Download Yarra Bend Park Environmental Action Plan

YARRA BEND PARK
ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN
April 2000
Parks Victoria
Published by:
Parks Victoria
Conservation Division
35 Whitehorse Road
Deepdene 3103
Copyright:
Parks Victoria, 2000
I
Contents
1 INTRODUCTION
1
1.1
1.2
1
1
BACKGROUND
ENVIRONMENTAL RISK MANAGEMENT IN PARKS
2 BACKGROUND
2
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2
2
2
3
3
3
4
YARRA BEND PARK
ABORIGINAL OCCUPATION
EUROPEAN HISTORY
FRIENDS GROUPS
CLIMATE
GEOLOGY
RIVERS AND CREEKS
3 ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
5
ECOSYSTEMS
FLORA - VEGETATION COMMUNITIES
FLORA - SPECIES
FAUNA - SPECIES
5
6
9
11
4 ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES SUMMARY
14
5 FOCUS AREAS AND MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES
16
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
5.7
16
16
18
19
20
22
22
INTRODUCTION
FOCUS AREA A DESCRIPTION
FOCUS AREA B DESCRIPTION
FOCUS AREA C DESCRIPTION
FOCUS AREA D DESCRIPTION
FOCUS AREA E DESCRIPTION
OPEN PARKLAND DESCRIPTION
6 ENVIRONMENTAL RISK ASSESSMENT
24
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7
6.8
6.9
6.10
6.11
6.12
24
24
29
30
32
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
INTRODUCTION
PEST PLANTS
PEST ANIMALS - RABBITS
PEST ANIMALS - CARNIVORES
DOMESTIC ANIMALS
HABITAT COMPETITION
SOIL EROSION AND COMPACTION
HABITAT LOSS
MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
DIEBACK
FIRE
PRIORITY RISK MANAGEMENT ISSUES FOR YARRA BEND PARK
II
7 RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS
40
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
7.6
7.7
7.8
7.9
40
40
49
50
51
51
53
53
53
INTRODUCTION
PEST PLANTS
PEST ANIMALS
SOIL EROSION AND COMPACTION
FIRE
HABITAT COMPONENT LOSS AND HABITAT COMPETITION
DOMESTIC ANIMALS
DIEBACK
MANAGEMENT ACTIVITES
BIBLIOGRAPHY
55
APPENDICES
57
APPENDIX 1
APPENDIX 2
APPENDIX 3
APPENDIX 4
APPENDIX 5
APPENDIX 6
APPENDIX 7
APPENDIX 8
APPENDIX 9
APPENDIX 10
APPENDIX 11
APPENDIX 12
APPENDIX 13
LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK
57
BROAD VEGETATION TYPES AT YARRA BEND PARK
59
LCC DESCRIPTIONS OF VEGETATION COMMUNITIES RECORDED IN YARRA BEND PARK
60
VEGETATION CONDITION ASSESSMENT
62
FLORA OF YARRA BEND PARK
63
REGIONALLY SIGNIFICANT PLANTS OF YARRA BEND PARK
77
ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
LOCALLY SIGNIFICANT PLANTS OF YARRA BEND PARK
YARRA BEND PARK FFG LISTED AND THREATENED FLORA SPECIES AND COMMUNITIES
80
STATEWIDE DISTRIBUTION OF JAMBA/CAMBA SPECIES
85
FAUNA OF YARRA BEND PARK
87
BIRDS OF YARRA BEND PARK
89
YARRA BEND PARK FFG LISTED AND THREATENED FAUNA SPECIES
92
IMPACT OF PEST PLANTS ON NATIVE VEGETATION IN THE PARK
97
FIGURES
FIGURE 1.1
FIGURE 2.1
FIGURE 2.2
FIGURE 3.1
FIGURE 3.2
FIGURE 3.3
FIGURE 3.4
FIGURE 3.5
FIGURE 3.6
FIGURE 3.7
FIGURE 5.1
FIGURE 6.1
FIGURE 6.2
FIGURE 6.3
FIGURE 6.4
FIGURE 6.5
FIGURE 6.6
FIGURE 6.7
FIGURE 7.1
FIGURE 7.2
THE RISK MANAGEMENT APPROACH TO ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
LOCATION OF YARRA BEND PARKS VICTORIA
YARRA BEND PARK LOCALITIES
BROAD VEGETATION TYPES
VEGETATION COMMUNITIES
DISTRIBUTION OF WILDFIRES WITHIN A 13 YEAR PERIOD
DISTRIBUTION OF ECOLOGICAL BURNS WITHIN A 13 YEAR PERIOD
GENERAL DISTRIBUTION OF LOCALLY AND REGIONALL SIGNIFICANT PLANTS
DISTRIBUTION OF FFG AND VROT LISTED FLORA SPECIES
POTENTIAL HABITAT FOR FFG, VROT & JAMBA/CAMBA FAUNA SPECIES
FOCUS AREAS
DISTRIBUTION OF REGIONALLY CONTROLLED WEEDS
DISTRIBUTION OF REGIONALLY CONTROLLED WEEDS
DISTRIBUTION OF REGIONALLY CONTROLLED WEEDS
DISTRIBUTION OF REGIONALLY CONTROLLED WEEDS
RABBIT DISTRIBUTION - MEDIUM TO HIGH DENSITY
FOX DISTRIBUTION
SITES OF EROSION AND CONDITION OF REMNANT VEGETATION
YARRA BEND PARK MANAGEMENT UNITS
SITES OF REVEGETATION AND REGENERATION
III
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1.1
Introduction
Background
Achieving excellence in environmental management is critical to Parks Victoria’s vision to create an
outstanding Parks and waterway system, protected and enhanced for people, forever. In fulfilling this
vision, one of Parks Victoria’s primary roles is to conserve, protect and enhance the environmental assets
it manages.
Parks Victoria has developed an Environmental Management System (EMS) to:
ƒ
support ecological management decision making;
ƒ
establish standardised reporting on ecological management performance; and
ƒ
develop targeted research, monitoring and reporting on the trend in ecological condition/health.
This plan outlines key strategies and actions to protect and enhance the environmental values of Yarra
Bend Park within the context of the Yarra Bend Park Strategy Plan, 1999.
The plan provides a guide to set priorities for resource allocation for environmental management and
forms the basis for reporting on Parks Victoria’s environmental management performance within the Park.
1.2
Environmental risk management in parks
Parks Victoria has adopted a risk management approach to environmental management. This approach
is based on the application of risk management strategies for the protection of identified environmental
values. The first step in the process is the identification of the environmental values within the natural
assets. Following the identification of environmental values, a risk assessment is performed. This involves
the identification and analysis of risks to environmental values. Risks are given priority according to the
extent of their impact on environmental values. The next stage is the development of management
strategies to address identified risks. Targets for risk reduction and management performance indicators
are developed to enable Parks Victoria to measure its performance in environmental management.
Figure 1.1 below illustrates the cyclic nature of the system and, therefore, the opportunities for continuous
improvement.
Figure 1.1
The risk management approach to environmental management.
Environmental Risk Management System
Level of
Risk
Risk Reduction
Targets
Implementation
Research
Condition
of Natural Assets
Environmental Management
Performance Measures
Environmental
Indicators
Values of
Natural Assets
Risk
Identification
Environmental
Information
System
Risk
Assessment
Risk
Analysis
1
Management of
Residual Risk
Risk Minimisation
Risk Sharing
Risk Avoidance
2
2.1
Background
Yarra Bend Park
2.1.1 Location and size
Yarra Bend Park is 4 km east of Melbourne. Comprising 260 hectares the Park contains the largest
remaining area of natural bushland within inner Melbourne (Figure 2.1).
2.1.2 Planning framework
Yarra Bend Park is Crown land managed by the Yarra Bend Park Trust under the Kew and Heidelberg
Lands Act 1933. Since April 1997, Parks Victoria has managed the day to day operation of the Park in
partnership with the Trust.
2.2
Aboriginal occupation
Four separate Aboriginal tribes are known to have originally inhabited the Port Phillip region. Collectively
they formed the Kulin nation or confederacy (Presland 1985). Each tribe inhabited a particular area of the
Melbourne region. Various clans of the Wurundjeri tribe originally occupied the areas to the north and
east of Melbourne, which includes the present Yarra Bend Park. The area would have provided reliable
sources of water as well as a rich and diverse supply of plant and animal resources for food, medicines,
shelter, clothing and tools. However, little evidence remains of previous Aboriginal occupation in the area
other than several scarred trees along the Yarra River upstream of Yarra Bend Park (Yarra Bend Trust
1990).
2.3
European history
2.3.1 Park establishment
Yarra Bend and neighbouring Studley Park were reserved in 1877. Both Park areas and several reserves
were combined in the early 1920s to create one large park, which became known as Yarra Bend Park.
During the 1930s additions to the Park included picnic and sporting grounds, toilet facilities and a public
golf course (Figure 2.2).
2.3.2 Dight’s Falls
A rocky bar across the Yarra River terminated Surveyor Charles Grimes’ river expedition in 1803. In
1841, John Dight established one of the first flourmills in the Port Phillip District at the rocky bar, later
known as Dight’s Falls. The bar has since become one of the Park’s best known features (Figure 2.2).
2.3.3 Institutions
A number of institutions were established on the land of Yarra Bend Park throughout the nineteenth
century. These included the Merri Creek School (an Aboriginal mission School established in 1848), the
Yarra Bend Lunatic Asylum (established in 1848 and decommissioned in 1925), the Queen’s Memorial
Infectious Diseases Hospital (established in 1904, now Fairfield Hospital) and Fairlea Women’s Prison
(established in March 1956 and closed in August 1996).
2.3.4 Urban development
The Yarra Boulevard was constructed during the 1930s depression and resulted in greater public access
and use of the new Park. The Eastern Freeway bisected the Park in the 1970s, but attempts to lay the
Brunswick-Richmond power line through the Park in the 1980s failed due to strong community opposition
(Figure 2.2).
2
2.3.5 Studley Park Boathouse and Kanes Bridge
The Burn family established “Riversdale” in 1863, the first of many boathouses on the Yarra River. Now
known as the Studley Park Boathouse, it is significant for its continuity of use as a public boathouse since
its establishment. It is the oldest public boathouse on the Yarra River (Figure 2.2).
Kane’s Bridge, a suspension bridge, was constructed over the Yarra River near the Studley Park
Boathouse in 1934 (Figure 2.2).
2.3.6 Deep Rock
The Deep Rock Swimming Club was established in 1906, and the Deep Rock Swimming Basin was a
popular spot for competitions and recreational swimming for many years (Figure 2.2). The cliff opposite
was the site of a world record 62.7 metre high dive by Alec Wickham in 1918.
2.4
Friends groups
Since the Park was reserved in 1933, the voluntary activities of friends groups have made significant
contributions to the management of the Parks’s environmental values. Currently, the most active of these
groups include:
ƒ
Friends of the Yarra at Galatea Point;
ƒ
Men of the Trees at Deep Rock;
ƒ
Greenlink Yarra Bend at Deep Rock;
ƒ
Tree Project at various sites;
ƒ
Friends of Walmer Street Bushland at Dickinson Reserve;
ƒ
Growing Friends of Yarra Bend Park at the Park Nursery; and
ƒ
Friends of Lower Yarra at Andrews Reserve.
These groups are involved in a wide range of volunteer activities including weed control, seed collection,
revegetation, flora and fauna monitoring, plant propagation, provision of visitor information and track
maintenance.
2.5
Climate
Climatic conditions experienced by Yarra Bend Park can be generally described as ‘Mediterranean’,
meaning a dry and hot summer and a wet winter.
2.5.1 Temperature
Highest temperatures occur in January and the lowest in July. Mean maximum temperatures at Yarra
Bend Park range from approximately 26 0C in January to 13 0C in July and the mean minimum
temperatures range from 14 0C in January to 6 0C in July (LCC 1991).
2.5.2 Precipitation
Precipitation is generally reliable with maximum rainfall occurring during winter and the minimum in
summer. The average annual rainfall is approximately 655 mm. September through to December are
usually the wettest months and January to March the driest (LCC 1991).
2.5.3 Wind
Prevailing winds are from the south and north, which tend to increase in strength during the day.
2.6
Geology
The oldest rocks exposed in Yarra Bend Park are marine sandstone and mudstone from over 400 million
years ago. An excellent display of these sediments is at the cliff face at Dights Falls, showing faults and
folds, layering and ripple beds of exposed ancient seabeds.
3
Lava flows from volcanic activity 2.2 million years ago and again about 800, 000 years ago, introduced
basalt soils to the Park allowing a wider range of vegetation.
An outlier of the Brighton sands over Silurian sediments occurs on high points of the Park. The Brighton
sands are freshwater alluvial sands and gravel of tertiary origin.
2.7
Rivers and creeks
The Yarra River winds through Yarra Bend Park from east to west and the Merri Creek runs along the
northeastern boundary of the Park before it enters the Yarra River. The Yarra River and Merri Creek are
important natural features of the Park, which provide some of the finest scenery, and opportunities for
river based recreation within the Melbourne region.
In addition to these values, the Yarra River and Merri Creek function as wildlife corridors for the following
local, regional, national and international fauna.
Local Movement:
ƒ
Mammal species such as Brushtail and Ringtail possums, bats and birds.
Regional Movement:
ƒ
Migration of Australian Grayling and other fish species, birds and bats.
National Movement:
ƒ
Migration of bird species including: Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Pallid Cuckoo, Fantailed Cuckoo,
Horsefields Bronze-Cuckoo, Shining Bronze-Cuckoo, Azure Kingfisher, Sacred Kingfisher, Welcome
Swallow, Fairy Martin, White Winged Triller, Olive Backed Oriole, Masked Woodswallow, Whitebrowed Woodswallow, Dusky Woodswallow, Restless Flycatcher, Leaden Flycatcher and Satin
Flycatcher.
International Movement:
ƒ
Migration of species listed under the Japan Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA) and the
China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA) including the Great Egret, Greenshank, Lathams
Snipe, White- throated Needletail and Fork-tailed Swift and Eastern Curlew.
4
3
Environmental Values
3.1
Ecosystems
3.1.1 Environmental responsibilities
Ecosystem management is derived from a range of National and State Acts, Regulations and Policies.
Those that relate to Yarra Bend Park and the management of the ecosystems within the Park are listed
below. For the functions and major elements of each see Appendix 1.
3.1.2 Commonwealth Government legislation
ƒ
Australian Heritage Commission Act 1975 (Register of the National Estate)
Yarra Bend Park is listed on the Register of the National Estate in recognition of its outstanding values
and its importance as part of our heritage. There are approximately 200 natural areas in Victoria that are
listed on the Register of the National Estate.
3.1.3 National policies and initiatives
ƒ
Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation of Australia (IBRA)
Yarra Bend Park falls within two biogeographic regions: the Victorian Volcanic Plain to the west and the
South East Coastal Plain to the east.
The Victorian Volcanic Plain is characterised by an extensive basaltic plain with numerous volcanic cones
and eruption points. The vegetation formerly consisted of damp sclerophyll forests, woodlands and
grasslands (Thackway and Cresswell 1995). The total area covered by this bioregion is 2.2 million
hectares, all of which is in Victoria. A total of 27% of Yarra Bend Park falls within this bioregion.
The Victorian Volcanic Plain comprises the Victorian Volcanic Plain Victorian Bioregion. The Victorian
Volcanic Plain bioregion extends from Melbourne west to Portland, south to Colac and north to Beaufort.
The South East Coastal Plain is characterised by undulating Tertiary and Quaternary coastal plains. The
vegetation formerly consisted of heathy woodlands, dry sclerophyll forests and heathlands (Thackway
and Cresswell 1995). The total area covered by this bioregion is 1.8 million hectares, all of which is in
Victoria. A total of 58% of Yarra Bend Park falls within this bioregion.
The South East Coastal Plain IBRA comprises three Victorian Bioregions: the Gippsland Plain, the Otway
Plain and the Warrnambool Plain. The Gippsland Plain bioregion extends from the Melbourne Central
Business District (including Yarra Bend Park) and the Mornington Peninsula through parts of central and
south Gippsland to Lakes Entrance in the far east.
Table 3.1 summarises the contribution that Yarra Bend Park makes to the statewide and regional
distribution of biogeographic regions.
5
Table 3.1
Contribution of Yarra Bend Park to statewide and regional distribution of IBRA.
IBRA ZONE
Statewide
total
(ha)
Total
in
parks
and
reserves
as a % of
statewide
total
PPW CaLP
Region
total
as a % of
statewide
total
Park
total
as a % of
statewide
total
Park
total
as a % of
parks
and
reserves
total
Park
total
as a % of
PPW CaLP
Region
total
Park total
as a % of
Park
Victorian Volcanic Plain
2 211 741
3.4%
13%
0.003%
0.01%
1.8%
27%
South East Coastal Plain
1 899 724
7.3%
12.7%
0.008%
0.07%
0.84%
58%
PPW:
Port Phillip and Westernport
3.1.4 Victorian legislation
ƒ
Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994
Yarra Bend Park falls within the Port Phillip and Westernport CaLP region and is therefore covered by the
Port Phillip and Westernport Regional Catchment Strategy. Yarra Bend Park has no special areas as
described under the Catchment and Land Protection Act.
3.2
Flora - Vegetation Communities
3.2.1 Environmental Responsibilities
Vegetation community management is derived from a range of National and State Acts, Regulations and
Policies. Those that relate to Yarra Bend Park and the management of the vegetation communities
identified within the Park are listed below. For the functions and major elements of each see Appendix 1.
3.2.2 Victorian Legislation
ƒ
Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988
There are 21 vegetation communities listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. Yarra Bend
Park contains two of these communities: Western (Basalt) Plains Grassland and Rocky Chenopod Scrub.
3.2.3 Biodiversity
ƒ
Broad Vegetation Types (BVTs)
There are many different approaches to classifying vegetation. The most up to date vegetation
classification system that exists across the whole of Victoria is that of Broad Vegetation Types (BVTs)
under which current and pre-European patterns of BVTs have been mapped.
BVTs are modelled from 1:250 000 scale land system, climate and other information. They provide a
simplified overview of the actual vegetation patterns on the ground. BVTs are assigned on the basis of
existing vegetation and other biophysical parameters, such as geology, rainfall, elevation and soil type.
There are 32 Broad Vegetation Types across Victoria.
ƒ
Diversity of BVTs within Yarra Bend Park
Two Broad Vegetation Types occur within Yarra Bend Park: Plains Grassy Woodland and Valley Grassy
Forest. Tables 3.2 and 3.3 summarise the contribution Yarra Bend Park makes to the statewide and
regional distribution of each BVT. The Valley Grassy Forest of Yarra Bend Park contribute significantly to
the CaLP Regional reserved totals for this BVT. Appendix 2 contains descriptions of these BVTs.
ƒ
Plains Grassy Woodland
Fewer than 3% of the Plains Grassy Woodland that existed in 1750 exists in Victoria today. Of this total,
only 11% occur in parks and reserves. Yarra Bend Park accounts for approximately 0.6% of the area
6
remaining in parks and reserves in the State, and 23% of the reserved area remaining in the Port Phillip
and Westernport CaLP Region.
ƒ Valley Grassy Forest
Approximately 62,1000 hectares of Valley Grassy Forest exists in Victoria today, representing 23.6% of
the total estimated to exist in 1750. Yarra Bend Park accounts for 0.8% of the area remaining in parks
and reserves in the State, and approximately 100% of the reserved area in the Port Phillip and
Westernport CaLP Region.
Table 3.2
Area (ha) in Victoria of those BVTs found in Yarra Bend Park.
Broad Vegetation Type
Total area in the
state in 1987 (ha)
Total area in the
state in 1987 as a
% of total are in
the state in 1750
% of the area in the
state (1987) in parks
and reserves
Plains Grassy Woodland
122 200
2.9%
11%
Valley Grassy Forest
62 100
23.6%
16%
Table 3.3
Area (ha) of those BVTs found in Yarra Bend Park as a ratio of the state, CaLP
Regional and reserved total.
Broad Vegetation Type
Park total
(ha)
Park total
as a % of
state total
Park total
as a % of
PPW CaLP
Region total
Park as a %
of reserved
total for state
Park as a %
of reserved
total for
CaLP
Plains Grassy Woodland
80
0.06%
3%
0.6%
23%
Valley Grassy Forest
80
0.08%
100%
0.8%
100%
PPW:
ƒ
Port Phillip and Westernport
Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs)
Ecological vegetation classes represent the most detailed level in the hierarchy of the vegetation typology
developed and used across Victoria currently. They consist of one or a number of floristic communities
that exist under a common regime of ecological processes within a particular environment at a regional,
state or continental scale. Ecological vegetation classes are defined at a qualitative level by both their
floristics and structure, and their description includes the ecological processes that characterise them
(Woodgate et al 1994).
To date, mapping of Ecological Vegetation Classes on Crown land has been carried out in east
Gippsland, north east Victoria, Central Highlands and the Box-Ironbark ecosystem of north central
Victoria. The Otways, Midlands, southwest Victoria and central Gippsland are currently being mapped.
Preliminary Ecological Vegetation Class mapping has also been carried out in the Grampians National
Park.
