victorian Flora Information System. Department of Natural Resources and

Environment, Victoria.

DOCUMENTS REFERRED TO IN PROTOCOL CHECKLISTS

CCMA (2000). Corangamite Rabbit Action Plan. Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, Colac.

CCMA (2000) Corangamite Regional Nutrient Management Plan. Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, Colac.

CCMA (2000). Corangamite Weed Action Plan. Corangamite Catchment Management

Authority, Colac.

CCMA (2001). Draft Corangamite Waterways Health Strategy. Corangamite Catchment


References


CCMA (2001). Draft Floodplain Management Strategy. Corangamite Catchment


CCMA (2002). Draft Corangamite Native Vegetation Plan. Corangamite Catchment


CCMA (2002). Draft Corangamite Regional Catchment Strategy. Corangamite Catchment


Commonwealth of Australia and Department of Natural Resources and Environment (1999).

West Victoria Comprehensive Regional Assessment (Volumes 1/2). Joint

Commonwealth and Victoria Regional Forest Agreement Steering Committee.

Duffy, A., Grant, C. & Lowe, K. (2002). Biodiversity Action Planning – Strategic

Overview for the Otway Ranges Bioregion (Draft). Department of Natural Resources

and Environment, Victoria.

Duffy, A., Grant, C., Lowe, K. & Smith, I. (2002). Biodiversity Action Planning – Strategic

Overview for the Otway Plain Bioregion (Draft). Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria.

NRE (1992). Forest Management Plan for the Midlands. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria.

NRE (1995). Forest Management Plan for the Otway Forest Management Area. Department

of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria.

NRE (1996). Planning Guidelines for Native Vegetation Retention Controls. Department

of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria.

NRE (2000). Victoria’s Draft Native Vegetation Management Framework: Restoring our catchments. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria.

NRE (2002). Western District Lakes Ramsar Site Strategic Management Plan. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria.

Platt, S. & Thomas, R. (1999). How healthy is your bushland? Land for Wildlife Notes. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria. www.nre.vic.gov.au

Stuwe, J. (1986). An Assessment of the Conservation Status of Native Grasslands on the

Western Plains, Victoria, and Sites of Significance. Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Technical Report Series No. 48. Department of Natural

Resources and Environment, Victoria.

Note: Biodiversity Action Plans for all bioregions within the Corangamite Catchment are in preparation.


Appendices


APPENDIX 1

Corangamite CMA

NAP Foundation Projects

Review of Biodiversity Risks and Opportunities

The National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality in Australia (NAP) identifies high

priority, immediate actions, to address dryland salinity and deteriorating water quality in key catchments and regions across Australia. However, it is important to ensure that the actions

aimed at mitigating the impacts of salinity and poor water quality do not have adverse impacts

on biodiversity assets themselves.

The Corangamite Biodiversity Risk Mitigation Protocol can be used to ensure that NAP

projects are environmentally sensitive, and take into account biodiversity assets and

opportunities for enhancement. The table in Appendix 1 contains a review of the current NAP projects managed by the CCMA. The potential direct implications of project proposals

on biodiversity values, and obligations under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1998 and

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, were reviewed and are discussed. The expected biodiversity outcomes of NAP projects (positive or negative) and

recommendations relevant to biodiversity enhancement opportunities are also provided.

Given that the current NAP projects were not „on-ground‟ in nature, and that the proposals

were generally complimentary to biodiversity conservation in the region, no direct biodiversity implications or legislative obligations were evident. There may be, however,

some indirect implications that may arise from the projects, although these are difficult to

identify in the early stages of project proposals and development. Where possible, some comments were provided, sometimes beyond the scope of the proposal, which identified

opportunities for biodiversity enhancement.

Revegetation project at Lake Bullen Merri Photo: NRE CAS, Colac