Currently EVC mapping has not been carried out in Yarra Bend Park. However, six vegetation
communities identified by the Land Conservation Council (LCC) in its Report on the Melbourne Region
have been identified in the Park:
ƒ
Valley Forest ;
ƒ
Floodplain Riparian Woodland;
ƒ
Plains Grassland;
ƒ
Rocky Outcrop Shrubland;
ƒ
Floodplain Wetland Complex; and
ƒ
Plains Grassy Woodland (LCC 1991).
Appendix 3 contains descriptions of these Vegetation Communities.
7
Remnants of Heathy Woodland vegetation on the Tertiary soils of the hills in the southern side of the Park
also exist. A few remnant plants have been discovered in a sheltered gully in the Park, and are thought to
be remnants of a gully vegetation community (Yarra Bend Park Trust 1990).
The Western (Basalt) Plains Grassland Community listed under the FFG Act occurs in the area
nominated as Plains Grassland. The FFG listed Rocky Chenopod Open Scrub Community is found in
sections of the area nominated as Rocky Outcrop Shrubland.
The other vegetation types are of regional or local significance. The Plains Grassy Woodland community
in the Park is significant, as it is one of the most intact representatives of this vegetation community in the
region. The majority of the Plains Grassy Woodland elsewhere in the region has been cleared for
agriculture or housing (Yarra Bend Park Trust 1990).
The Valley Forest Community in the Park is a regionally uncommon community dominated by Yellow
Gum. The original LCC report of the Melbourne Region in 1970 drew attention to the regional significance
of this community.
The Floodplain Wetland Complex community has been reconstructed in this Park. Many of the wetlands
and billabongs have been lost from the floodplain of the middle and lower Yarra since the development of
the area. The reconstructed wetlands of Yarra Bend Park therefore represent a re-creation of a
community that has been greatly depleted.
All remnant vegetation at Yarra Bend Park is of at least local significance because Yarra Bend contains
the largest block of remnant bush in the inner Melbourne area. The topography and position of the Park,
straddling 2 lithologies and watercourses, has meant a range of very different vegetation communities
occur in close proximity. This assemblage of communities is of regional significance.
3.2.4 Distribution
Figure 3.1 shows the distribution of Broad Vegetation Types within the Park and Figure 3.2 shows the
distribution of Vegetation Communities within the Park.
3.2.5 Condition
The total area of Yarra Bend Park is 260 ha and approximately 130 ha are covered by indigenous
vegetation. Vegetation condition is the extent to which land use and natural events have modified the
natural ecology of the vegetation. The following section looks at the extent to which past land use, the
presence of infrastructure, the fire history and adjacent land use has modified the vegetation across the
Park.
ƒ
Past land use
Yarra Bend Park has been subject to a range of past land uses. Most of these, grazing, timber harvesting,
quarrying, mining and market gardening are characterised by intensive activity over a long period of time
covering the majority of the Park area. Today, the obvious visible effects of this human activity and use
have been reduced. Nevertheless, many undesirable effects associated with past land use, including
weed invasion and changes to the structure and floristics of native vegetation, persist.
ƒ
Infrastructure
A range of recreational facilities and park infrastructure, including buildings, roads, car parks, walking
tracks, sports fields, playgrounds and a public golf course has been constructed throughout the Park. As
a result, the Park’s native vegetation has been reduced largely to a linear strip that follows the course of
the Yarra River and the Merri Creek. The Eastern Freeway and a small residential area that dissect the
Park have also fragmented the vegetation.
ƒ
Fire
The fire history of the Park prior to European settlement, particularly the use of fire by Aborigines, is
unknown. However, from studies undertaken in other parts of Australia we know that Aboriginal groups
often used fire to promote fresh growth of grass and to drive game. This probably took place in the area
8
during prehistoric times, and had an influence on the nature and distribution of the plant and animal
communities.
Following the fires of 1939 that burnt large areas of Victoria, legislation was introduced that compelled
managers of public land, including Yarra Bend Park, to prevent and surpress all fires. Resulting
modification to the fire regime has led to changes in the vegetation structure and composition.
Small deliberately lit fires have occurred at various locations in the Park, which have on occasion
adversely affected native vegetation. Park Staff have also undertaken ecological burns across the Park to
promote regeneration of indigenous flora and to control weeds (Figures 3.3 and 3.4).
ƒ
Adjacent land use
Yarra Bend Park shares boundaries with:
ƒ
Merri Creek (1.79 km). The Merri Creek has a mixture of exotic vegetation and native vegetation
planted by various organisations including the Merri Creek Management Committee, along the
Council side of the creek.
ƒ
Residential development (2.04 km). Privately owned land with predominantly exotic vegetation.
ƒ
Roads (7.27 km).
ƒ
Yarra River (4.96 km). Industrial and residential areas front the Yarra River along the boundary of the
Park.
ƒ
Hospitals (1.7 km).
ƒ
Vegetation condition
Table 3.4 summarises the condition of the six Vegetation Communities identified in the Park according to
criteria adapted from Duggan, 1992 (Appendix 4).
Table 3.4
Condition of the Vegetation Communities present in the Park.
Condition of vegetation
Vegetation Community
Good
Medium
Poor
Very poor
Valley Forest
5%
20%
65%
10%
Floodplain Riparian Woodland
8%
12%
40%
40%
Plains Grassland
8%
92%
Rocky Outcrop Shrubland
39%
Floodplain Wetland Complex
Plains Grassy Woodland
3.3
45%
16%
2%
96%
reconstructed
2%
Flora - Species
3.3.1 Environmental Responsibilities
Flora species management is derived from a range of National and State Acts, Regulations and Policies.
Those that relate to Yarra Bend Park and the management of the flora species identified within the Park
are listed below. For the functions and major elements of each see Appendix 1.
3.3.2 Victorian Legislation
ƒ
Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988
Throughout Victoria, 175 flora species have been listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.
One of these occurs within Yarra Bend Park: Cullen parvum (Small Scurf-pea) which was re-introduced
into the Park in 1995. An Action Statement has been prepared for the management of this species.
9
3.3.3 Biodiversity
ƒ
Diversity
Approximately 240 species of indigenous flora have been recorded within Yarra Bend Park (Appendix 5).
This equates to approximately 1/10 of the State’s total number of identified flora species.
ƒ
Rarity
Yarra Bend Park contains 7 of Victoria’s 1120 threatened flora species, one endangered, three vulnerable
and three species suspected of being endangered, vulnerable or rare. In addition, 1 species is rare and 1
species is endangered in Australia. Table 3.5 lists these species, their status (both Victorian and
Australian), the number of locations in which they have been recorded in Victoria, the Port Phillip and
Westernport CaLP Region and the Park.
In addition, the Park contains 117 flora species important in the Melbourne Region (Appendix 6 ). Figure
3.5 illustrates the general distribution of these species in the Park.
ƒ
Endemic species
No flora species are endemic to the Park.
3.3.4 Distribution
The distribution in Victoria and in the Park of those FFG listed and threatened flora species identified in
the Park is given in Appendix 7. Figure 3.6 illustrates the distribution of the FFG listed and vulnerable
flora species recorded in the Park.
Table 3.5
FFG listed and threatened flora species present within Yarra Bend Park (YB).
Status
FFG
Aus
No. Locations
Ratio
Vic
YB
Vic
PPW
CaLP
YB/
Vic
(%)
YB/
CaLP
(%)
Scientific name
Common name
Agrostis aemula var. setifolia
Gilgai Blown Grass
v
1
12
4
8.3
25
Agrostis avenacea var. perennis
Wetland Blown Grass
k
1
78
13
1.3
7.7
Bolboschoenus fluviatilis
Tall Club-sedge
k
1
11
2
9
50
Callitriche brachycarpa
Short Water Starwort
R
v
1
2
2
50
100
Cullen parvum
Small Scurf-pea
E
e
1
21
5
5
20
Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. connata
Yellow Gum
v
1
15
9
6.7
11
Poa labillardieri (Basalt Plains form)
Blue Prickly Tussock Grass
k
1
*
*
*
*
Note:
3.3.5
A
In the status column, L = listed under the FFG Act; A = listed under the FFG Act and has an action statement; R= rare in
Australia; E = endangered in Australia; e = endangered in Victoria; v = vulnerable in Victoria; k = poorly known, suspected of
being threatened; * = unknown.
Condition
An assessment of the condition of the FFG listed and threatened flora species found in the Park is given in
Table 3.6. The basis of this assessment is also provided.
10
Table 3.6
Condition of FFG listed and threatened flora species recorded in the Park.
Scientific name
Common name
Condition
Agrostis aemula var. setifolia
Gilgai Blown Grass
unknown
Agrostis avenacea var. perennis
Wetland Blown Grass
unknown
Bolboschoenus fluviatilis
Tall Club-sedge
DR
Callitriche brachycarpa
Short Water Starwort
unknown
Cullen parvum
Small Scurf-pea
Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. connata
Yellow Gum
Poa labillardieri (Victorian Plains form) Blue Prickly Tussock Grass
Basis for
assessment
of condition
Change in
condition
VO
unknown
DR
VO
unknown
DR
VO
unknown
Basis for
assessment
of change in
condition
unknown
Note1: Disturbed and struggling (DS) species are defined as those species that are disturbed and can recover substantially only if
major active threats are removed and direct assistance in recovery is provided. Disturbed but robust (DR) species are disturbed
but can recover substantially through natural processes if major active threats are removed. Disturbed and stable (DST) species
are disturbed but appear to be stable.
Note 2 : In the basis for assessment of condition column, RF = research finding; MP = monitoring program; VO = visual observation;
TPC = third party communication, eg literature, personal communication.
3.4
Fauna - Species
3.4.1 Environmental responsibilities
Fauna species management is derived from a range of National and State Acts, Regulations and Policies.
Those that relate to Yarra Bend Park and the management of the Fauna species identified within the Park
are listed below. For the functions and major elements of each see Appendix 1.
3.4.2 International Treaties, Conventions and Initiatives
ƒ
Japan Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA), China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement
(CAMBA) and the Bonn Convention
Seven JAMBA listed bird species and 6 CAMBA listed bird species have been recorded at Yarra Bend
Park. Six species are common to both Agreements. Two of these species are also listed under the Bonn
Convention (Table 3.7). All of these species are occasional visitors to the Park.
The distribution in Victoria and in the Park of those JAMBA and CAMBA species recorded in the Park is
provided in Appendix 8. Figure 3.7 illustrates their potential habitat in the Park.
Table 3.7
Bird species listed under the Japanese Australia Migratory Bird Agreement.
Status
J
No. of Records
C
B
YB
VIC
Ratio
PPW
CaLP
YB/
Vic
(%)
YB/
CaLP
(%)
Scientific name
Common name
Apus pacificus
Fork-tailed Swift
1
425
141
0.24
0.71
Ardea alba
Great Egret
1
6498
1078
0.02
0.09
Ardea ibis
Cattle Egret
1
1613
416
0.06
0.24
Gallinago hardwickii
Latham's Snipe
1
1614
531
0.06
0.19
Hirundapus caudacutus
White-throated Needletail
1
3064
992
0.03
0.1
Numenius madagascariensis
Eastern Curlew
1
788
241
0.13
0.41
Tringa nebularia
Common Greenshank
1
1294
290
0.08
0.34
Note:
J = JAMBA
C = CAMBA
B = Bonn Convention
11
3.4.3 Victorian Legislation
Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988
ƒ
Throughout Victoria, 115 fauna species have been listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.
A total of eight species have been recorded in Yarra Bend Park (Table 3.8). Two species, the Striped
Legless Lizard and the Regent Honeyeater have Action Statements prepared for their management.
3.4.4
ƒ
Biodiversity
Diversity
A total of 185 indigenous native fauna species have been recorded within Yarra Bend Park, including 125
bird, 10 mammal, 19 reptile, 15 butterfly, 5 amphibian and 11 freshwater fish (Appendices 9 and 10)
(Beardsell 1997 and Faithfull 1988).
ƒ Rarity
Yarra Bend Park contains 13 of Victoria’s 178 threatened fauna species including 7 endangered and 4
vulnerable (Table 3.8).
Of the FFG listed fauna species present in the Park, 6 are endangered and 1 is vulnerable in Victoria.
3.4.5 Distribution
The distribution in Victoria of those FFG listed and threatened fauna species identified within the Park is
given in Appendix 11.
Table 3.8
FFG listed and threatened fauna species identified in the Park.
Status
No. of Locations
FFG Aus
Scientific name
Common name
Accipiter novaehollandiae
Grey Goshawk
Ardea alba
Great Egret
L
Delma impar
Striped Legless Lizard
A
Falco subniger
Black Falcon
Galaxiella pusilla
Dwarf Galaxias
L
Lathamus discolor
Swift parrot
L
Macquaria ambigua
Vul
Ratio
Vic
YB
Vic
PPW
CaLP
YB/
Vic
(%)
YB/
CaLP
(%)
LR
1
176
22
0.57
4.55
End
1
20
9
5.00
11.11
End
1
560
65
0.18
1.54
End
1
227
28
0.44
3.57
Vul
1
24
6
4.17
16.67
End
1
188
34
0.53
2.94
Golden Perch
Vul
1
69
2
1.45
50
Myotis macropous
Southern Myotis
LR
1
40
11
2.50
9.09
Ninox connivens
Barking Owl
L
End
1
144
28
0.69
3.57
L
End
1
208
33
0.48
3.03
Vul
1
36
10
2.78
10
Vul
Ninox strenua
Powerful Owl
Nycticorax caledonicus
Nankeen Night Heron
Prototroctes maraena
Australian Grayling
L
Vul
Vul
1
52
8
1.92
12.50
Xanthomyza phrygia
Regent Honeyeater
A
End End
1
120
14
0.83
7.14
Note:
In the status column, L = listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act; A = listed under the FFG Act and has an action
statement; End = endangered; Vul= vulnerable; LR = lower risk, near threatened.
3.4.6 Condition
An assessment of the existing condition of those FFG listed and threatened fauna species that are
residents of or regular migrants to the Park is provided in Table 3.9.
12
Table 3.9
Condition of FFG listed and threatened fauna species that are residents of or regular
migrants to the Park.
Scientific Name
Common Name
Condition
Galaxiella pusilla
Dwarf Galaxias
unknown
Prototroctes maraena
Australian Grayling
DR
Delma impar
Striped Legless Lizard
unknown
Myotis macropous
Southern Myotis
unknown
Nycticorax caledonicus
Nankeen Night Heron
DST
Macquaria ambigua
Golden Perch
unknown
Basis for
assessment of
condition
Change in
condition
TPC
unknown
VO
unknown
Basis for
assessment
of change in
condition
Note1: Disturbed and struggling (DS) species are defined as those species that are disturbed and can recover substantially only if
major active threats are removed and direct assistance in recovery is provided. Disturbed but robust (DR) species are disturbed
but can recover substantially through natural processes if major active threats are removed. Disturbed and stable (DST) species
are disturbed but appear to be stable.
Note 2 : In the basis for assessment of condition column, RF = research finding; MP = monitoring program; VO = visual observation;
TPC = third party communication, eg literature, personal communication.
13
4
Environmental Values Summary
This section provides a brief summary of the information contained in section 3.
Ecosystems
Register of the National Estate
ƒ
1 of approximately 200 natural places listed in Victoria
IBRA Regions
ƒ
Sits within 2 Regions - The Victorian Volcanic Plain to the west
and the South East Coastal Plain to the east
Catchment and Land protection Act 1994
ƒ
Contained within the Port Phillip CaLP region
ƒ
1 Flora Species
ƒ
8 Fauna Species
ƒ
2 Vegetation Communities
JAMBA/CAMBA Agreements
ƒ
Visited by 7 bird species listed under these agreements
BONN Convention
ƒ
Visited by 2 bird species listed under this agreement
Broad Vegetation Types
ƒ
Plains Grassy Woodland
ƒ
Valley Grassy Forest
ƒ
Valley Forest
ƒ
Floodplain Riparian Woodland
ƒ
Plains Grassland
ƒ
Rocky Outcrop Shrubland
ƒ
Floodplain Wetland Complex
ƒ
Plains Grassy Woodland
ƒ
The Park has over 240 native plant species which represents
1/10 of the State’s identified flora species
ƒ
1 endangered, 3 vulnerable and 3 suspected of being
endangered, vulnerable or rare in Victoria
ƒ
1 rare and 1 endangered in Australia
ƒ
117 species important in the Melbourne Region
ƒ
The Park has over 133 bird species, 9 mammal species, 18
reptiles, 11 fish species and 3 amphibians and 16 butterfly
species
ƒ
7 endangered, 3 vulnerable, 2 lower risk, near threatened in
Victoria
ƒ
3 vulnerable and 1 endangered in Australia
ƒ
Role to play in the conservation of the Australian Grayling
ƒ
Role to play in conservation of Western Plains Grassland
Community
ƒ
Role to play in conservation of the Striped Legless Lizard
Area
ƒ
The Park is 260 ha and has 130 ha of native vegetation
Past land use
ƒ
Timber harvesting
ƒ
Grazing
ƒ
Mining
ƒ
Quarries
ƒ
Institutions
Fire history
ƒ
The Park has been subjected to both deliberately lit fires and
ecological burns
Infrastructure
ƒ
A range of recreational facilities and park infrastructure,
including buildings, roads, car parks, walking tracks, sports
fields, playgrounds and a public golf course has been
constructed throughout the Park
Adjacent land use
ƒ
46% roads
ƒ
40% Waterways
ƒ
7% Parkland
Flora and fauna
FFG listed species
Vegetation Communities
Flora species
Fauna species
Other
Condition
14
ƒ
6% Institutions
ƒ
1% housing
Condition of Vegetation Community
ƒ
The condition of the Park’s native vegatation is largely poor with
smaller areas of native vegetation in medium and good
condition
Condition of FFG listed and threatened flora species
ƒ
see Table 3.6
Condition of FFG listed and threatened fauna species
ƒ
see Table 3.9
15
5
5.1
Focus Areas and Management Objectives
Introduction
Within Yarra Bend Park 5 focus areas have been identified (Figure 6.1):
ƒ focus area A;
ƒ focus area B;
ƒ focus area C;
ƒ focus area D;and
ƒ focus area E.
Focus areas are continuous areas of natural vegetation within the Park that have broadly similar physical
and biological characteristics and patterns of land management. The distinguishing values of these focus
areas and the open parkland, which constitutes the remaining area of the Park, are summarised below
with objectives for their long and short term management.
The purpose of setting conservation objectives is to establish the desired future condition of a focus area
and the open parkland, based on an understanding of its natural values and current condition. This will
enable environmental management actions to be prioritised based on a stated vision for the values and
condition of the Park.
Definitions of the conservation objectives are as follows:
Reinstatement: reintroduce natural values that can no longer be found in the park.
Preservation: retain the biodiversity and/or the ecosystems at the existing stage of succession.
Restoration: improve the condition of existing ecosystems by either returning a park to an approximation
of the natural condition or to a known past state.
Maintenance: maintain the biodiversity and/or ecosystems while allowing natural processes of
regeneration, disturbance and succession to occur.
Compatible modification: manage an area to suit proposed uses which are compatible with natural
values but are not specifically focusing on the protection of those values.
5.2
Focus area A description
Area: 66 ha
Exposed edge: 7.5km
Revegetation and regeneration sites: 7.46 Ha (49 sites)
Vegetation Community
Area
Condition
ƒ
Wetland Complex
1%
revegetation sites
ƒ
Plains Grassy Woodland
19%
medium and poor
ƒ
Floodplain Riparian Woodland
50%
medium and poor
ƒ
Exotic
30%
-
Nature based use
Past land management
ƒ
friends groups revegetation and regeneration sites - Greenlink Yarra Bend,
Men of the Trees, Friends of the Yarra, Friends of Walmer St Bushland and
Tree Project
ƒ
geology excursions
ƒ
interpretive garden
ƒ
research
ƒ
passive recreation
ƒ
nature observation
ƒ
grazing
16
ƒ
farming
ƒ
vegetation cleared
ƒ
site of asylum
ƒ
weed control
ƒ
pest animal control
ƒ
seed collection
ƒ
revegetation
ƒ
mowing
ƒ
controlled burns
ƒ
Main Yarra Trail
ƒ
Yarra Bend Rd
ƒ
informal trails
ƒ
Fairfield Boat House footbridge
ƒ
Dights Falls trails
ƒ
Yarra Boulevard
FFG Flora
ƒ
Small Scurf-pea
FFG Community
ƒ
Western (Basalt) Plains Grassland Community
FFG Fauna
ƒ
Great Egret*
ƒ
Australian Grayling
ƒ
Dwarf Galaxias
ƒ
Striped Legless Lizard
ƒ
Great Egret*
ƒ
Greenshank*
ƒ
Latham’s Snipe*
ƒ
White-throated Needletail*
ƒ
Cattle Egret*
ƒ
Eastern Curlew*
ƒ
Fork Tailed Swift*
VROT Flora
ƒ
Short Water Starwort
VROT Fauna
ƒ
Nankeen Night Heron
ƒ
Golden Perch
ƒ
Fairlea wetland
ƒ
2 fairway
ƒ
3 tee
ƒ
adventure learning
ƒ
asylum terraces
ƒ
Yarra lookout
ƒ
Men of the Trees sites
ƒ
Deep Rock Koori site
ƒ
Willsmere triple wetland
ƒ
Bellbird wetland
Current land management
Access
JAMBA/CAMBA
Sites of special significance
*
nd
rd
potential habitat of vagrant individuals based on species requirements
17
5.2.1 Focus area A conservation objective
Overall conservation objectives: Restoration and Reinstatement
0-5 year objectives
5-10 year objectives
ƒ
Improved condition (less weeds) of previously
reinstated wetlands, with naturally regenerating aquatic
and semi-aquatic vegetation.
ƒ
Many wetland areas established of varying depths,
sizes and permanence, scattered along floodplains of
Yarra.
ƒ
Reinstated Wetland Complex habitats at several sites
along the floodplains of the Yarra River to provide
habitat for birds and other water dependent fauna and
flora.
ƒ
Near continuous riparian strip of eucalypts, wattles and
fringing shrubs, providing improved habitat for aquatic
species
ƒ
ƒ
Improved condition (less weeds) of reconstructed
Plains Grassy Woodland/Wetland Complex near Park
Depot with a stable population of Small Scurf-pea.
Poa tussock grass restored and reinstated over large
areas of river flats.
ƒ
Improved condition (less weeds) of Floodplain Riparian
Woodland remnants, with restored and reinstated Poa
tussock grass areas in the Talbot and Studley
management areas, and adjacent to the golf course.
ƒ
Improved condition (less weeds) of Plains Grassy
nd
Woodland remnants, including the 2 Fairway site;
regenerating populations of inter-tussock herbs such as
Blue Heronsbill and Variable Glycine.
ƒ
Floodplain with a predominantly indigenous overstorey
with exotic species especially willows reduced by at
least 50%
ƒ
Increased density of indigenous water fringing shrubs
and trees, where depleted, to protect banks and
improve aquatic habitats
5.3
Focus area B description
Area: 55 ha
Exposed edge: 2.1km
Revegetation and regeneration sites: 4.38ha (28 sites)
Vegetation Community
Area
Condition
ƒ
Valley Forest
65%
good, medium and poor
ƒ
Floodplain Riparian Woodland
17%
medium and poor
ƒ
Flood Plain Wetland Complex
>1%
revegetation sites and an artificial wetland
ƒ
Rocky Outcrop Shrubland
4%
poor
ƒ
Plains Grassy Woodland
2%
medium and poor
ƒ
Exotic Grassland
12%
-
Nature based use
ƒ
research
ƒ
passive recreation
ƒ
nature observation
ƒ
grazing
ƒ
farming
ƒ
vegetation clearing
ƒ
weed control
ƒ
pest animal control
ƒ
seed collection
ƒ
mowing
ƒ
controlled burns
ƒ
revegetation
ƒ
footbridge from Fairfield Boathouse
ƒ
Main Yarra Trail
ƒ
informal tracks
ƒ
Yarra Boulevard
FFG- Community
ƒ
Rocky Chenopod Open Scrub Community
FFG Fauna
ƒ
Regent Honeyeater*
ƒ
Swift Parrot*
ƒ
Powerful Owl
Past land management
Current land management
Access
18
VROT Fauna
Sites or areas of special significance
*
ƒ
Barking Owl
ƒ
Grey Goshawk*
ƒ
Black Falcon*
ƒ
Wurundjeri spur fenced site
ƒ
Wurundjeri spur roadside area
ƒ
Willsmere Bracteantha
ƒ
Willsmere Peach Heath
ƒ
Willsmere hairpin bend
ƒ
Bellbird escarpment area
potential habitat of vagrant individuals based on species requirements
5.3.1 Focus area B conservation objective
Overall conservation objective: Restoration
0-5 year objectives
5-10 year objectives
ƒ
Overstorey weed free with density and diversity
reflecting the Pre - European Valley Forest Community.
ƒ
Commencement of restoration of increased density and
diversity of shrub layer in Valley Forest areas.
ƒ
Closure of gaps in fauna corridor in Valley Forest to
improve habitat for Regent Honeyeater, Swift Parrot
and other birds.
ƒ
Reinstatement of fire regimes providing increased
opportunities for regeneration of indigenous vegetation.
ƒ
Improved ground layer in Valley Forest and Rocky
Outcrop Shrubland (fewer rabbits and invasive weeds,
especially Serrated Tussock, Boneseed and annual
grasses)
ƒ
Reduced nutrient levels and improved opportunities for
regeneration in certain grassy woodland areas by
vacuum mowing to remove biomass and modification of
mowing practices.
ƒ
An increased understanding of dieback processes
operating in woodland areas.
ƒ
Increased populations of locally and regionally rare
plant species maintained in nursery and in the field.
ƒ
Decreased erosion and weed invasion opportunities by
closure of superfluous tracks.
ƒ
Stabilise soil surface in currently eroded areas
associated with Yarra Boulevard drainage.
5.4
ƒ
Restored diversity of overstorey, and natural
regeneration of overstorey species occurring in all
Valley Forest and Rocky Outcrop Shrubland areas.
ƒ
Restoration of density and diversity of shrub layer in
Valley Forest and Rocky Outcrop Shrubland.
ƒ
Fire regime maintained to provide a mosaic of different
age classes of vegetation 0-10 years since burning.
ƒ
Increased diversity of ground flora including populations
of regionally significant plants.
Focus area C description
Area: 15 ha
Exposed edge: 3.6 km
Revegetation and regeneration sites : 2.8 ha (22 sites)
Vegetation Community
Area
Condition
ƒ
Plains Grassland
30%
poor
ƒ
Floodplain Riparian Woodland
20%
poor
ƒ
Exotic Grassland
50%
-
Nature based use
Past land management
Current land management
ƒ
passive recreation
ƒ
koori garden
ƒ
nature observation
ƒ
grazing
ƒ
quarry site
ƒ
rubbish dumping
ƒ
fill and quarrying has greatly altered the original land surface
ƒ
grassland revegetation
ƒ
seed collecting
ƒ
pest plant control
ƒ
mowing
19
ƒ
revegetation
ƒ
Main Yarra Trail
ƒ
formal paths
ƒ
Merri Creek trail
ƒ
Heidelberg Rd
FFG Community
ƒ
Western (Basalt) Plains Grassland Community
FFG Fauna
ƒ
Great Egret*
JAMBA/CAMBA
ƒ
Great Egret*
ƒ
Greenshank*
ƒ
Latham’s Snipe*
ƒ
White-throated Needletail*
ƒ
Cattle Egret*
ƒ
Eastern Curlew*
ƒ
Fork Tailed Swift*
VROT Flora
ƒ
Gilgai Blown Grass
VROT Fauna
ƒ
Southern Myotis
Sites or areas of special significance
ƒ
Walenbergia
ƒ
Bluestone steps
ƒ
Grass circles
ƒ
St Albans
ƒ
Merri lookout
ƒ
rock escarpment areas
Access
*
potential habitat of vagrant individuals based on species requirements
5.4.1 Focus area C conservation objectives
Overall conservation objectives: Restoration and Reinstatement
0-5 year objectives
ƒ
Improved condition (less weeds) of riparian overstorey
vegetation through removal of tree weeds, including
Crack Willow and Desert Ash.
ƒ
Increased density of indigenous water fringing shrubs
and trees in selected areas to protect banks and
improve aquatic habitats, while maintaining views of the
river and the geological structures associated with the
gorge.
ƒ
Reinstated Wetland Complex habitats at two sites along
the floodplains of the Merri Creek to provide improved
habitat for birds as listed above and other water
dependent fauna, and for riparian plants.
ƒ
Clumps of indigenous trees and shrubs on the Merri
Creek escarpment providing improved habitat value for
birds and linking corridor plantings to the east, through
staged replacement of exotic shrubs and trees.
ƒ
A mosaic of age classes (0-5 years post fire) of
escarpment grassland areas, providing opportunities for
regeneration of indigenous forbs and shrubs, including
Vittadinia cuneata and Blue Heron's bill.
ƒ
Improved condition (less weeds) of escarpment ground
flora by removal of invasive weeds, including Fennel,
Boneseed and Kikuyu, and reduction of Chilean Needle
Grass in areas that retain remnants of the former
indigenous ground flora.
ƒ
Baseline data developed on status of significant fauna
and flora including Large-footed Myotis and Gilgai
Blown Grass.
5-10 year objectives
ƒ
A patchwork of habitat types on the Merri Creek flats
including large and small wetland areas, beds of reeds
and sedges, areas of dense shrubs and trees such as
Melaleucas and Tea trees, clumps of trees and
substantial areas of open grassy woodland dominated
by indigenous tussock grasses.
ƒ
Substantial areas of restored Themeda grassland on
the Merri escarpment of varying age classes with
regenerating populations of indigenous forbs and subshrubs.
ƒ
Clumps of indigenous overstorey species on the slopes
above the creek, especially in the gullies linking to the
proposed Merri/Yarra corridor.
20
5.5
Focus area D description
Area: 52 ha
Exposed edge: 2.59 km
Revegetation and regeneration sites: 4.81 ha (23 sites)
Vegetation Community
Area
Condition
ƒ
Valley Forest
83%
good, medium and poor
ƒ
Plains Grassy Woodland
8%
medium, poor and very poor
ƒ
Floodplain Riparian Woodland
1%
medium, poor and very poor
ƒ
Rocky outcrop shrubland
7%
medium, poor and very poor
ƒ
Exotic Grassland
1%
-
Nature based use
ƒ
passive recreation
ƒ
Friends of the Yarra
ƒ
nature observation
ƒ
grazing
ƒ
vegetation clearing
ƒ
sand quarry
ƒ
excavations for mining
ƒ
pest plant control
ƒ
pest animal control
ƒ
seed collection
ƒ
controlled burns
ƒ
revegetation
ƒ
Yarra Boulevard
ƒ
formal tracks to Dights Falls, Galatea Point
ƒ
informal tracks along edge of Yarra
FFG Community
ƒ
Rocky Chenopod Open Scrub Community
FFG Fauna
ƒ
Regent Honeyeater
ƒ
Swift Parrot*
ƒ
Powerful Owl
ƒ
Grey Goshawk*
ƒ
Black Falcon*
ƒ
Studley Park bushland floodplain
ƒ
Studley bushland burn sites
ƒ
Galatea Point
Past land management
Current land management
Access
VROT Fauna
Sites or areas of special significance
*
potential habitat of vagrant individuals based on species requirements
5.5.1 Focus area D conservation objectives
Overall conservation objective: Restoration
0-5 year objectives
5-10 year objectives
ƒ
Overstorey weed free with the exception of the Studley
Park Upper Bushland area, with density and diversity
reflecting the Pre - European Valley Forest Community.
ƒ
Restored diversity of overstorey, and natural
regeneration of overstorey species occurring in all
Valley Forest and Rocky Outcrop Shrubland areas.
ƒ
Commencement of restoration of increased density and
diversity of shrub layer in Valley Forest areas.
ƒ
Restoration of density and diversity of shrub layer in
Valley Forest and Rocky Outcrop Shrubland.
ƒ
Enhanced habitat opportunities for Regent Honeyeater,
Swift Parrot and other birds in Valley Forest by creating
conditions for natural regeneration of dominant
Eucalypts.
ƒ
Fire regime maintained to provide a mosaic of different
age classes of vegetation 0-10 years since burning.
ƒ
Increased diversity of ground flora including populations
of regionally significant plants.
ƒ
Reinstated fire regimes providing increased
opportunities for regeneration of indigenous vegetation.
ƒ
Improved ground layer in Valley Forest and Rocky
Outcrop Shrubland (fewer rabbits and invasive weeds,
especially Boneseed, Brooms and annual grasses).
ƒ
Reduced nutrient levels and improved opportunities for
regeneration in certain grassy woodland areas by
vacuum mowing to remove biomass and modification of
mowing practices.
ƒ
An increased understanding of dieback processes
operating in woodland areas.
21
ƒ
Increased populations of locally and regionally rare
plant species maintained in nursery and in the field.
ƒ
Decreased erosion and weed invasion opportunities by
closure of superfluous tracks.
5.6
Focus area E description
Area: 9 ha
Exposed edge: 1.44 km
Revegetation and regeneration sites: 1.78 (8 sites)
Vegetation Community
Area
Condition
ƒ
Valley Forest
75%
poor
ƒ
Floodplain Riparian Woodland
10%
poor
ƒ
Exotic Grassland/Woodland
15%
-
Nature based use
Past land management
Current land management
Access
FFG Fauna
VROT Fauna
Sites or areas of special significance
*
ƒ
passive recreation
ƒ
Friends of Walmer St Bushland
ƒ
nature observation
ƒ
vegetation clearing
ƒ
grazing
ƒ
pest plant control
ƒ
revegetation
ƒ
controlled burns
ƒ
Main Yarra Trail
ƒ
Walmer St bridge
ƒ
Yarra Boulevard
ƒ
informal tracks
ƒ
Swift Parrot*
ƒ
Regent Honeyeater
ƒ
Grey Goshawk*
ƒ
Black Falcon*
ƒ
Friends of Walmer St Bushland sites
potential habitat of vagrant individuals based on species requirements
5.6.1 Focus area E conservation objectives
Overall conservation objective: Restoration
0-5 year objectives
ƒ
Overstorey weed free with the density and diversity
reflecting the Pre - European Valley Forest Community.
ƒ
Commencement of restoration of increased density and
diversity of shrub layer in Valley Forest areas.
ƒ
Enhanced habitat opportunities for Regent Honeyeater,
Swift Parrot and other birds in Valley Forest by creating
conditions for natural regeneration of dominant
Eucalypts.
ƒ
Reinstated fire regimes providing increased
opportunities for regeneration of indigenous vegetation.
ƒ
Improved ground layer in Valley Forest (remove
invasive weeds, especially Boneseed, Brooms and
annual grasses).
ƒ
Reduced nutrient levels and improved opportunities for
regeneration in certain grassy woodland areas by
vacuum mowing to remove biomass and modification of
mowing practices.
ƒ
Increased populations of locally and regionally rare
plant species maintained in nursery and in the field.
ƒ
Decreased erosion and weed invasion opportunities by
closure of superfluous tracks.
5-10 year objectives
ƒ
Restored diversity of overstorey, and natural
regeneration of overstorey species occurring in all
Valley Forest and Rocky Outcrop Shrubland areas.
ƒ
Restoration of density and diversity of shrub layer in
Valley Forest.
ƒ
Fire regime maintained to provide a mosaic of different
age classes of vegetation 0-10 years since burning.
ƒ
Increased diversity of ground flora including populations
of regionally significant plants.
22
5.7
Open parkland description
Area: 79 ha
Exposed edge: 0.3 km
Regeneration and revegetation sites: 4 ( > 1ha)
Vegetation Community
Area
ƒ
Exotic Grassland
99%
ƒ
Floodplain wetland complex
1%
Nature based use
Condition
good
ƒ
active recreation
ƒ
passive recreation
ƒ
nature observation
ƒ
friends groups planting sites
ƒ
grazing
ƒ
farming
ƒ
vegetation clearing
ƒ
institutions
ƒ
Yarra Bend Golf Course - registered on the Audubon Cooperative
Sanctuary program for golf courses.
ƒ
Studley Park par 3 golf course
ƒ
ovals
ƒ
pest animal control
ƒ
mowing
ƒ
revegetation
VROT Fauna
ƒ
Nankeen Night Heron
Sites or areas of special significance
ƒ
chain of ponds
ƒ
mature tree corridors
ƒ
scattered mature trees
Past land management
Current land management
5.7.1 Open parkland conservation objectives
Overall conservation objective: Compatible modification
0-5 year objectives
0-10 year objectives
ƒ
Semi-continuous corridor of indigenous trees and
shrubs linking Yarra River and Merri Creek north of the
Eastern Freeway.
ƒ
Golf Course and open parkland vegetated with
scattered indigenous eucalypts providing habitat for
birds and arboreal mammals.
ƒ
New plantings to include indigenous species, especially
winter flowering Eucalypts to enhance habitat for
nectar-feeding birds and food plants for native
butterflies.
ƒ
Areas between fairways on Golf Courses and other
unmown areas of open parkland providing habitat and
food plants for small reptiles and invertebrates.
ƒ
Adopt mowing regimes that allow flowering and seed
set of native species where practicable on Yarra Bend
Golf Course and Ovals.
ƒ
Maintain health of indigenous and native overstorey
vegetation through tree surgery.
ƒ
Certification of Yarra Bend Golf Course as an Audubon
Cooperative Sanctuary.
23
6
Environmental Risk Assessment
6.1
Introduction
Following the identification and assessment of the key environmental values at Yarra Bend Park, the next
stage involves the identification and assessment of environmental risks to values. This step is very
important in guiding the development of management strategies, actions and resources to address these
risks. The environmental risks at Yarra Bend Park are described as events or processes that could cause
a loss or reduction in the indigenous flora and fauna present.
The risks identified as impacting on the Park’s environmental values are:
ƒ
pest plants;
ƒ
pest animals – rabbits;
ƒ
pest animals – carnivores;
ƒ
domestic animals;
ƒ
habitat competition;
ƒ
soil erosion and compaction;
ƒ
habitat component loss;
ƒ
management activities;
ƒ
dieback; and
ƒ
fire.
The risks have been assessed in terms of their extent, trend and impact to environmental values.
6.2
Pest plants
The first European settlers found that Australia’s native plants were not the same as the cereals, edible
fruits and fibre plants of Europe. It was therefore thought necessary to import these plants and establish
colonies in the Australian environment. Other plant species that were of ornamental value were also
introduced. In addition to deliberate introductions of pest plants many non-native plant species were
successfully naturalised in Australia through accidental introductions via international trade and travel.
Under human influence a number of indigenous species have also been naturalised outside their range
and are now considered pest plants in their non natural regions.
A total of 825 species of exotic plants have been introduced in Victoria. Of this total 576 species have
been listed as environmental weeds (Environment Australia 1998). To date greater than 65% of the state
carries wholly or predominantly exotic vegetation (Carr 1993).
There are approximately 381 non-indigenous plant species recorded within Yarra Bend Park. Of this
total, 61 have been identified as warranting a risk assessment due to both their legal status and their
impact on the Park’s environmental values. These weed species include 19 species listed as Regionally
Controlled weeds under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (Table 6.1) and a further 42 plants
considered to be ‘major environmental weeds’.
Table 6.1
Regionally Controlled weeds present in the Park
Common name
Scientific name
Angled Onion
Allium triquetrum
Artichoke Thistle
Cynara cardunculus
Blackberry
Rubus spp.
Boneseed
Chrysanthemoides monilifera
Boxthorn
Lycium ferocissimum
Common Thornapple
Datura stramonium
24
English Broom
Cytisus scoparius
Fennel
Foeniculum vulgare
Flax- leaf Broom
Genista linifolia
Gorse
Ulex europaeus
Hawthorn
Crataegus monogyna
Hemlock
Conium maculatum
Serrated Tussock
Nassella trichotoma
Slender thistle
Caduus tenuiflorus
Spear thistle
Cirsium vulgare
Stinkwort
Dittrichia graveoloens
St. John’s Wort
Hypercium perforatum
Tree of Heaven
Ailanthus altissima
Wild Watsonia
Watsonia bulbillefera
Common Thornapple is not currently present in the Park but has been included as it regularly reinvades
the Park and is removed once detected.
Major environmental weeds are presented in two groups. The first group contains non-grassy weeds and
the second group contains grassy weeds (Table 6.2).
Table 6.2
*
Major environmental weed species present in the Park
Non grassy environmental weeds
Grassy environmental weeds
Common name
Scientific name
Common name
Scientific name
Asparagus
Asparagus spp.
Annual Veldt Grass
Ehrharta longiflora
Blue periwinkle
Vinca major
Brown-top Bent
Agrotis capillaris
Brassicaceae spp.
Buffalo Grass
Stenotaphrum spp.
Cape Ivy
Delairea odorata
Chilean Needle Grass
Nassella neesiana
Cape Weed
Arctotheca calendula
Cocksfoot
Dactylis glomerata
Cherry-Plum
Prunus cerasifera
Couch
Cynodon dactylon
Chinese Wormwood
Artemisia verlotiorum
False Oat-grass
Arrhenatherum elatius
Common onion Grass
Romulea rosea
Kikuyu
Pennisetum clandestinum
Creeping buttercup
Ranuculus repens
Large Quaking-grass
Briza maxima
Elm
Ulmus spp.
Panic Veldt Grass
Ehrharta erecta
English Ash
Fraxinus spp.
Lesser Quaking Grass
Briza minor
English Ivy
Hedera helix
Toowoomba Canary-grass
Phalaris aquatica
Eucalypts
Eucalyptus spp.
Freesia
Freesia leichtlinii
Galenia
Galenia pubescens
Hedge Privet
Ligustrum undulatum
Japanese Honeysuckle
Lonicera japonica
Madeira Winter-cherry
Solanum pseudocapsicum
Nightshades
Solanum spp.
Olive
Olea europaea
Prickly Pear
Opuntia ficus-indica
Purple Top Verbena
Verbena bonariensis
Ribwort
Plantago lanceolata
Sheep Sorrel
Acetosella vulgaris
Soursob
Oxalis pes-caprae
Sweet Pittosporum*
Pittosporum unduatum
Wandering Jew
Tradescantia albiflora
Wall Pellitory
Parietaria judaica
White Bladder-flower
Araujia hortorum
Weeping Willow
Salix babylonic
The spread of Sweet Pittosporum in areas outside its natural distribution is a FFG listed threatening process.
25
6.2.1 Regionally controlled weeds
ƒ
Extent
Angled Onion and Spear Thistle are the most widely occurring regionally controlled weed species in Yarra
Bend Park. Angled Onion is abundant in moist areas of focus areas A and C and is scattered in moist
areas of all the remaining focus areas. Spear Thistle is most predominant in recently disturbed areas and
revegetation sites in all focus areas (Table 6.3). All the environmental weeds listed in Table 7.1 have
been the subject of control programs over the last decade which has limited their spread.
Focus area A, the riparian zone in Yarra Bend Park, has the highest level of infestation of regionally
controlled weed species (Table 6.3). There are a number of reasons for this:
ƒ
fox and bird activity is high, which facilitates the spread of weeds by seed;
ƒ
soil disturbance from dogs accessing the river and rabbit burrowing and scratching provide
opportunities for weed establishment;
ƒ
storm water deposits weed seed carried from adjacent residential and non residential areas; and
ƒ
the soil is high in nutrients.
Figures 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 and 6.4 illustrate the distribution of regionally controlled weed species in the Park
with the exception of Angled Onion and Spear Thistle due to their wide dispersal.
ƒ Trend
All regionally controlled infestations are decreasing or static except for Angled Onion, which is rapidly
increasing in Yarra Bend Park (Table 6.3).
Table 6.3
Extent, trend and control of regionally controlled weed infestations
Focus area
Weed species
A
B
C
D
E
Angled Onion
5RC
5RC
5RC
5RC
5RC
Artichoke Thistle
1DE*
0
0
0
0
Blackberry
1DC*
1DC*
1DC*
1DC*
1DC*
Boneseed
1DC*
1DC*
1DC*
1DC*
1DC*
Boxthorn
3SC
3DC*
2SC
2SC
3SC
Common Thornapple
0
0
0
0
0
English Broom
0
2DC
0
0
0
Flax- leaf Broom
0
0
0
2DC
1DC
Fennel
1DC *
1DC *
2DC *
1DC *
1DC *
Gorse
1SC
1D C
0
1SC
0
Hawthorn
2SC
1S
0
4D
4DC*
Hemlock
2SE
0
0
0
0
Serrated Tussock
4DC*
4DC*
0
0
0
Slender thistle
2DE
2DE
0
0
0
Spear thistle
1DC*
1DC*
3SC*
3SC*
1SC*
Stinkwort
4SE*
0
0
0
0
St. John’s Wort
1D
0
0
1SE*
0
Tree of Heaven
0
0
0
1DE
0
Wild Watsonia
1DE
0
0
0
Key
0
Extent of infestation
Trend
C
0
Not observed
D
Decreasing
E
Eradicable
1
Scattered individuals
S
Static
?
Unknown
2
Few small patches
G
Gradually increasing
*
Current control
3
Many small patches
R
Rapidly increasing
program limiting
4
Few large patches
U
Unknown
spread
5
Many large patches
26
Controllable
6.2.2 Non grassy environmental weeds
ƒ
Extent
Common Onion Grass and Soursob are the most widely occurring major non-grassy environmental weed
species in Yarra Bend Park. Both these species are abundant in all focus areas (Table 6.4).
The major non-grassy environmental weed infestations present in Yarra Bend Park occur largely in the
riparian zone (Table 6.4). The reasons for this are similar to the reasons listed above for the occurrence
of regionally controlled weeds in this zone.
ƒ
Trend
The majority of all major non-grassy environmental weed species are static or decreasing. The remaining
major non-grassy environmental weed species are gradually increasing or rapidly increasing in Yarra
Bend Park (Table 6.4).
Table 6.4
Extent, trend and control of major environmental (non-grassy) weed infestations
Focus area
Weed species
A
B
C
D
E
Asparagus
0
0
0
1SE
0
Blue periwinkle
3R?
0
0
2DC
0
Brassicaecae spp.
3SC
3SC
3SC
3SC
3SC
Cape Ivy
4DC
0
0
4GC
0
Cape Weed
3SC
3SC
3SC
3SC
3SC
Cherry-Plum
1SE
0
0
0
0
Chinese Wormwood
3RC
0
3DC
0
0
Common Onion Grass
5G?
5G?
5G?
5G?
5G?
Creeping buttercup
2DC
2DC
2SC
0
0
Elm
4DE
0
0
0
2RC
English Ash
2GC
0
0
0
0
English Ivy
4DC
0
2SC
4DC
4DC
Exotic Eucalypts
1SE
0
0
1GE
1GE
Freesia
0
2SC
0
0
2SC
Galenia
0
3SC
2SC
3SC
2SC
Hedge Privet
0
2SE
0
0
0
Japanese Honeysuckle
4GC
2SE
0
0
0
Maidera Winter-cherry
4GC*
0
0
0
0
Nightshades
2SC
2SC
2SC
2SC
2SC
Olive
0
0
0
2GC
0
Prickly Pear
0
2SC
0
2SC
0
Purple top verbena
2SC
0
0
0
0
Ribwort
3S?
3S?
3S?
3S?
3S?
Sheep Sorrel
0
2SC
0
0
0
Soursob
5GC
5GC
5GC
5GC
5GC
Sweet Pittosporum
1SC
1RC
0
1RC
1RC
Wandering Jew
5R?
0
0
0
0
Wall Pellitory
0
0
4RC
0
0
White Bladder-flower
1R?
0
0
1R?
0
Willow sp
2GC
0
2GC
0
Key
0
Extent of infestation
Trend
C
0
Not observed
D
Decreasing
E
Eradicable
1
Scattered individuals
S
Static
?
Unknown
2
Few small patches
G
Gradually increasing
*
Current control
3
Many small patches
R
Rapidly increasing
program limiting
4
Few large patches
U
Unknown
spread
5
Many large patches
27
Controllable
6.2.3
ƒ
Grassy environmental weeds
Extent
Annual Veldt Grass, Couch, Kikuyu, Large Quaking-grass and Panic Veldt Grass are the most widely
occurring major grassy environmental weed species in Yarra Bend Park. All of these species are
abundant in all focus areas (Table 6.5).
ƒ
Trend
Major grassy environmental weed infestations are largely static or decreasing in Yarra Bend Park. All
remaining major grassy environmental weed infestations are gradually increasing (Table 6.5).
Table 6.5
Extent, trend and control of major environmental (grassy) weed infestations
Focus area
Weed species
A
B
C
D
E
Annual Veldt Grass
3SC
3SC
3SC
3DC
3SC
Brown-top Bent
2SC
3SC
0
3SC
3SC
Buffalo Grass
0
0
0
2DE
0
Chilean Needle Grass
2G?*
2SE
4G?
3DC*
0
Cocksfoot
2SC
2SC
2SC
2SC
2SC
Couch
3GC
3GC
3GC
3GC
3G?
False Oat-grass
0
2GC
0
2GC
4S?
Kikuyu
3GC
3GC
3GC
3GC
3GC
Large Quaking-grass
2GC
3GC
2GC
5DC
2GC
Panic Veldt Grass
3S?
3S?
3S?
3S?
3S?
Quaking Grass
2SC
2SC
0
2SC
0
Toowoomba Canary-grass
4SC
2SC
0
0
Key
0
Extent of infestation
Trend
C
Controllable
0
Not observed
D
Decreasing
E
Eradicable
1
Scattered individuals
S
Static
?
Unknown
2
Few small patches
G
Gradually increasing
*
Current control
3
Many small patches
R
Rapidly increasing
program limiting
4
Few large patches
U
Unknown
spread
5
Many large patches
6.2.4 Overall extent and trend
Major environmental non-grassy weeds have the highest level of infestation in all focus areas and focus
area A, the riparian zone in Yarra Bend Park, has the highest level of overall weed infestation.
Regionally controlled weed infestations are decreasing in all focus areas. The overall trend of weed
invasion, by both grassy and non-grassy environmental weeds, is increasing in all focus areas, with the
exception of focus area D, in which environmental grassy weeds are decreasing.
6.2.5 Impact
The growth of pest plants can be sufficiently vigorous to reduce or prevent the regeneration or
establishment of native plant species, altering the composition and structure of indigenous communities.
Modifications to the composition and structure of indigenous vegetation as a result of pest plant invasion
can alter the abundance of indigenous fauna, the fire regime, geomorphological process, hydrological
cycles and the nutrient content of soil.
At a fundemental level, the presence of exotic species in a natural ecosystem, whether they be classed
as environmental weeds or not, detracts from the naturalness of that ecosystem by their very presence. It
is also difficult, if not impossible, to be sure that an exotic species will not develop weedy tendencies at
some future time, as many of our worst environmental weeds were naturalised in the bush for many years
before becoming widespread, aggressively invasive pest plants.
28
Pest plant infestations within Yarra Bend Park are predominantly impacting upon the regeneration of
native species in the groundlayer, including the FFG listed Small Scurf-pea and the remnant Plains
Grassland Community (Appendix 12). In addition, this is modifying the habitat of threatened and
JAMBA/CAMBA listed bird species in focus area A and exposing ground dwelling fauna to increased
rates of predation.
The impact of pest plant infestations on the distribution and abundance of threatened, Regionally
Significant and Locally Significant plants is currently unknown.
6.3
Pest animals - Rabbits
European rabbits were probably both deliberately and unintentionally released into the wild in Victoria on
numerous occasions from the time of first attempted settlement in 1803. However, they were not
successfully established until 1859 and by the late 1870s they had become a major agricultural pest
(Menkhorst 1996).
6.3.1 Extent
ƒ
Victoria
Rabbits occur throughout Victoria from sea level to at least 1 600 m. They occupy most habitats,
wherever soils are suitable for burrowing and where there are palatable native grasses and herbs, or
where disturbance allows the growth of introduced grasses (Menkhorst 1996).
ƒ
Yarra Bend Park
In Yarra Bend Park rabbits are distributed largely in focus areas A and B (Figure 6.5). The results of a
spotlight survey undertaken in Yarra Bend Park in 1998/99 indicate that the current rabbit population in
the Park is approximately 4.6 individuals per spotlight km (Table 6.6).
6.3.2 Trend
ƒ
General
Rabbit populations have an annual cycle. The low numbers at the beginning of the breeding season
increase by a factor of 2 - 5 to a peak towards the end of the breeding season (Menkhorst 1996).
Rabbit numbers also vary between years in response to climatic conditions, especially the variation in
rainfall, parasites, disease, including myxomatosis, and predators (Menkhorst 1996). Rainfall often has a
dominant role as it influences both reproductive rate and juvenile survival. As a result, rabbit numbers
may increase during favourable seasons and decline during droughts. Because of these fluctuations,
long term trends are difficult to identify (Menkhorst 1996).
ƒ
Yarra Bend Park
There has been a 40% decrease in the overall mean number of individuals per spotlight km between
1997/98 and 1998/99 in Yarra Bend Park (Table 6.6). The decrease in the overall mean number of
individuals per spotlight km can be attributed to the Park’s sustained control program over the last ten
years and the dry seasonal conditions the Park has recently experienced.
Table 6.6
Results of spotlight counts of rabbits undertaken in the Park
Year
Average minimum no. of
individuals per spotlight km
Mean no. of individuals per
spotlight km
Average maximum no. of
individuals per spotlight km
1997/98
2.2
4.1
7.8
1998/99
1.2
2.4
4.6
29
6.3.3 Impact
ƒ
General
Rabbits prefer the fresh young growth of palatable plants. Rabbits will also graze preferentially on
seedlings of regenerating indigenous plants. This reduces the success of natural regeneration of
indigenous flora. Preferential grazing also reduces the regeneration rate of some species compared to
others. Seedlings of highly palatable species are more likely to be grazed and this leads to changes in
species diversity within vegetation communities and increases the opportunity for weed invasion. Rabbit
grazing particularly depletes understorey vegetation.
ƒ
Yarra Bend Park
The effect of rabbit grazing on the indigenous vegetation in Yarra Bend Park is largely unknown.
However, fencing of the following Regionally and Locally Significant Plants to prevent rabbit grazing and
associated soil disturbance in focus area B has drastically improved the recruitment and growth of: Sticky
Everlasting, Yellow Gum, Common Flat-pea, Rounded Noon-flower, Common Sunray, Forest
Germander, Narrow Leaf Bitter Pea, Bedstraw, Austral Indigo, Trim Greenhood, Pink Fingers, Rough
Bedstraw, Maroonhood and Cluster Pomaderris.
In addition, the depletion of understorey vegetation due to rabbit grazing has reduced the availability of
ground cover for ground dwelling native species which may expose them to increased rates of predation.
Ground dwelling native species that may be affected by the reduction in ground cover includes reptiles,
amphibians and ground feeding birds such as Brown Quail, Painted Button Quail and Red-Rumped
Parrot.
6.4
Pest animals - Carnivores
There are two introduced carnivores within Yarra Bend Park, the Red Fox Canis vulpes and the cat Felius
catus. Predation of native wildlife by the Red Fox and cat are threatening processes listed under the Flora
and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.
ƒ
Red Fox
The Red Fox Canis vulpes was introduced to Australia for recreational hunting in the 1860s, although
they were not successfully established in Victoria until the early 1870s. Within 30 years of their initial
release foxes were recognised as a pest in some shires of northeast Victoria.
ƒ
Cat
Feral populations of cats probably became established in Victoria shortly after initial settlement by
Europeans. The spread of cats increased during the 1880s when they were deliberately released in the
hope that they would help control plagues of European Rabbits. Both feral and pet cats are now
considered to be a serious threat to native wildlife (Menkhorst 1996).
6.4.1 Extent
ƒ Red fox
Foxes occur throughout Victoria, from the semi-arid Lowan Mallee to the tall wet forests of the Eastern
Highlands to the Alps where snow persists for several months of the year. They are particularly common
throughout pastoral and agricultural land, and in large towns and cities.
The fox’s generalist nature, combined with the length of time it has been present in the area, suggests
that it is likely to be present throughout the Park. Areas where foxes have been sighted by Park staff
include: the Park Depot, Yarra Bend Golf Course, Merri Creek and the Boulevard (Figure 6.6).
The nocturnal and elusive nature of the fox makes population and density estimates difficult to determine
and often inaccurate. This is further complicated by the cyclical changes in fox densities associated with
prey abundance (Saunders et al. 1995).
30
The current fox population and density in Yarra Bend Park is currently unknown however, fox densities of
10 per 100 hectares have been recorded in similar environments (Animal Control Technologies 1996).
ƒ
Cat
Cats are widespread in Victoria, being present in all physiographic regions and in most vegetation
alliances (Menkhorst 1996).
The distribution of cats in Yarra Bend Park has not been investigated. However, resident feral cats have
been observed around the Park Depot, the Golf House and Cafe, and Yarra Lookout. It is also assumed
that domestic cats enter the Park regularly from adjoing residential areas.
6.4.2 Trend
The densities of foxes and cats are expected to be higher in spring and summer following their breeding
season than in winter and will also vary in response to food availability and habitat type.
6.4.3 Impact
ƒ
Red fox
The fox has long been recognised as a serious threat to populations of native wildlife. Risks foxes pose to
native species includes predation, competition and disease transmission. Foxes also contribute to the
spread of weeds (Saunders et al.1995).
The fox is an opportunistic feeder and is arguably the most adaptable of all carnivores. It is a skilful
predator of small animals, particularly terrestrial mammals with mean adult body weights between 3.5g
and 5.5 kg, and a scavenger of human refuse and roadside or beach-washed carcasses. Insects and fruit
including blackberries are also commonly eaten (Menkhorst 1996).
In Victoria foxes eat a wide variety of prey. Over 50 native species have been recorded in the diet of the
fox (Mansergh and Marks 1993). However, the rabbit has been identified as the preferred prey species of
foxes (Triggs et al. 1984 and Catling 1988). Rabbits may alleviate predation pressure on native species
by providing an alternative food supply. However this may facilitate the increase of population densities of
predators which, when rabbit numbers decrease, will change to a diet of mainly native species.
Fox predation can greatly reduce recruitment in small populations and thus endanger local populations of
preferred prey species. Predation may also increase the likelihood of extinction of prey species by
increasing the susceptibility of small populations of that species to chance events, eg. fire and flood.
Predation can also delay the recovery of populations that are at low density (Kinnear et al. 1984).
The impact of fox predation on native fauna in Yarra Bend Park is largely unknown. However, the
following categories of native fauna are considered to be at risk from predation:
ƒ
arboreal mammals including Brushtail and Ringtail possums;
ƒ
bird species that spend much of their time at or near the ground nesting and/or feeding including the
Tawny Frogmouth, Quails and the FFG listed Night Heron;
ƒ
reptiles; and
ƒ
amphibians.
ƒ
Cat
The cat, like the fox, is an efficient and adaptable hunter. They prefer live prey but will scavenge carrion
and human food scraps. In Victoria, mammals are the most important prey particularly rabbits and mice.
Insects, grass and other herbage are also commonly eaten (Menkhorst 1996). The impact of cat
predation on native fauna in Yarra Bend Park is largely unknown. However, the native fauna considered
being at risk from fox predation above is also considered to be at risk from cat predation.
31
6.5
Domestic animals
6.5.1 Extent
Yarra Bend Park has a number of open recreational areas and a network of trails that are popular for
walking dogs. Dogs can be exercised off leads in Yarra Bend Park at Westfield and Fairlea Oval areas in
focus area C. Unaccompanied dogs are also occasionally sighted in the Park.
6.5.2 Trend
With the number of parks and reserves in inner Melbourne that permit dogs decreasing, it is expected that
the number of people who utilise the Park to exercise and walk their dogs will increase.
6.5.3 Impact
Dogs in bushland areas of the Park may prey upon or disturb native fauna, particularly birds that spend
much of their time at or near the ground nesting and/or feeding including the Tawny Frogmouth, Quails
and the FFG listed Night Heron. Dog scent marking (through urine and faeces) also provides a
generalised habitat disturbance for native fauna.
6.6
Habitat competition
Exotic fauna species including the Common Starling, Common Mynah and honeybee compete with native
fauna in Yarra Bend Park for habitat. In addition, a number of non-indigenous native fauna species have
been recorded in the Park (Appendices 9 and10). Currently little is known about the the nature and extent
of competition by these species with indigenous native fauna in the Park. As a result these species will
not be covered in this report.
6.6.1 Extent
ƒ
Australia
The Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) was successfully introduced in Melbourne, Hobart, Brisbane,
Sydney and Adelaide between 1850 and 1880. The species is now common from central Queensland
throughout southeastern Australia and Tasmania, as far west as the Eyre Peninsula, South Australia, to
fringes of the Nullabor Plain. Birds reaching southern Northern Territory and Western Australia are
destroyed (Readers Digest 1997).
The Common Mynah (Acridothers tristis) was successfully introduced in Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney
and Queensland between 1862 and 1950. Today mynahs are common in most urban centres along the
eastern Australian seaboard, but have remained there without spreading far into the rural countryside
(Readers Digest 1997).
The honeybee (Apis mellifera) was introduced into Australia by European settlers approximately 150
years ago (Doull 1973). Today feral colonies and colonies managed by beekeepers are spread over most
of Australia.
ƒ
Yarra Bend Park
The Common Starling, Common Mynah and honeybee are resident in the Park. The population and
distribution of these species in the Park however, is currently unknown.
6.6.2 Trend
The trend in the population of these introduced species is unknown. However, Common Starling and
Common Mynah populations are expected to increase following their breeding seasons, August to
January and October to March respectively.
32
6.6.3 Impact
The Common Starling, Common Mynah and honeybee compete with native fauna in Yarra Bend Park for
nesting hollows. As a result, hollow dependent native fauna including, ringtail possums, brushtail
possums, bats, parrots, lorikeets, rosellas and kookaburras may be displaced, reducing their breeding
success.
In addition, introduced honeybees may inhibit the number and behaviour of native pollinators which in
turn can disrupt the pollination of plants, reduce seed production, and potentially threaten the long-term
survival of native flora (Paton 1993).
6.7
Soil erosion and compaction
6.7.1 Extent
Soil erosion and compaction due to recreational traffic, animal activity and changes in hydrology occurs in
focus areas A, B, D and E (Figure 6.7).
ƒ
Recreational traffic
Recreational traffic (foot and bicycle) has created a number of informal paths through focus areas A, B, D
and E. In focus area B informal paths have been created around the Chinese steps as pedestrians find
using the steps more arduous than following unsurfaced tracks. In focus areas A, B, D and E mountain
bike riders seek out the challenge of cross-country riding especially in steep terrain and along rough
paths designed for walkers. This has resulted in the widening of existing walking paths and the creation
of new paths through native vegetation. Walkers generally keep to formal paths but will trample
vegetation to access views of the wetlands and the Yarra River. This has resulted in the creation of
numerous criss-crossing informal paths in focus areas A, B and D.
ƒ
Animal activity
Dogs accessing the Yarra River in focus area A have resulted in soil compaction and erosion along the
bank of the River. Rabbit burrowing and scratching also contributes to soil erosion along the banks of the
Yarra River in focus areas A, B and D. Figure 6.5 illustrates the location of rabbit activity in Yarra Bend
Park.
ƒ
Altered hydrology
Gully erosion occurs in steep sections of focus areas B, D and E were stormwater enters the Park from
the Yarra Boulevard. A number of the gullies to date have been filled and revegetated to prevent further
environmental degradation.
6.7.2 Trend
ƒ
Recreational traffic
Soil compaction and erosion along informal paths has not been directly quantified. Anecdotal evidence
suggests that the number of new trails in the Park is increasing. Attempts have been made to control the
spread of tracks by fencing areas and bolting down natural barriers. However, these structures have
been subject to vandalism. Park staff have also thinned vegetation in an attempt to decrease pedestrian
traffic in important remnant vegetation areas.
ƒ
Animal activity
River bank erosion caused by dogs and rabbits has not been directly quantified. Anecdotal evidence
suggests that bank erosion is static in undisturbed areas and rapidly increasing in areas where dogs
access the river.
33
ƒ
Altered hydrology
Gully erosion caused by storm water has not been directly quantified. However, Park staff have observed
gullies increasing in size. To mitigate the effects of gully erosion the Yarra Bend Park Trust have created
wetlands designed to reduce the volume and rate of stormwater entering the Park and to capture
sediments and chemical pollutants.
6.7.3 Impact
ƒ
Recreational traffic
Recreational traffic has lead to the mechanical injury of vegetation, which can impair growth, development
and reproductive processes. Further it has altered soil properties including, texture, porosity and moisture
content, which can create adverse conditions for plant survival and regeneration.
ƒ
Animal activity
Damage to vegetation and soils caused by dog and rabbit activity along the banks of the Yarra River has
increased sediment loads entering the River, altering the habitat of river biota such as the FFG listed
Australian Grayling through siltation of deep pools and increasing turbidity.
ƒ
Altered hydrology
Storm water entering the Yarra River has accelerated the River’s natural processes of scouring and
slumping, increasing sediment loads and destabilising riparian vegetation. This in turn alters the habitat of
river biota. Stormwater also carries a range of chemical pollutants that pose a risk to aquatic ecosystems.
The degradation of native riparian vegetation along Victorian rivers and streams and increase in sediment
input into Victorian rivers and streams due to human activities are listed as potentially threatening
processes under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.
6.8
Habitat loss
Yarra Bend Park provides valuable habitat for a variety of native fauna species. However, habitat
destruction or modification through woody weed and wood removal may impact upon the survival of
theses species.
6.8.1 Extent
ƒ
Woody weed removal
Woody weeds including Blackberry, Boxthorn, Boneseed, Broom, Gorse and Hawthorn are removed or
controlled across the Park annually (see section 7.2).
ƒ
Wood removal
Fallen tree limbs in areas of the Park that support native vegetation have been removed by members of
the public for firewood. In addition deliberate cutting and breaking of tree and shrub limbs has taken place
in the Park by:
ƒ
neighbouring residents to improve their view of Park land;
ƒ
survey students to improve the line of sight of survey equipment; and
ƒ
fishers in the Deep Rock Area to gain access to the bank in revegetated areas and to obtain a clear
cast to the river.
Furthermore Melbourne Water may:
ƒ
reorient trees and branches that have fallen into Yarra River and Merri Creek where they pose a risk
to bank stability or impede the flow of water; or
ƒ
as a last resort, remove trees and branches that have fallen into Yarra River and Merri Creek where
they pose a risk to bank stability or impede the flow of water.
34
6.8.2 Trend
ƒ
Woody weed removal
The control and removal of woody weeds across the Park is ongoing.
ƒ
Wood removal
The removal and deliberate cutting and breaking of tree limbs are not common occurrences in the Park.
However, the collection of firewood, during winter months, may rise in the future as the popularity of wood
fired heating increases in urban areas.
Melbourne Water has not removed fallen timber from the Yarra River or Merri Creek in the past 8 years.
6.8.3 Impact
ƒ
Woody weed removal
The impact of woody weed removal on native fauna is currently unknown. However, woody weed removal
can result in habitat loss for shrub/middlestorey nesting species such as wrens and indigenous fauna that
feed on the fruit and seeds produced by these species. To reduce the risks associated with this activity
Park staff remove woody weed species in stages to allow for regeneration of indigenous habitat.
ƒ
Wood removal
The removal of fallen timber reduces the available habitat for small ground dwelling mammals, reptiles
and invertebrates. It also removes obstructions to soil erosion.
Mechanical injury of vegetation due to the deliberate cutting and breaking of tree limbs can impair growth,
development and reproductive processes.
The reorientation and removal of trees and limbs from the Yarra River and Merri Creek may alter the
habitat of aquatic biota including the Murray Cod (FFG listed), River Blackfish, Broad Finned Galaxias,
Flat Headed Gudgeon and Tupong.
6.9
Management activities
A range of park management activities are undertaken across the Park to maintain and improve
recreational and environmental values. However, these management activities, in particular the
application of herbicides and mowing, can have negative impacts upon the Park’s environmental values.
6.9.1 Extent
ƒ
Herbicide use
A range of herbicides including schedule 5, 6 and 7 hebicides are regularly used across Yarra Bend Park
as part of infrastructure maintenance, weed control, environmental value protection and revegetation
projects.
ƒ
Mowing
Open recreational areas of Yarra Bend Park are regularly mown as part of infrastructure maintenance.
6.9.2 Trend
Over the past three years the level of herbicide use in the Park has remained constant and the area of
open recreational areas mown has slightly decreased.
6.9.3 Impact
ƒ
Herbicide use
The impact of herbicide use on Park environmental values is currently unknown. However, herbicide use
may impact upon native flora and fauna by:
35
ƒ
non target spraying of indigenous flora;
infiltrating soil affecting invertebrates and soil microorganisms; and
infiltrating wetlands affecting birds, amphibians and fish.
ƒ
Mowing
ƒ
ƒ
The mowing of open recreational areas impedes the regeneration of indigenous grasses by not allowing
them to set seed. Anecdotal evidence suggests that once open recreational areas containing indigenous
grasses are removed from mowing indigenous grasses regenerate strongly.
6.10
Dieback
Dieback is the protracted decline in the health and vigour of trees often ending in their death (Heatwole
and Lowman 1986). The symptoms associated with dieback include:
ƒ
decline and thinning of the primary crown;
ƒ
death of minor branches or of major limbs;
ƒ
epicormic growth from the trunk or main branches; and
ƒ
tree death.
A range of complex factors may be associated with dieback including:
ƒ
fungal attack from Armillaria luteobubalina and Phytophthora cinnamomi;
ƒ
unbalanced populations of fauna including birds, insects and possums;
ƒ
soil compaction and changes to soil hydrology resulting in waterlogging;
ƒ
changes to vegetation structure resulting in increased exposure; and
ƒ
natural environmental events (lightning, wind, hail, frost) and extremes (drought, flooding and fire).
6.10.1 Extent
ƒ
Victoria
Dry sclerophyll forests in coastal East Gippsland and South Gippsland, in the Dandenong Ranges near
Melbourne, in west-central Victoria, and in western Victoria are most affected by dieback (Neumann et al.
1981)
ƒ
Yarra Bend Park
The extent of Dieback in Yarra Bend Park has not been fully investigated. However, dieback of mature
individuals of eucalypt species including Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora), Yellow Gum (E. leucoxylon)
and River Red Gum (E. camaldulensis) have been recorded within the Valley Forest Community in focus
areas B and D.
6.10.2 Trend
Reports by Norton (1886) and MacPherson (1885) indicate that over 100 years ago, dieback was
affecting Australian forests. Since that time the frequency, severity and extent of dieback episodes have
increased (Kasel 1999). The trend in the frequency, severity and extent of dieback episodes in Yarra
Bend Park is unknown.
6.10.3 Impact
Small localised pockets of dieback of mature individuals of eucalypts species are a natural occurrence
and provide opportunities for species recruitment. However, losses of large mature stands change the
structure and composition of the vegetation and reduce the habitat of dependent native fauna. The impact
of dieback on indigenous flora and fauna in Yarra Bend Park is unknown.
36
6.11
Fire
Fire has been prevalent in the Australian landscape for thousands of years. Australia’s unique flora and
fauna have evolved with fire and are therefore adapted to and are largely dependent on fire for their
continued existence and development.
6.11.1 Extent
ƒ
Victoria
Southeastern Australia is one of the most fire-prone areas in the world due to its hot and dry climate.
Wildfires mostly occur in the summer months when ignition sources and fuel are available.
In addition, controlled and ecological burns are carried out throughout the state. Controlled burns are
carried out as a preventative measure, for the protection of human lives, property, natural and cultural
assets, and to reduce the severity of wildfires when they do occur. Ecological burns are carried out to
alter habitat structure and plant and animal composition to achieve desired biodiversity outcomes.
ƒ
Yarra Bend Park
Thirteen wildfires totalling 7.89 ha have occurred in Yarra Bend Park between 1985 and 1998 across
focus areas A, B, D and E in the Valley Forest Community (Table 6.7) (Figure 3.3).
Table 6.7
Distribution and area of wildfires over a thirteen year period in the Park.
Year
Area (ha)
Focus area
1993
2.0
A
1997
0.06
A
1995
0.12
A
1998
0.11
A
1990
2.4
B
1996
0.5
B
1996/98
0.2
B
1997
0.1
D
1998
0.21
D
1998
0.4
D
1998
0.07
D
1985
1.6
E
1997
0.12
E
Seventeen ecological burns totalling 8.86 ha have been carried out between 1985 and 1998 across focus
areas A, B, D and E in the Valley Forest Community to increase the condition and diversity of native
herbs (Table 6.8) (Figure 3.4).
Table 6.8
Distribution and area of ecological burns over a thirteen year period in the Park.
Year
Area (ha)
Focus area
1995
0.53
A
1996
0.27
A
1995
0.13
A
1997
0.06
A
1997
0.28
A
1996
0.23
A
1995
0.31
A
1991
0.45
A
1994
2.2
B
1997
0.22
B
37
1997
0.81
D
1996
1.37
D
1989
0.47
D
1992
0.29
D
1988
1.1
D
1995
0.08
E
1995
0.06
E
6.11.2 Trend
ƒ
Victoria
Major fires occur in grasslands every one to five years across the state. In contrast, infrequent fires are
associated with the wetter rainforest and arid regions (NRE and CFA 1999). In addition, devastating
wildfires affected large areas of the state in 1939 and 1983.
ƒ
Yarra Bend Park
The number of wildfires deliberately lit or inadvertently caused by park visitors has increased annually
between 1985 and 1998.
With an increasing understanding of the fire regimes required to maintain the vigour and diversity of the
Park’s vegetation communities the number of ecological burns carried out annually in the Park is
expected to rise.
6.11.3 Impact
ƒ
General
Wildfire, fire suppression operations and inappropriate fire regimes can lead to the direct loss of native
flora and fauna or a reduction in their biodiversity.
ƒ
Yarra Bend Park
The frequency, intensity, area and distribution of wildfires and ecological burns between 1985 and 1998 in
the Park have been such that negative impacts on the Park’s values have been minimal.
However, wildfires and ecological burns may present the following threats to indigenous flora and fauna in
the Park:
ƒ
loss of hollows for hollow dependent species such as Brushtail possums, Kookaburras, Lorikeets,
parrots, Rosellas and ducks;
ƒ
increased opportunities for weed invasion;
ƒ
loss of indigenous flora, particularly in revegetation areas where the indigenous flora has not
developed the capacity to regenerate, either vegetatively or from seed; and
ƒ
loss of habitat for ground and middle storey feeding and nesting birds.
In addition, fire regimes that would maintain and improve the condition of the Park’s vegetation
communities have not being achieved Park wide, which may reduce the diversity of the Park’s flora and
its dependent fauna.
6.12
Priority risk management issues for Yarra Bend Park
The following prioritised list is based on the risk posed by each of the threatening processes present in
the Park. The order reflects the extent, trend and impact of each process affecting the key environmental
values of the Park.
ƒ
Pest plants
ƒ
Pest animals – rabbits
ƒ
Soil erosion and compaction
ƒ
Pest animals – carnivores
38
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
Fire
Habitat component loss
Domestic animals
Habitat competition
Dieback
Management activities
The risks that pose a threat to environmental values in each of the focus areas are summarised below in
Table 6.9.
Table 6.9
Risks to environmental values at each focus area in the Park
Focus area
Risk
A
B
C
D
E
Pest plants
Pest animals – rabbits
Soil erosion and compaction
Pest animals – carnivores
Fire
Habitat component loss
Domestic animals
Habitat competition
Dieback
Management activities
39
7
7.1
Risk Management strategies and actions
Introduction
The following risk management strategies and actions were developed to address the risks identified as
impacting on the Park’s environmental values and realise the short and long term conservation objectives
of the focus areas and the open parkland.
The strategies and actions complement the Yarra Bend Park Strategy Plan (1999) and are consistent with
the Management Services Specifications. A total of 21 strategies and 177 actions are to be implemented
through the Environmental Management Program over a two year period.
Operating costs for each action are provided where known and incorporate the materials, contractors and
consultants. Focus areas and Park Management Areas (Figure 7.1) have been used to describe the
location of each action.
7.2
Pest plants
Strategy: monitor pest plant infestations in the Park that threaten environmental values.
Focus Area
Year 1 Actions
Performance measures
Targets
Staff time
All
In conjunction with tertiary
institutions map pest plant
infestations in the Park
Pest plant maps
4 pest plant
maps completed
3 days
D
Monitor the presence of Common
Thornapple infestations
Days monitoring
1 day monitoring
1 day
A
Monitor Tree of Heaven and Wild
Watsonia infestations
Days monitoring
1 day monitoring
1 day
Focus Area
Future Actions
Performance measures
Targets
Staff time
As above
As above
As above
As above
Cost
Cost
Strategy: improve the coordination of pest plant control between Parks Victoria, public land managers
and community groups.
Focus Area
Year 1 Actions
Performance measures
Targets
All
Liaise with Local Government, Vic
Roads, City Power, Merri Creek
Management Committee and River
Retreat to improve the coordination
of pest plant control
Continued coordination of
pest plant control between
Parks Victoria and Local
Government, Vic Roads,
City Power, Merri Creek
Management Committee
and River Retreat by
addressing common
priorities for pest plant
control
Determine and
implement
priorities by 30
June 2001
Staff time
Focus Area
Future Actions
Performance measures
Targets
Staff time
All
As above
As above
As above
As above
Cost
6 days
Cost
Strategy: investigate external pest plant management funding opportunities.
Focus Area
Future Actions
Performance measures
Targets
Staff time
All
Investigate external funding
opportunities for Serrated Tussock,
Exotic Tree and Willow removal
Successful grant
applications
Grant
applications for
Serrated
Tussock, Exotic
Tree and Willow
removal are
successful
6 days
40
Cost
Strategy: control Regionally Controlled Weeds in areas of the Park where environmental values are
threatened and eradicate small nominated infestations.
Angled Onion
Focus Area
Year 1 Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
B
Spot spray the Angled Onion
infestation at Talbot Management
Area
Ha sprayed
40m
2
1/2
E
Spot spray the Angled Onion
infestation at Dickinson Reserve
Ha sprayed
40m
2
1/2
Focus Area
Future Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
B
Spot spray the Angled Onion
infestation at Talbot Management
Area
Ha sprayed
40m
2
1/2
B
Spot spray the Angled Onion
infestation at Willsmere
Management Area
Ha sprayed
40m
2
1/2
E
Spot spray the Angled Onion
infestation at Dickinson Reserve
Ha sprayed
40m
2
1/2
Staff time
Cost
Cost
Artichoke Thistle
Focus Area
Year 1 target
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
A
Spot spray Artichoke Thistle
infestations at the Freeway Environs
Infestations spot
sprayed
All infestations are
spot sprayed
1 day
Focus Area
Future target
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
Cost
Cost
Blackberry
Focus Area
Year 1 Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
A
Spot spray all new Blackberry thickets
in the riparian area
Blackberry thickets
spot sprayed
All new Blackberry
thickets in the riparian
area are spot sprayed
1 day
All
Spot spray all new Blackberry thickets
in bushland areas
Blackberry thickets
spot sprayed
All new Blackberry
thickets in bushland
areas are spot
sprayed
1 day
Focus Area
Future Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
A
As above
As above
As above
1 day
All
As above
As above
As above
1 day
Focus Area
Year 1 Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
All
Hand pull Boneseed seedlings in all
areas of the Park
Seedlings hand
pulled
All Boneseed
seedlings hand pulled
(prevening seedlings
from setting seed)
7 days
Focus Area
Future Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
Cost
Cost
Boneseed
41
Cost
Cost
All
As above
As above
As above
As above
Focus Area
Year 1 Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
A
Cut and paint regrowth of Boxthorn at
Talbot Management Area
Plants treated
All Boxthorn regrowth
cut and painted
1 day
B
Cut and paint mature Boxthorn at
Willsmere Management Area
Ha treated
1 ha
1 day
Area
Future Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
A
As above
As above
As above
1 day
A
Cut and paint mature Boxthorn at
Lower Yarra Management Area
Ha treated
1ha
1 day
B
As above
As above
As above
1 day
Boxthorn
Cost
Cost
English Broom
Focus Area
Year 1 Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
B
Cut and paint all English Broom plants
at Willsmere Management Area
Ha treated
0.25 ha
1 day
Focus Area
Future Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
B
As above
As above
As above
As above
Focus Area
Year 1 Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
C
Spot spray Fennel infestation along
the Merri Creek
Ha spot sprayed
0.2 ha
½ day
A, B
Spot spray Fennel infestation along
the Yarra River from Vic Roads to
Studley Park
Meters spot
sprayed
800m
½ day
D
Spot spray Fennel infestation at
Studley Park Management Area
Ha spot sprayed
0.2 ha
½ day
Focus Area
Future Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
C
As above
As above
As above
As above
Cost
Cost
Fennel
Cost
Cost
Flax-leaf Broom
Focus Area
Year 1 Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
E
Cut and paint regrowth of Flax-leaf
Broom at Lower Yarra Management
Area
Ha treated
0.2 ha
1 day
Focus Area
Future Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
E
As above
As above
As above
As above
42
Cost
Cost
Gorse
Focus Area
Year 1 Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
A
Cut and paint Gorse at Freeway
Environs
Ha treated
0.1 ha
½ day
B
Cut and paint Gorse at Wurundjeri
Spur
Ha treated
0.1 ha
½ day
B
Cut and paint Gorse at Willsmere
Management Area
Ha treated
0.1 ha
½ day
Focus Area
Year 1 Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
All
Investigate cost effective methods of
fruiting prevention
Days methods of
fruiting prevention
researched
3 days researching
methods of fruiting
prevention
3 days
E
Cut and paint Hawthorn infestation at
Andrews/ Dickinson Reserve
Ha treated
0.1 ha
½ day
B
Cut and paint Hawthorn infestation at
Willsmere ManagementArea
Ha treated
0.1 ha
½ day
Focus Area
Future Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
E
As above
As above
As above
½ day
B
As above
As above
As above
½ day
Focus Area
Year 1 Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
A
Spot spray Hemlock infestation
Ha spot sprayed
0.2 ha
1 day
Focus Area
Future Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
A
As above
As above
As above
As above
Cost
Hawtorn
Cost
Cost
Hemlock
Cost
Cost
Serrated Tussock
Focus Area
Year 1 Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
B
Spot spray Serrated Tussock
infestations at Talbot and River Bend
Management Areas
Ha spot sprayed
15ha
1 day
B
Carry out controlled burns at Talbot
and River Bend Management Areas to
control Serrated Tussock infestations
Ha burnt
0.1ha
8 days
Focus Area
Future Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
B
Spot spray Serrated Tussock
infestations at Talbot and the River
Bend Management Areas
Ha spot sprayed
15ha
1 day
B
Carry out controlled burns at Talbot
and River Bend Management Areas to
control Serrated Tussock infestations
Ha burnt
0.1ha
8 days
B
Revegetate the understorey at Talbot
and River Bend Management Areas
where Serrated Tussock infestations
were treated
Ha revegetated
0.1ha
2 days
43
Cost
Cost
Slender Thistle
Focus Area
Year 1 Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
B
Spot spray the Slender Thistle
infestation at Talbot Management Area
Ha sprayed
0.3 ha
1 day
Focus Area
Future Actions
Performance
measures
Targest
Staff time
B
As above
As above
As above
As above
Focus Area
Year 1 Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
A
Rig spray Stinkwort infestations at
Freeway environs
m rig sprayed
15 m
Cost
Cost
Stinkwort
2
2
Cost
½ day
St John’s Wort
Focus Area
Year 1 Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
D, B
Spot spray St John's Wort infestations
at Studley Point, Dights Falls and near
the Eastern Freeway
Ha spot sprayed
0.1ha
1 day
Focus Area
Future Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
D, B
As above
As above
As above
As above
Cost
Cost
Tree of Heaven
Focus Area
Future Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
D
Cut and paint Tree of Heaven
infestation at Studley Park
Management Area
Infestations
treated
All Tree of Heaven
infestations cut and
painted
1 day
Cost
Wild Watsonia
Focus Area
Year 1 Actions
Targets
Performance
measures
Staff time
A
Cut and paint Wild Watsonia
infestation at River Bend
Management Area
Infestations
treated
Wild Watsonia
infestation cut and
painted
1 day
44
Cost
Strategy: control Environmental Weeds in bushland areas where environmental values are threatened.
English Ivy and Japanese Honeysuckle
Focus Area
Year 1 Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
E
Spot spray English Ivy and Japanese
Honeysuckle infestations at Dickinson
Reserve
Ha spot sprayed
0.1 ha
½ day
D
Spot spray English Ivy and Japanese
Honeysuckle infestations between
Studley Park Boathouse and Galatea
Point
Ha spot sprayed
0.1 ha
½ day
Focus Area
Future Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
A, B
Spot spray English Ivy and Japanese
Honeysuckle infestations at Bellbird
Entrance,Talbot Management Area,
6th Green and Deep Rock
Ha spot sprayed
0.1ha
½ day
A, D
Spot spray English Ivy and Japanese
Honeysuckle infestations between
Studley Park and Vic Roads Land
Ha spot sprayed
0.1ha
½ day
E
Spot spray English Ivy and Japanese
Honeysuckle infestations at Dickinson
Reserve
Ha spot sprayed
0.1ha
½ day
D
Spot spray English Ivy and Japanese
Honeysuckle infestations between
Studley Park Boathouse and Galatea
Point
Ha spot sprayed
0.1ha
½ day
Year 1 Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
Investigate suitable Periwinkle control
methods for Yarra Bend Park
Days Periwinkle
control methods
researched
2 days researching
Periwinkle control
methods
2 days
A
Rig spray the Periwinkle infestation
upstream of Kanes Bridge on the north
side of the Yarra River
Ha rig sprayed
0.1ha
½ days
A
Rig spray the Periwinkle infestation at
Studley Point
Ha rig sprayed
0.1ha
½ day
A
Rig spray the Periwinkle infestation at
the Golf Course Practise Fairway
Ha rig sprayed
0.1ha
½ day
Focus Area
Future Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
A
Rig spray Periwinkle infestation at Golf
Course Practise Fairway
Ha rig sprayed
0.1ha
½ day
Focus Area
Year 1 Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
A, B
Spot Spray Tradescantia at River
Bend and Talbot Management Areas
Control
Tradescantia
0.1 ha
3 days
Focus Area
Future Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
D
Spot Spray Tradescantia
Control
Tradescantia
0.1 ha
1 day
A
Spot Spray Tradescantia in Focus
Control
0.1 ha
3 days
Cost
Cost
Periwinkle
Focus Area
Cost
Cost
Tradescantia
45
Cost
Cost
Area A
Tradescantia
Annual Grass
Focus Area
Year 1 Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
D
Rig spray Annual Grass infestations at
Studley Park Bushland
Ha rig sprayed
0.1ha
2 days
D
Rig spray Annual Grass infestations at
Boathouse Rd
Ha rig sprayed
0.1ha
1 day
D
Rig spray Annual Grass infestations
on the northern side of Boathouse Rd
Ha rig sprayed
0.1ha
½ day
D
Rig spray Annual Grass infestations at
Galatea Point
Ha rig sprayed
0.1ha
½ day
D
Carry out a controlled burn at
Boathouse Rd to controll Annual
Grass infestations
Ha burnt
0. 1ha
8 days
Focus Area
Future Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
D
Reduce Annual Grass density at
Studley Bushland Management Area
Ha rig sprayed
0.1ha
2 days
D
Reduce Annual Grass density at
Boathouse Road
Ha rig sprayed
0.1ha
1 day
D
Reduce Annual Grass density on the
northern side of Boathouse Road
Ha rig sprayed
0.1ha
½ day
D
Reduce Annual Grass density at
Galatea point
Ha rig sprayed
0.1ha
½ day
Focus Area
Year 1 Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
E
Drill and fill Hawthorn and Ashes
between Dickinson and Andrews
Reserve
Exotic trees
treated
50% of exotic trees
treated
1 day
B
Cut and paint exotic trees at Bellbird
Entrance
Exotic trees
treated
50% of exotic trees
treated
½ day
Focus Area
Future Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
E
Drill and fill Hawthorn and Ashes
between Dickinson and Andrews
Reserve
Exotic trees
treated
All exotic trees treated
1 day
B, D, E
Drill and fill exotic trees in bushland
areas which can be seen from Yarra
Boulevard
Exotic trees
treated
All exotic trees treated
2 days
Year 1 Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
Investigate cost effective control
methods for Prickly Pear removal
Days Prickly Pear
control methods
researched
3 days researching
Prickly Pear control
methods
3 days
D
Cut and paint Prickly Pear infestations
between Studley Park Boathouse and
Galatea Point
Infestations
treated
All Prickly Pear
infestations treated
2 days
Focus Area
Future Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
D
Cut and paint Prickly Pear infestations
from Studley Park Boathouse to
Galatea Point
Infestations
treated
All Prickly Pear
infestations treated
1 day
Cost
Cost
Exotic Trees
Cost
Cost
Prickly Pear
Focus Area
46
Cost
Cost
B, D
Cut and paint Prickly Pear infestations
Infestations
treated
All Prickly Pear
infestations treated
2 days
Strategy: control pest plants at amenity planting sites to prevent weed invasion of bushland.
Focus Area
Year 1 Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
F, C, D
Contract out pest plant control at
amenity planting sites
Amenity pest plant
control contracted
out
Amenity pest plant
control completed by
contractor
9 days
Focus Area
Future Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
F, C, D
As above
As above
As above
As above
Cost
Cost
Strategy: control pest plants at revegetation and regeneration sites to increase recrecruitment of
indigenous vegetation (Figure 7.2).
Focus Area
Year 1 Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
All
Carry out pest plant control at
Bushland sites as set out in the
annual work plan
Complete annual
works program
Annual works program
completed
150 days
Focus Area
Future Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
All
As above
As above
As above
As above
Cost
Cost
Strategy: remove seeds of exotic grasses by vacuum mowing to increase the recruitment of indigenous
grasses in grassland areas.
Focus Area
Year 1 target
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
B, D
Continue to Vacuum mow the following
10 grassland sites:
Areas mowed
All areas mowed
4 days
ƒ
Talbot grasslands near Chandler
Hwy
ƒ
Royal Talbot grasslands
ƒ
Serrated Tussock patches
ƒ
Experimental plot
ƒ
Bellbird slope
ƒ
Studley Park river flats
ƒ
Studley car park grasslands
ƒ
Dickinson Reserve grasslands
ƒ
St Albans site
ƒ
Ironbark site
Focus Area
Future Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
B, D
As above
As above
As above
As above
Cost
Cost
Strategy: protect and enhance threatened, significant and indigenous flora in the Park.
Focus Area
Year 1 Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
All
Collect propagules of threatened
and significant plants and assist the
Growing Friends of Yarra Bend Park
to propagate and maintain plant
stocks
Establish secure
populations of
depleted species in
nursery and
bushland areas
Preparation of
propagation plan
and achievement of
identified aims
40 days
Focus Area
Future Actions
Performance
Targets
Staff time
47
Cost
Cost
measures
All
As above
As above
As above
As above
Strategy: improve the condition of the riparian vegetation in focus area A.
Focus area
Year 1 Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff days
A
Plant scattered trees to improve the
aesthetic appeal of Asylum
Terraces
Plants planted
50 plants
1 day
A
Revegetate the riparian area from
Andrews Reserve to Dickinson
Reserve
Plants planted
200 plants
1 day
A
Plant indigenous trees and shrubs
along Studley Park Boathouse
foreshore
Plants planted
200 plants
1 day
Focus area
Future Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff days
A
Revegetate the Pipe bridge entrance
to the Park
Plants planted
500 plants
2 days
A
Plant trees and shrubs in the riparian
strip between Dights Falls and
Studley Park Road
Plants planted
200 plants
1 day
A
Revegete the north side of Kanes
Bridge after periwinkle is controlled
Plants planted
100 plants
2 days
Cost
Cost
Strategy: improve the condition of indigenous vegetation in focus area B.
Focus area
Year 1 Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff Time
B
Revegetate Talbot Management
Area after Boxthorn is removed
Plants planted
400 plants
1 day
B
Undertake tree planting to increase
tree cover at the top of Wurundjeri
spur on lower side of Boulevard
embankment
Plants planted
500 plants
2 days
Focus area
Future Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
B
Revegetate around the Triple
Wetland and undertake revegetation
works after the removal of the Car
Park the Willsmere Management
Area
Plants planted
300 plants
1 day
B
Rangers to supervise a student tree
planting project at the Willsmere
Management Area
Plants planted
100 plants
1 day
B
Contractors to revegetate Willsmere
Escarpment after Boxthorn removal
Plants planted
400 plants
1 day
Cost
Cost
Strategy: improve the condition of indigenous vegetation in focus area C.
Focus area
Year 1 Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
C
Revegetate along the Merri Creek
Valley
Plants planted
500 plants
1 day
C
In conjunction with Community
Groups revegetate along the Merri
Creek and Yarra River
Plants planted
500 plants
1 day
Focus area
Future Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
C
Revegetate the Park side of the
Freeway mound
Plants planted
3000 plants
3 days
48
Cost
Cost
Strategy: improve the condition of indigenous vegetation in focus area D.
Focus area
Year 1 Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
D
Undertake scattered plantings and
mulch beds the Studley Park Road
Upper Bushland Management Area
Plants planted
800 plants
2 days
Focus area
Future Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
D
In conjunction with Community
Group undertake scattered plantings
at Norris Reserve and Studley Park
Receptions
Plants planted
800 plants
1 day
D
Revegetate the Lower Yarra Area
after Boxthorn removal
Plants planted
400 plants
1 day
Cost
Cost
Strategy: improve the condition of indigenous vegetation in focus area E.
Focus Area
Year 1 Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff Time
E
Revegetate Andrews Reserve after
the removal of Hawthorn Thicket
Plants planted
100 plants
3 days
7.3
Cost
Pest animals
Strategy: reduce the rabbit population in the Park to protect environmental values.
Focus Area
Year 1 Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
A, B, D
Fumigate and bait all rabbit control
areas and assess results by spotlight
surveying
Mean number of
individuals per
spotlight km
A 30% decrease in the
mean number of
individuals per
spotlight km
10 days
A, B, D
Remove rabbit harbour to decrease
rabbit breeding success
Rabbit harbour
decreased
A 30% decrease in the
mean number of
individuals per
spotlight km
3 days
A, B, D
Erect new rabbit proof fencing to
prevent reinfestation of previously
treated areas
Rabbit reinfestion
prevented
A 30% decrease in the
mean number of
individuals per
spotlight km
3 days
Focus Area
Future Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
A, B, D
Fumigate and bait all Rabbit Control
areas and assess results by spotlight
surveying
Mean number of
individuals per
spotlight km
A 10% decrease in the
mean number of
individuals per
spotlight km
10 days
A, B, D
Remove rabbit harbour to decrease
rabbit breeding success
Rabbit harbour
decreased
A 30% decrease in the
mean number of
individuals per
spotlight km
3 days
A, B, D
Erect new rabbit proof fencing to
prevent reinfestation of previously
treated areas
Rabbit reinfestion
prevented
A 30% decrease in the
mean number of
individuals per
spotlight km
3 days
A, B, D
Liase with surrounding landholders
over rabbit control
Rabbit reinfestion
decreased
Rabbit control
program developed
involving key
landholders
2 days
49
Cost
Cost
Strategy: reduce fox and cat populations in the Park to protect environmental values.
Focus Area
Year 1 Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
All
Locate and fumigate fox dens
Fox dens
fumigated
10 fox dens fumigated
3 days
All
Locate and trap feral cats
Feral cats located
and trapped
All feral cats once
located are trapped
and destroyed
humanely
3 days
Focus Area
Future Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
All
Locate and fumigate fox dens
Fox dens
fumigated
10 fox dens fumigated
3 days
All
Locate and trap feral cats
Feral cats located
and trapped
All feral cats once
located are trapped
and destroyed
humanely
3 days
7.4
Cost
Cost
Soil erosion and compaction
Strategy: minimise the impact of visitors and the existing trail network on Park environmental values.
Focus Area
Year 1 Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
All
Implement actions from the Park Trail
Strategy
Park Trail
Strategy actions
implemented
All Park Trail Strategy
actions implemented
10 days
All
Maintain the existing trail network and
signs
Trail inspections
and
mainteneance
work
Monthly trail
inspections and
maintenance work
completed
12 days
All
Ensure Bushland Fencing of important
remnant vegetation is maintained
Fence
inspections and
maintenance
work
Quarterly fence
inspections and
maintenance work
completed
8 days
Focus Area
Future Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
Cost
Cost
Strategy: stabilise sites of erosion where environmental values are threatened.
Focus Area
Year 1 Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
A
Install a dog access ramp at Deep Rock
Dog ramps
installed
Dog ramp installed
3 days
D
Revegetate Yellow Gum Ridge
Plants planted
100 plants planted
6 days
D
Close and revegetate Studley Park
Boathouse car park track
Plants planted
150 plants planted
1 day
B
Engage consultant to investigate and
recommend measures to control gully
erosion originating from the Boulevard
drains
Consutants
report
recommending
measures to
control gully
erosion
Consutants report
recommending
measures to control
gully erosion
completed
1 day
A, B, D, E
Map gully erosion and drainage sites
Maps produced
All gully erosion and
drainage sites maped
2 days
Focus Area
Future Actions
Performance
Targets
Staff time
50
Cost
Cost
measures
B
Remove dumped cars from sites of Gully
erosion
Cars removed
All cars removed
1 day
D
Halt erosion at Studley Point Ridge line
through revegetation works and erosion
control structures
Plants planted
and erection of
erosion control
structures
200 plants planted and
erosion control
structures erected
3 days
D
Maintain erosion control at Yellow Gum
Ridge through revegetation works
Plants planted
100 plants planted
2 days
D
Control gully erosion at Studley Upper
Bushland Area through revegetation
works
Plants planted
500 plants
3 days
7.5
Fire
Strategy: conduct ecological burns to improve the condition of environmental values in the Park.
Focus Area
Year 1 Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
C, B, D
Conduct ecological burns to
stimulate the regeneration of
indigenous flora with the assistance
of experienced regional staff
Burn plans
completed
Burn plans
completed for 4 sites
14 days
Focus Area
Future Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
Strategy:
Cost
manage fire risk to minimise the impact to Park assets and adjacent land.
Focus Area
Year 1 Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
All
Complete a Fire Management Plan
for the Park
Completion of Plan
Plan completed
3 days
Focus Area
Future Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
All
Implement Fire Management Plan
strategies for fire minimisation
Implementation of
All Fire Management
Plan strategies for
fire minimisation
implemented
1 day
7.6
Cost
Cost
Cost
Habitat component loss and habitat competition
Strategy: protect and where appropriate enhance ecosystem processes, habitats and indigenous
species in the Park.
Focus Area
Year 1 Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
A, B, D, E
In conjunction with tertiary institutions
investigate the use of tree hollows by
native fauna, exotic birds and
invertebrates
Report on Tree
Hollow use in
the Park
Report on Tree Hollow
use in the Park
completed
3 days
A
In conjunction with tertiary institutions
locate roosting, nesting and breeding
sites of waterbirds
Report on
roosting, nesting
and breeding
sites of
waterbirds
Report on roosting,
nesting and breeding
sites of waterbirds
completed
3 days
A, B, D
Continue vertebrate and invertebrate
monitoring in conjunction with the West
Melbourne Institute of TAFE
Pit fall trap
monitoring
One week of pit fall
trap monitoring
3 days
All
Carry out a parkwide bat survey
including an assessment of the status of
the threatened Southern Myotis
population
Nights bat
surveying
undertaken
One night of bat
surveying
3 days
A, C
Carry out Park patrols to control wood
Retention of
Educate park visitors
30 days
51
Cost
removal and vegetation damage caused
by neighbouring landowners and visitors
fallen tree limbs
for habitat
on value of fallen
timber and decrease
incidence of removal
A
Ensure snag retention in the Yarra River
by liaising with Melbourne Water
Snags retained
in the Yarra
River
All snags retained in
the Yarra River which
do not pose a risk to
bank stability or
impede the flow of
water
3 days
C
Create a wetland on Merri Creek
Creation of
wetland
Wetland excavated
and weed control
performed
10 days
All
Fumigate wasp nests and large bee
hives in the Park
Number of wasp
nests and bee
hives treated
10 wasp nests, 2 bee
hives treated
3 days
All
In conjunction with tertiary institutions
Map threatened plants
Threatened
plant maps
completed
4 threatened plant
maps completed
3 days
All
In conjunction with the Field Naturalist
Club of Victoria continue fungi surveys to
increase baseline data on fungi in the
Park.
Fungi inventory
Inventory of Fungi
found over survey
period completed
4 days
All
Continue regeneration and revegetation
of Galatea Point, Dickinson Reserve and
Deep Rock area of the Park in
conjunction with Friends of the Yarra,
Friends of Walmer St Bushland, Men of
the Trees/ Greenlink Yarra Bend
Support Friends
group activities
in the nominated
areas to
Increase
indigenous
vegetation and
decrease weeds
Increase quality of
vegetation in areas
nominated
25 days
All
Propagate rare plants and indigenous
flora of Yarra Bend Park in conjunction
with the Growing Friends of Yarra Bend
Park
Rare plants and
indigenous
plants
propagated
6000 rare plants and
indigenous plants
propagated
20 days
All
Continue Yarra Bend Parks’ Ecological
Monitoring Program
Long term
trends of
bushland quality
identified
Data collected and
analysed
24 days
All
Continue to confirm identification of new
flora species by consulting expert
opinion where required
Maintain
accurate flora
list of the park
New species
identification
confirmed
10 days
All
Protect locally and regionally significant
plants by erecting temporary fencing
Locally and
regionally
significant plants
protected
All fenced locally and
regionally significant
plants protected
5 day
Focus Area
Future Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
All
Carry out a parkwide Striped Legless
Lizard survey
Survey report
Survey report
completed
2 days
D
Carry out a survey on the Australian
Grayling population in the Yarra River
within Yarra Bend Park
Survey report
Survey report
4 days
All
Fumigate wasp nests and large bee
hives in the Park
Number of wasp
nests and bee
hives treated
10 wasp nests, 2 bee
hives treated
3 days
All
In conjunction with tertiary institutions
Map threatened plants
Threatened
plant maps
completed
4 threatened plant
maps completed
3 days
All
In conjunction with the Field Naturalist
Club of Victoria continue fungi surveys to
increase baseline data on fungi in the
Park.
Fungi inventory
Inventory of Fungi
found over survey
period completed
4 days
All
Continue regeneration and revegetation
of Galatea Point, Dickinson Reserve and
Deep Rock area of the Park in
conjunction with Friends of the Yarra,
Friends of Walmer St Bushland, Men of
the Trees/ Greenlink Yarra Bend in
undertaking regeneration and
revegetation
Support Friends
group activities
in the nominated
areas to
Increase
indigenous
vegetation and
decrease weeds
Increase quality of
vegetation in areas
nominated
25 days
All
Propagate rare plants and indigenous
Rare plants and
6000 rare plants and
20 days
52
Cost
flora of Yarra Bend Park in conjunction
with the Growing Friends of Yarra Bend
Park
indigenous
plants
propagated
indigenous plants
propagated
All
Continue Yarra Bend Parks’ Ecological
Monitoring Program
Long term
trends of
bushland quality
identified
Data collected and
analysed
15 days
All
Continue to confirm identification of new
flora species by consulting expert
opinion where required
Maintain
accurate flora
list of the park
New species
identification
confirmed
10 days
A
Re-create a wetland habitat in River
Bend Management Area
Wetland Created
Wetland excavated
and 1000 plants
planted
5 days
All
Protect locally and regionally significant
plants by erecting temporary fencing
Locally and
regionally
significant plants
protected
All fenced locally and
regionally significant
plants protected
1 day
7.7
Domestic animals
Strategy: minimise the impact of domestic animals on native fauna in the Park.
Focus Area
Year 1 Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
All
Respond promptly when ‘owned’ dogs
and cats are found unaccompanied in
Yarra Bend Park and liaise with local
government officers responsible for the
enforcement of Domestic Animals (Feral
and Nuisance) Regulations 1996
Unaccompanied
animals sent to
appropriate
carers on the
day they are
located
All unaccompanied
animals sent to
appropriate carers on
the day they are
located
3 days
All
Implement Yarra Bend Parks Dog policy
and enforce dog on lead areas by
Ranger patrols
Dog on lead
infringements
A 10% reduction in
dog on lead
infringements
20 days
Focus Area
Future Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
7.8
Cost
Cost
Dieback
Strategy: monitor the extent and investigate the causes of dieback in the Park.
Focus Area
Year 1 Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
All
Facilitate the involvement of tertiary
students in monitoring the extent and
investigating the causes of dieback in
the Park
Dieback report
Dieback report
completed
4 days
7.9
Cost
Management activites
Strategy: minimise the impact of management activities on environmental values.
Focus Area
Year 1 Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
All
No longer mow sections of Norris
Reserve, Collins Oval, Studley Upper
Bushland, Fairlea and Westfield
Management Areas
Alteration of
mowing regime
altered
Mowing regime altered
at Norris Reserve,
Collins Oval, Studley
Upper Bushland,
Fairlea and Westfield
Management Areas
All
Ensure compliance with contract
specifications to minimise the risk of
herbicide drift and off target application.
Contractor
compliance with
contract
specifications
All contractors comply
with contract
specifications
53
Staff time
2 days
Cost
All
Ensure revegetation plans are carried
out following woody weed removal and
are staged to allow regrowth of
indigenous plants so as to minimise
habitat loss
Coordination of
woody weed
removal and
replanting
programs
All woody weed
removal plans
coordinated with
replanting programs
2 days
Focus Area
Future Actions
Performance
measures
Targets
Staff time
All
No longer mow all areas with an
substantially indigenous ground layer
Mowing regime
altered
Mowing regime altered
at all areas with an
substantially
indigenous ground
layer
54
Cost
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Beardsell, C. (1997). Sites of Faunal Significance in the North Eastern Region of Councils Study Area.
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55
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56
Appendices
Appendix 1
Legislative framework
International Treaties, Conventions and Initiatives
ƒ
China - Australia Migratory Birds Agreement (CAMBA) 1986 and Japan - Australia Migratory Birds
Agreement (JAMBA) 1974
The aims of JAMBA and CAMBA ensure that the Governments involved recognise the value of migratory
birds by protecting those birds that migrate between Australia, Japan and China.
JAMBA and CAMBA define migratory birds as those birds that migrate between Australia and Japan and
Australia and China. Around half of the species listed are shorebirds, however seabirds, such as terns,
shearwaters, boobies and frigatebirds, together with some species of swallow and wagtail are also on the
lists. Migratory birds are threatened by the loss or alteration of their habitat and by hunting. The
wetlands these birds visit on their migration are under pressure from human impacts such as clearing for
agriculture and grazing, runoff from fertiliser and urban and industrial waste.
Under JAMBA and CAMBA, the Governments of Australia, Japan and the People’s Republic of China
have agreed to protect migratory birds and their important habitats by:
ƒ
preserving and enhancing the important habitats used by migratory birds listed in the agreements;
ƒ
encouraging joint research programs and sharing the information gained;
ƒ
establishing sanctuaries and other facilities for the management and protection of migratory birds and
their habitats;
ƒ
preventing damage to migratory birds and their habitats, and encouraging their conservation.
There are around 80 species listed in both agreements, 59 of which are common to both. JAMBA
includes two additional annexes that list those birds in danger of extinction in Australia and Japan (NRE
1998a).
Commonwealth Government Legislation
ƒ
Australian Heritage Commission Act 1975 (Register of the National Estate)
The Register of the National Estate is a national inventory of places deemed to be components of the
natural and cultural environment of Australia that have aesthetic, historic, scientific or social significance
or other special value for future generations as well as for the present community. The Register is
compiled and administered by the Australian Heritage Commission under the Australian Heritage
Commission Act 1975.
The purposes of the Register are to (among other things):
ƒ
alert and educate Australians about significant places and the natural and cultural history of the
country; and
ƒ
improve decision-making including Commonwealth decisions and actions.
The Register does not impart any legal obligation on the land manager concerned to manage that item in
any particular manner.
The Australian Heritage Commission does not assume management responsibility for registered places
(NRE 1998a).
57
National Policies and Initiatives
ƒ
Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation of Australia
The Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation of Australia is a national approach for the classification of
ecosystems. Biogeographic regions capture the patterns of ecological characteristics in the landscape,
including climate, lithology/geology, landform, vegetation, fauna and land use.
The IBRA was developed, by the Australian Nature Conservation Agency, as a framework for establishing
the National Reserve System. It is used to identify gaps in the existing protected area network and to
establish priorities for land purchase to fill those gaps. The Australian and New Zealand Environment and
Conservation Council (ANZECC) endorsed the IBRA in November 1995.
The IBRA identifies eighty bioregions across Australia, eleven of which occur in Victoria with eight of
these shared with adjacent states.
The broad scale that is appropriate for national purposes does not adequately discriminate between
areas that are meaningful at the statewide scale and further refinement has delineated 21 Victorian
bioregions (NRE 1998a).
Victorian Legislation
ƒ
Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988
This Act provides the basic legal powers and the management systems needed for the protection of the
State’s native flora and fauna, and that taxa, except for those specified, survive, flourish and retain their
potential for evolutionary development in the wild (on all land). This includes the conservation of
communities; the management of threatening processes; sustainable use; and the maintenance of
genetic diversity.
The Act provides for:
ƒ
the establishment of the Scientific Advisory Committee to advise the Minister;
ƒ
the listing of taxa and communities of flora and fauna which are threatened;
ƒ
listing of potentially threatening processes;
ƒ
Action Statements and Critical Habitats (NRE 1998a).
ƒ
Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994
This Act sets up a framework for the integrated management and protection of catchments, establishes
processes to encourage and support community participation in the management of land and water
resources, and provides for a system of controls on noxious weeds and pest animals. The Act also
establishes the Victorian Catchment and Land Protection Council, and the Pest Animal Advisory
Committee. It also provides for developing Regional Catchment Strategies, Special Area Plans, Land
Management Notices, and includes enforcement provisions. From 1 July 1997, Catchment Management
Authorities (CMAs) came into effect for 9 existing rural Catchment and Land Protection Regions. These
bodies combine the roles of:
ƒ
Catchment and Land Protection Boards;
ƒ
River Management Authorities;
ƒ
salinity implementation groups;
ƒ
water quality groups; and
ƒ
sustainable regional development committees (NRE 1998a).
58
Appendix 2
Broad Vegetation Types at Yarra Bend Park
Plains Grassy Woodland
Plains Grassy Woodland BVTs occupy fertile plains under low rainfall regimes of 400-700 mm per annum.
The original geologies of the plains vary, with the Western Volcanic Plains being basalts, the Sale Plains
being outwash clays and the Northern Plains being riverine silts and clays. Other minor components
include sites with Tertiary outwash deposits (Dundas Tablelands) colluvial deposits localised in
topography associated with valleys.
These BVTs are characterised by very low density cover of trees such as River Red Gum Eucalyptus
camaldulensis on basalt and siltstone derived soils, Forest Redgum Eucalyptus teretecornis on gravelclay outwash, Yellow Box Eucalyptus melliodora and White Box Eucalyptus albens on riverine silts and
clays. Mixtures of Black Box Eucalyptus largiflorens, Yellow Gum Eucalyptus leucoxylon and Buloke
Allocasuarina luehmanii are characteristic in the Wimmera north of the Little Desert. The most usual
shrubs are Lightwood Acacia implexa, tree-form Silver Banksia Banksia marginata, Golden Wattle Acacia
pycnantha, Cranberry Heath Astroloma humifusum and a ground layer dominated by perennial grasses,
particularly Wallaby Grasses Danthonia spp., Spear Grasses Stipa spp., Kangaroo Grass Themeda
triandra, Cane Wire Grass Aristida ramosa, herbs such as Scaly Buttons Leptorhynchos squamatus,
Kidney weed Dichondra repens, Solenogynes Solenogyne spp., Fireweed Senecio quadriedentatus,
Austral Bear’s Ear Cymbonotus preissianus and perrenial geophytes especially orchids and lilies.
This BVT is characterised by extensive tracts of land with this vegetation. The dominant ecological
vegetation class represented in this BVT varies according to biogeographic zone and parent geology: on
the Western Volcanic Plains heavy clay basalts soils the ecological vegetation class is Western Plains
Grassy Woodland; on the Sale Plains outwash clays the dominant ecological vegetation class is
Gippsland Plains Grassy Woodland; and on the Northern Plains with its riverine silts and clays, the
smaller areas of Wetland and Grasslands. There are however smaller outliers of fertile geology that
support this vegetation BVT such as the granodiorites around Mansfield and the limestones of Buchan
and Murrindal area.
Valley Grassy Forests
Valley Grassy Forests BVTs occur on the lower slopes of river valleys as they exit the foothills of the
Great Divide, especially but not exclusively in northern Victoria. The rainfall is between 650-750 mm per
annum and the soils are fertile silts and clay loams derived from old river flats or fertile geologies such as
granodiorites. The BVT is dominated by a medium forest of Yellow Box Eucalyptus melliodora, Gippsland
Grey Box Eucalyptus bosistoana, Southern Blue Gum Eucalyptus globulus and Candlebark Eucalyptus
rubida, that has an open, nearly shrub free understorey and a ground layer that is characterised by an
abundance and diversity of grasses, particularly Wallaby Grasses such as Slender Wallaby Grass
Danthonia pilosa, Striped Wallaby Grass Danthonia racemosa, Weeping grass Microleana stipoides, and
tussock grasses such as Soft Tussock-grass Poa morisi, Common Tussock-grass Poa labillardierei,
herbs and geophytes such as lilies and orchids.
The most usual ecological vegetation class in this BVT is Valley Grassy Forest and this may have smaller
areas of Riparian Forest, Riparian Swampy Woodland associated with drainage lines and Heathy Dry
Forest or Grassy Dry Forest on the adjacent slopes of river valleys.
59
Appendix 3
Bend Park
LCC descriptions of Vegetation Communities recorded in Yarra
Valley forest
The overstorey is dominated by a mixture of Red Box (Eucaluptus polyanthemos), Red Stringybark (E.
macrorhncha), Long-leaf Box (E. goniocalyx) and Yellow Box (E. melliodora).The shrub layer is sparse
comprising Burgan (Kunzea ericoides), Cherry Ballart (Exocarpos cupressiformis), Black wattle (Acacia
mearnsii), Sweet Bursaria (Bursaria spinosa) and Common Cassinia. A rish array of native grasses and
herbs occur in the groundlayer. Weeping Grass, Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra), Grey Tussockgrass and Silvertop Wallaby-grass (Chionochloa pallida) are common (LCC 1991).
Floodplain riparian woodland
River Red Gum (E. camaldulensis) forms a tall, woodland canopy over a medium to tall shrub layer
including Silver Wattle (A. dealbata), Tree Violet (Hymenanthera dentata), River Bottlebrush (Callistemon
sieberi), and River Tea-tree (Leptospermum obovatum). The ground layer features common tussockgrass (Poa labillardieri) on the drier, elevated banks, with club-sedges (Isolepis spp.), rushes (Juncus
spp.), common reed, and Water-ribbons (Triglochin procera) occupying the saturated or inundated soils at
the water’s edge (LCC 1991).
Plains grassland
Dominated by Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra), plains grassland is a tussock grassland with a
scattered and depleted distribution, mostly on fertile, basalt-derived soils. In addition to Kangaroo Grass,
characteristic species include Pink Bindweed (Convolvulus erubescens), Common Bog-sedge (Schoenus
apogon), Lemon Beauty-heads (Calocephalus citreus), Sheep’s Burr (Acaena echinata) and common
Wallaby Grass (Danthonia caespitosa) (LCC 1991).
Rocky outcrop shrubland
The overstorey is dominated by stunted Yellow Gum (E. leucoxylon spp.) and Grey Box (E.microcarpa).
The understorey is tall and shrubby and features Gold-dust Wattle (A. acinacea), Golden Wattle
(A.pycnantha), Shiny Cassinia (Cassinia longifolia) and Fragrant Saltbush (Rhagodia parabolica). The
understorey also features a number of smaller shrubs including (Einadia hastata)and (Carpobrotus
modestus) (LCC 1991).
Floodplain Wetland Complex
Deep, permanent billabongs typically have a dense fringe of vegetation, but, due to their greater depth of
water in the centre, tend to include open water. This open water may support a carpet of Water-duckweed
(Lemna spp.) and/or Azolla (Azolla spp.). The fringing vegetation includes Tall Spike-sedge (Eleocharis
sphacelata), Milfoils (Myriophylla spp.), Water-ribbons (Triglochin procera), Cumbungi (Typha orientalis),
common reed and rushes.
Shallow, seasonal billabongs that dry out in summer commonly support a herbfield including common
Spike Sedge, Slender Knot-weed (Persicaria decipiens), Common Brown-grass (Agrostis avenacea), and
Sneezeweeds (Centipeda spp.).
Floodplain wet flats occur on river flats where the river-side levee-banks retain seepage or overflow.
Characteristic vegetation include common reed, Marsh Club-sedge (Bolboschoenus medianus), Tassel
Sedge (Carex fascicularis), Tall Sedge, Large Bindweed (Calystegia sepium) and common Tussockgrass (LCC 1991).
Plains grassy woodland
The most common components of this community are the grassy woodlands dominated by River Red
Gum (E. camaldulensis) (LCC 1991).
60
Heathy woodland
A low woodland of Narrow-leaf Peppermint (E. radiata), Mealy Stringybark (E. cinerea), and Messmate
(E. obliqua) overtops a shrublayer including Hairpin Banksia (Banksia spinulosa var. cunninghamii),
Bushy Hakea, Furze Hakea (Hakea ulicina), Prickly Tea-tree (Leptospermum continentale), Pink Swampheath (Epacris spp.). The ground layer includes: Spread Rope Rush \, Hair-sedge, Square Twig-sedge,
Pouch Coral-fern (LCC 1991).
61
Appendix 4
Vegetation condition assessment
Physical
disturbance
Weed intrusion
(impact of alien flora)
Ecological balance
Diversity of
indigenous flora
Rating
nil
nil to moderate
reasonable to good
moderate
good
0 - moderate
moderate
reasonable
moderate to
significantly reduced
medium
0 - severe
moderate to heavy
poor
significantly reduced
poor
0 - severe
very heavy
drastically out of
balance
low to absent
very poor
62
Appendix 5
Flora of Yarra Bend Park
Scientific name
Common name
Family name
Acacia acinacea s.l.
Gold-dust Wattle
MIMOSACEAE
Acacia baileyana
Cootamundra Wattle
MIMOSACEAE
Acacia dealbata
Silver Wattle
MIMOSACEAE
Acacia decurrens
Early Black Wattle
MIMOSACEAE
#
Acacia elata
Cedar Wattle
MIMOSACEAE
#
Acacia floribunda
White Sallow Wattle
MIMOSACEAE
#
Acacia howittii
Sticky Wattle
MIMOSACEAE
#
Acacia implexa
Lightwood
MIMOSACEAE
Acacia longifolia var. sophorae
Coast Wattle
MIMOSACEAE
Acacia mearnsii
Black Wattle
MIMOSACEAE
Acacia melanoxylon
Blackwood
MIMOSACEAE
Acacia montana
Mallee Wattle
MIMOSACEAE
Acacia paradoxa
Hedge Wattle
MIMOSACEAE
Acacia pycnantha
Golden Wattle
MIMOSACEAE
Acacia retinodes
Wirilda
MIMOSACEAE
Acacia saligna
Golden Wreath Wattle
MIMOSACEAE
#
Acacia verticillata
Prickly Moses
MIMOSACEAE
+
Acaena agnipila
Hairy Sheep's Burr
ROSACEAE
Acaena echinata
Sheep's Burr
ROSACEAE
Acaena novae-zelandiae
Bidgee-widgee
ROSACEAE
Acaena ovina
Australian Sheep's Burr
ROSACEAE
Acanthus spp.
Bears Breaches
ACANTHACEAE
*
Acer negrundo
Box Elder
ACERACEAE
*
Acetosella vulgaris
Sheep Sorrel
POLYGONACEAE
*
Acmena smithii
Lilly Pilly
MYRTACEAE
+
Acteosa sagittata
Rambling Dock
POLYGONACEAE
*
Adiantum aethiopicum
Common Maidenhair
ADIANTACEAE
Aeonium arboreum
Tree Aeonuium
CRASSULACEAE
*
Aeonium decorum
Copper Pinwheel
CRASSULACEAE
*
Agapanthus praecox ssp. orientalis
Agapanthus
LILIACEAE
*
Agave americana
Century Plant
AGAVACEAE
*
Agonis flexuosa
West Australian Willow-myrtle
MYRTACEAE
#
Agrostis aemula var. aemula
Purplish Blown Grass
POACEAE
Agrostis aemula var. setifolia
Gilgai Blown Grass
POACEAE
Agrostis avenacea var. avenacea
Common Blown Grass
POACEAE
Agrostis avenacea var. perennis
Wetland Blown Grass
POACEAE
Agrostis capillaris var. capillaris
Brown-top Bent
POACEAE
*
Agrostis gigantea
Red-top Bent
POACEAE
*
Ailanthus altissima
Tree-of-heaven
SIMAROUBACEAE
*
Aira caryophyllea
Silvery Hair-grass
POACEAE
*
Aira elegantissima
Hair Grass
POACEAE
*
Aira praecox
Early Hair-grass
POACEAE
*
Alisma lanceolata
Water Plantain
ALISMATACEAE
*
Alisma plantago-aquatica
Water Plantain
ALISMATACEAE
Allium triquetrum
Three-cornered Garlic
LILIACEAE
Allocasuarina littoralis
Black She-oak
CASUARINACEAE
Allocasuarina verticillata
Drooping She-oak
CASUARINACEAE
Aloe saponaria
Aloe
ALOEACEAE
Alternanthera denticulata s.l.
Lesser Joyweed
AMARANTHACEAE
Amaranthus albus
Stiff Tumbleweed
AMARANTHACEAE
*
Amaranthus retroflexus
Red-root Amaranth
AMARANTHACEAE
*
63
Status
#
#
#
#
*
*
Scientific name
Common name
Family name
Amaranthus viridis
Green Amaranth
AMARANTHACEAE
Amphibromus macrorhinus
Long-nosed Swamp Wallaby-gras
POACEAE
Amphibromus nervosus
Common Swamp Wallaby-grass
POACEAE
Amyema miquelii
Box Mistletoe
LORANTHACEAE
Anagallis arvensis
Pimpernel
PRIMULACEAE
*
Anredera cordifolia
Madeira Vine
BASELLACEAE
*
Anthoxanthum odoratum
Sweet Vernal-grass
POACEAE
*
Apium graveolens
Celery
APIACEAE
*
Aptenia cordifolia
Heart-leaf Ice-plant
AIZOACEAE
*
Araujia sericifera
White Bladder-flower
ASCLEPIADACEAE
*
Arctotheca calendula
Cape Weed
ASTERACEAE
*
Arrhenatherum elatius var. bulbosum
False Oat-grass
POACEAE
*
Artemisia
Wormwood
ASTERACEAE
*
Artemisia verlotorum
Chinese Wormwood
ASTERACEAE
*
Arthropodium milleflorum s.l
Pale Vanilla-lily
LILIACEAE
*
Arthropodium minus
Small Vanilla-lily
LILIACEAE
Arthropodium strictum s.l
Chocolate-lily
LILIACEAE
Arundo donax
Gaint Rush
POACEAE
*
Asparagus asparagoides
Bridal Creeper
ASPARAGOIDES
*
Asparagus officinalis
Asparagus
LILIACEAE
*
Asperula conferta
Common Woodruff
RUBIACEAE
Asperula scoparia
Prickly Woodruff
RUBIACEAE
Asplenium flabellifolium
Necklace Fern
ASPLENIACEAE
Aster subulatus
Aster-weed
ASTERACEAE
*
Atriplex prostrata
Hastate Orache
CHENOPODIACEAE
*
Atriplex semibaccata
Berry Saltbush
CHENOPODIACEAE
Austrodanthonia casepitosa
Common Wallaby-grass
POACEAE
Austrodanthonia duttoniana
Brown-back Wallaby-grass
POACEAE
Austrodanthonia eriantha
Hill Wallaby-grass
POACEAE
Austrodanthonia fulva
Copper-awned Wallaby-grass
POACEAE
Austrodanthonia geniculata
Kneed Wallaby-grass
POACEAE
Austrodanthonia laevis
Smooth Wallaby-grass
POACEAE
Austrodanthonia penicillata
Slender Wallaby-grass
POACEAE
Austrodanthonia pilosa
Velvet Wallaby-grass
POACEAE
Austrodanthonia racemosa var racemosa Stiped Wallaby -grass
Status
*
POACEAE
Austrodanthonia setacea
Bristly Wallaby-grass
POACEAE
Austrodanthonia tenuior
Purplish Wallaby-grass
POACEAE
Austrostipa bigeniculata
Kneed Spear-grass
POACEAE
Austrostipa blackii
Crested Spear-grass
POACEAE
Austrostipa densiflora
Dense Spear-grass
POACEAE
Austrostipa elegantissima
Feather Spear-grass
POACEAE
Austrostipa flavescens
Coast Spear-grass
POACEAE
Austrostipa mollis
Supple Spear-grass
POACEAE
Austrostipa muelleri
Wiry Spear-grass
POACEAE
Austrostipa nodosa
Knotty Spear-grass
POACEAE
Austrostipa pubinodis
Tall Spear-grass
POACEAE
Austrostipa rudis ssp. rudis
Veined Spear-grass
POACEAE
Austrostipa scabra ssp. falcata
Rough Spear-grass
POACEAE
Austrostipa semibarbata
Fibrous Spear-grass
POACEAE
Avena barbata
Bearded Oat
POACEAE
*
Avena fatua
Wild Oat
POACEAE
*
Avena sativa
Oat
POACEAE
*
Avena sterilis
Sterile Oat
POACEAE
*
Azolla filiculoides
Pacific Azolla
AZOLLACEAE
64
Scientific name
Common name
Family name
Azolla pinnata ssp. pinnata
Ferny Azolla
AZOLLACEAE
Banksia marginata
Silver Banksia
PROTEACEAE
+
Bellis perennis
English Daisy
ASTERACEAE
*
Berberis darwinii
Darwin's Barberry
BERBERIDACEAE
*
Berkheya rigida
African Thistle
ASTERACEAE
*
Bolboschoenus fluviatilis
Tall Club-sedge
CYPERACEAE
Bolboschoenus medianus
Marsh Club-sedge
CYPERACEAE
Bossiaea prostrata
Creeping Bossiaea
FABACEAE
Bothriochloa macra
Red-leg Grass
POACEAE
Brachychiton populneus ssp. populneus
Kurrajong
STERCULIACEAE
*
Brachyscome basaltica var. gracilis
Basalt Daisy
ASTERACEAE
+
Brachyscome perpusilla var purpusilla
Rayless Daisy
ASTERACEAE
Bracteantha viscosa
Sticky Everlasting
ASTERACEAE
Brassica X juncea
Indian Mustard
BRASSICACEAE
*
Brassica fruticulosa
Twiggy Turnip
BRASSICACEAE
*
Brassica nigra
Black Mustard
BRASSICACEAE
*
Brassica rapa
White Turnip
BRASSICACEAE
*
Briza maxima
Large Quaking-grass
POACEAE
*
Briza minor
Lesser Quaking-grass
POACEAE
*
Bromus catharticus
Prairie Grass
POACEAE
*
Bromus diandrus
Great Brome
POACEAE
*
Bromus hordeaceus ssp. hordeaceus
Soft Brome
POACEAE
*
Bromus rubens
Red Brome
POACEAE
*
Bulbine bulbosa
Yellow Bulbine-lily
LILIACEAE
+
Burchardia umbellata
Milkmaids
LILIACEAE
Bursaria spinosa
Sweet Bursaria
PITTOSPORACEAE
Caladenia carnea var. carnea
Pink Fingers
ORCHIDACEAE
Calandrinia calyptrata
Pink Purslane
PORTULACACEAE
Calandrinia eremaea
Small Purslane
PORTULACACEAE
Callistemon sieberi
River Bottlebrush
MYRTACEAE
Callitriche brachycarpa
Short Water Starwort
CALLITRICHACEAE
Callitriche stagnalis
Water Starwort
CALLITRICHACEAE
Calocasia antiquorum
Taro/ Elephant Ear
ARACEAE
*
Calocephalus citreus
Lemon Beauty-heads
ASTERACEAE
+
Calocephalus lacteus
Milky Beauty-heads
ASTERACEAE
+
Calystegia marginata
Forest Bindweed
CONOLVULACEAE
Calystegia sepium
Large Bindweed
CONVOLVULACEAE
Calystegia silvatica
Greater Bindweed
CONVOLVULACEAE
*
Capsella bursa-pastoris
Shepherd's Purse
BRASSICACEAE
*
Cardamine hirsuta s.l.
Hairy Wood-cress
BRASSICACEAE
*
Cardaria draba
Hoary Cress
BRASSICACEAE
*
Carduus pycnocephalus
Slender Thistle
ASTERACEAE
*
Carduus tenuiflorus
Slender Thistle
ASTERACEAE
*
Carex appressa
Tall Sedge
CYPERACEAE
Carex breviculmis
Short-stem Sedge
CYPERACEAE
Carex fascicularis
Tassel Sedge
CYPERACEAE
Carex inversa
Common Sedge
CYPERACEAE
Carex tereticaulis
Rush Sedge
CYPERACEAE
Carpobrotus edulis
Hottentot Fig
AIZOACEAE
Carpobrotus modestus
Inland Pigface
AIZOACEAE
Cassinia aculeata
Common Cassinia
ASTERACEAE
Cassinia arcuata
Drooping Cassinia
ASTERACEAE
Cassinia longifolia
Shiny Cassinia
ASTERACEAE
Cassytha melantha
Coarse Dodder-laurel
LAURACEAE
65
Status
*
*
Scientific name
Common name
Family name
Status
Catapodium marinum
Stiff Sand-grass
POACEAE
*
Catapodium rigidium
Fern Grass
POACEAE
*
Cedrus atlantica
Altlas Cedar
PINACEAE
*
Cedrus deodara
Deodar Cedar
PINACEAE
*
Celtis australis
Nettle Tree
ULMACEAE
*
Centaurium erythraea
Common Centaury
GENTIANACEAE
*
Centaurium tenuiflorum
Branched Centaury
GENTIANACEAE
*
Centipeda cunninghamii
Common Sneezeweed
ASTERACEAE
Centranthus ruber ssp. ruber
Red Valerian
VALERIANACEAE
*
Cerastium glomeratum s.l
Common Mouse-ear Chickweed
CARYOPHYLLACEAE
*
Chamaecytisus palmensis
Tree Lucerne
FABACEAE
*
Cheilanthes austrotenuifolia
Green Rock Fern
ADIANTACEAE
Cheilanthes distans
Bristly Cloak-fern
ADIANTACEAE
Cheilanthes sieberi ssp. sieberi
Narrow Rock Fern
ADIANTACEAE
Chenopodium album
Fat Hen
CHENOPODIACEAE
Chenopodium desertorum spp
microphyllum
Small-leaf Goosefoot
CHENOPODIACEAE
Chenopodium murale
Sowbane
CHENOPODIACEAE
Chenopodium pumilio
Clammy Goosefoot
CHENOPODIACEAE
Chloris truncata
Windmill Grass
POACEAE
*
*
LILIACEAE
*
Chrysanthemoides monilifera
Boneseed
ASTERACEAE
*
Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp.
monilifera
Boneseed
ASTERACEAE
*
Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp.
rotundata
Bitou-bush
ASTERACEAE
*
Chrysocephalum apiculatum s.l.
Common Everlasting
ASTERACEAE
+
Chrysocephalum semipapposum (form A) Clustered Everlasting
ASTERACEAE
Chlorophytum comosum
Ciclospermum leptophyllum
Slender Celery
APIACEAE
*
Cirsium vulgare
Spear Thistle
ASTERACEAE
*
Clematis microphylla var. microphylla
Small-leaved Clematis
RANUNCULACEAE
Clematis vitalba
Traveller's Joy
RANUNCULACEAE
*
Conium maculatum
Hemlock
APIACEAE
*
Convolvulus arvensis
Common Bindweed
CONVOLVULACEAE
*
Convolvulus erubescens
Pink Bindweed
CONVOLVULACEAE
Convolvulus remotus
Grassy Bindweed
CONVOLVULACEAE
Conyza albida
Fleabane
ASTERACEAE
*
Conyza bonariensis
Tall Fleabane
ASTERACEAE
*
Coprosma kirkii
Coprosma
RUBIACEAE
*
Coprosma quadrifida
Prickly Currant-bush
RUBIACEAE
Coprosma repens
Mirror-bush
RUBIACEAE
*
Coronopus didymus
Lesser Swine's-cress
BRASSICACEAE
*
Correa glabra
Rock Correa
RUTACEAE
RUTACEAE
#
Cortaderia selloana
Silver Pampas Grass
POACEAE
*
Corymbia maculata
Spotted Gum
MYRTACEAE
#
Cotoneaster glaucophyllus forma
serotinus
Large-leaf Cotoneaster
ROSACEAE
*
Cotoneaster pannosus
Velvet Cotoneaster
ROSACEAE
*
Cotula australis
Common Cotula
ASTERACEAE
Cotula coronopifolia
Water Buttons
ASTERACEAE
*
Craspedia variabilis
Variable Billy-buttons
ASTERACEAE
+
Crassula decumbens var. decumbens
Spreading Crassula
CRASSULACEAE
Crassula helmsii
Swamp Crassula
CRASSULACEAE
Crassula multicava ssp. multicava
Swamp Stonecrop
CRASSULACEAE
*
Crassula muscosa var muscosa
Clubmoss Crassula
CRASSULACEAE
*
Correa glabra x reflexa
66
Scientific name
Common name
Family name
Crassula sieberiana
Australian Stonecrop
CRASSULACEAE
Crassula tetragona ssp. robusta
Crassula
CRASSULACEAE
*
Crataegus monogyna
Hawthorn
ROSACEAE
*
Critesion hystrix
Mediterranean Barley-grass
POACEAE
*
Critesion murinum
Barley-grass
POACEAE
*
Crocosmia X crocosmiiflora
Montbretia
IRIDACEAE
*
Cullen parvum
Small Scurf-pea
FABACEAE
+
Cupressus arizonica
Arizona Cypress
CUPRESSACEAE
*
Cupressus macrocarpa
Monterey Cypress
CUPRESSACEAE
*
Cupressus sempervirens
Italian Cypress
CUPRESSACEAE
*
Cyathea australis
Rough Tree-fern
CYATHEACEAE
Cydonia oblonga
Quince
ROSACEAE
Cymbonotus preissianus
Austral Bear's-ears
ASTERACEAE
Cynara cardunculus
Artichoke Thistle
ASTERACEAE
*
Cynodon dactylon
Couch
POACEAE
*
Cynodon transvaalensis
Soft Couch
POACEAE
*
Cynoglossum suaveolens
Sweet Hound's-tongue
BORAGINACEAE
Cynosurus echinatus
Rough Dog's-tail
POACEAE
Cyperus brevicaulis
Short-leaf Flat-sedge
CYPERACEAE
Cyperus eragrostis
Drain Flat-sedge
CYPERACEAE
*
Cyperus tenellus
Tiny Flat-sedge
CYPERACEAE
*
Cyrtostylis reniformis
Small Gnat-orchid
ORCHIDACEAE
Cytisus scoparius
English Broom
FABACEAE
*
Dactylis glomerata
Cocksfoot
POACEAE
*
Datura stramonium
Common Thorn-apple
SOLANACEAE
*
Davesia leptophylla
Narrow-Leaf Bitter Pea
FABACEAE
Delairea odorata
Cape Ivy
ASTERACEAE
Desmodium gunnii
Southern Tick-trefoil
FABACEAE
Deyeuxia quadriseta
Reed Bent Grass
POACEAE
Dianella longifolia var longifolia
Pale Flax Lily
PHORMIACEAE
Dianella revoluta s.s.
Black-anther Flax-lily (s.s.)
PHORMIACEAE
Dianella spp.
Flax Lily
PHORMIACEAE
Dichanthium sericeum ssp. Sericeum
Silky Blue-grass
POACEAE
Dichelachne crinita
Long-hair Plume-grass
POACEAE
Dichelachne micrantha
Short-hair Plume-grass
POACEAE
Dichondra repens
Kidney-weed
CONVOLVULACEAE
Digitaria sanguinalis
Summer-grass
POACEAE
*
Diplotaxis tenuifolia
Sand Rocket
BRASSICACEAE
*
Dipodium punctatum s.l.
Hyacinth Orchid
ORCHIDACEAE
Dipogon lignosus
Common Dipogon
FABACEAE
*
Dipsacus fullonum ssp. fullonum
Wild Teasel
DIPSACACEAE
*
Disphyma crassifolium ssp. clavellatum
Rounded Moon-flower
AIZOACEAE
Distichlis distichophylla
Australian Salt-grass
POACEAE
Dittrichia graveolens
Stinkweed
ASTERACEAE
Dodonaea viscosa ssp. cuneata
Wedge-leaf Hop-bush
SAPINDACEAE
Doodia media ssp. australis
Common Rasp-fern
BLECHNACEAE
Drosanthemum candens
Redondo Creeper
AIZOACEAE
Drosera peltata spp peltata
Pale Sundew
DROSERACEAE
Echinochloa crus-galli
Common Barnyard Grass
POACEAE
Echinopogon ovatus
Common Hedgehog-grass
POACEAE
Echium plantagineum
Paterson's Curse
BORAGINACEAE
*
Egeria densa
Dense Waterweed
HYDROCHARITACEAE
*
Ehrharta erecta
Panic Veldt Grass
POACEAE
*
Ehrharta longiflora
Annual Veldt Grass
POACEAE
*
67
Status
*
*
*
#
*
*
*
Scientific name
Common name
Family name
Status
Einadia hastata
Saloop
CHENOPODIACEAE
Einadia nutans ssp nutans
Nodding Saltbush
CHENOPODIACEAE
Einadia trigonos ssp. trigonos
Lax Goosefoot
CHENOPODIACEAE
Elatine gratioloides
Waterwort
ELATINACEAE
Eleocharis acuta
Common Spike-sedge
CYPERACEAE
Eleocharis sphacelata
Tall Spike-sedge
CYPERACEAE
Eleusine tristachya
American Crow's-foot Grass
POACEAE
Elymus scaber
Common Wheat-grass
POACEAE
Enchylaena tomentosa var. tomentosa
Ruby Saltbush
CHENOPODIACEAE
Enneapogon nigricans
Nigger-heads
POACEAE
Epacris impressa
Common Heath
EPACRIDACEAE
Epilobium billardierianum spp
billardierianum
Smooth Willow-herb
ONAGRACEAE
Epilobium billardierianum ssp cinereum
Grey Willow-herb
ONAGRACEAE
Epilobium hirtigerum
Hairy Willow-herb
ONAGRACEAE
Eragrostis brownii
Common Love-grass
POACEAE
Eragrostis parviflora
Weeping Love-grass
POACEAE
Erica lustanica
Spanish Heath
ERICACEAE
*
Erigeron karvinskianus
Bony-tip Fleabane
ASTERACEAE
*
Erodium botrys
Big Heron's Bill
GERANIACEAE
*
Erodium crinitum
Blue Heron's-bill
GERANIACEAE
Erodium malacoides
Oval Heron's-bill
GERANIACEAE
*
Erodium moschatum
Musky Heron's-bill
GERANIACEAE
*
Eryngium ovinum
Blue Devil
APIACEAE
Eucalyptus botryoides
Southern Mahogany
MYRTACEAE
Eucalyptus camaldulensis
River Red Gum
MYRTACEAE
Eucalyptus citriodora
Lemon Scented Gum
MYRTACEAE
#
Eucalyptus cladocalyx
Sugar Gum
MYRTACEAE
#
Eucalyptus globulus ssp. bicostata
Eurabbie
MYRTACEAE
Eucalyptus globulus ssp. globulus
Southern Blue Gum
MYRTACEAE
Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. connata
Yellow Gum
MYRTACEAE
Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. megalocarpa Yellow Gum
MYRTACEAE
*
#
#
#
Eucalyptus melliodora
Yellow Box
MYRTACEAE
Eucalyptus ovata
Swamp Gum
MYRTACEAE
Eucalyptus sideroxylon s.s.
Mugga
MYRTACEAE
#
Eucalyptus tricarpa
Red Ironbark
MYRTACEAE
#
Eucalyptus viminalis
Manna Gum
MYRTACEAE
Eucalyptus viminalis ssp pyoriana
Coast Manna Gum
MYRTACEAE
Eucalyptus x studleyensis
Studlley Park Gum
MYRTACEAE
Euchiton involucratus .
Star Cudweed
ASTERACEAE
Euchiton sphaericus
Annual Cudweed
ASTERACEAE
Eutaxia spp.
Eutaxia
FABACEAE
Exocarpos cupressiformis
Cherry Ballart
SANTALACEAE
Exocarpos strictus
Pale-fruit Ballart
SANTALACEAE
Ficus carica
Fig
MORACEAE
*
Ficus macrophylla ssp. macrophylla
Moreton Bay Fig
MORACEAE
#
Ficus pumila
Creeping Fig
MORACEAE
*
Foeniculum vulgare
Fennel
APIACEAE
*
Fraxinus angustifolia
Desert Ash
OLEACEAE
*
Fraxinus excelsior
English Ash
OLEACEAE
*
Fraxinus spp.
Ash
OLEACEAE
*
Freesia alba x Freesia leichtlinii
Freesia
IRIDACEAE
*
Fumaria bastardii
Bastards Fumitory
FUMARIACEAE
*
Fumaria capreolata
Ramping Fumitory
FUMARIACEAE
*
68
+
Scientific name
Common name
Family name
Fumaria officinalis spp. agg.
Fumitory
FUMARIACEAE
*
Galenia secunda
Galenia
AIZOACEAE
*
Galium aparine
Cleavers
RUBIACEAE
*
Galium gaudichaudii
Rough Bedstraw
RUBIACEAE
Galium migrans
Wandering Bedstraw
RUBIACEAE
Galium murale
Small Bedstraw
RUBIACEAE
*
Gazania linearis
Gazania
ASTERACEAE
*
Genista linifolia
Genista
FABACEAE
*
Genista monspessulana
Montpellier Broom
FABACEAE
*
Genista racemosa
Broom
FABACEAE
*
Geranium dissectum
Cut-leaf Cranesbill
GERANIACEAE
*
Geranium retrorsum
Grassland Cranesbill
GERANIACEAE
Geranium solanderi s.l.
Austral Cranesbill
GERANIACEAE
Geranium Sp 5 sensu LP Smith
Naked Cranesbill
GERANIACEAE
Gladiolus tristis
Evening-flower Gladiolus
IRIDACEAE
Glyceria australis
Australian Sweet-grass
POACEAE
Glycine clandestina
Twining Glycine
FABACEAE
Glycine microphylla
Small-leaf Glycine
FABACEAE
Glycine tabacina s.l.
Variable Glycine
FABACEAE
Gomphocarpus fruticosa
Swan Plant
ASCLEPIADACEAE
Gonocarpus humilis
Shade Raspwort
HALORAGACEAE
Gonocarpus micranthus
Creeping Raspwort
HALORAGACEAE
Gonocarpus tetragynus
Common Raspwort
HALORAGACEAE
Goodenia ovata
Hop Goodenia
GOODENIACEAE
Goodenia pinnatifida
Cut-leaf Goodenia
GOODENIACEAE
Goodia lotifolia
Golden-tip
FABACEAE
+
Grevillea ilicifolia
Holly Grevillea
PROTEACEAE
#
Grevillea robusta
Silky Oak
PROTEACEAE
#
Grevillea rosmarinifolia s.l.
Rosemary Grevillea
PROTEACEAE
+
Gynatrix pulchella s.l.
Hemp Bush
MALVACEAE
Hakea laurina
Pincushion Hakea
PROTEACEAE
Hakea sp. (ex H. sericea sensu Willis
1972)
Bushy Hakea
PROTEACEAE
PROTEACEAE
Hakea suaveolens
Status
*
*
#
#
Haloragis heterophylla
Varied Raspwort
HALORAGACEAE
Hardenbergia violacea
Purple Coral-pea
FABACEAE
Hedera helix
Ivy
ARALIACEAE
*
Heliotropium europaeum
Common Heliotrope
BORAGINACEAE
*
Helminthotheca echioides
Ox-tongue
ASTERACEAE
*
Hemarthria uncinata var uncinata
Mat Grass
POACEAE
Hirschfeldia incana
Hoary Mustard
BRASSICACEAE
*
Holcus lanatus
Yorkshire Fog
POACEAE
*
Hydrocotyle laxiflora
Stinking Pennywort
APIACEAE
Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides
Shining Pennywort
APIACEAE
Hymenanthera dentata s.l.
Tree Violet
VIOLACEAE
Hypericum gramineum
Small St John's Wort
CLUSIACEAE
Hypericum perforatum
St John's Wort
CLUSIACEAE
*
Hypochoeris glabra
Smooth Cat's Ear
ASTERACEAE
*
Hypochoeris radicata
Cat's Ear
ASTERACEAE
*
Hypolepis rugosula
Ruddy Ground-fern
DENNSTAEDTIACEAE
Hypoxis glabella
Tiny Star
HYPOXIDACEAE
Ilex aquifolium
Holly
AQUIFOLIACEAE
Imperata cylindrica
Blady Grass
POACEAE
Indigofera australis
Austral Indigo
FABACEAE
69
*
Scientific name
Common name
Family name
Ipomoea indica
Lear's Morning-glory
CONVOLVULACEAE
*
Iris germanica
German Iris
IRIDACEAE
*
Iris pseudacorus
Yellow Flag
IRIDACEAE
*
Isolepis inundata
Swamp Club-sedge
CYPERACEAE
Isolepis marginata
Little Club-sedge
CYPERACEAE
Isolepis nodosa
Knobby Club-sedge
CYPERACEAE
Ixia maculata
Yellow Ixia
IRIDACEAE
*
Ixia paniculata
Ixia
IRIDACEAE
*
Ixia polystachya
Variable Ixia
IRIDACEAE
*
Juncus amabilis
Hollow Rush
JUNCACEAE
Juncus articulatus
Jointed Rush
JUNCACEAE
Juncus bufonius
Toad Rush
JUNCACEAE
Juncus caespiticius
Grassy Rush
JUNCACEAE
Juncus capitatus
Capitate Rush
JUNCACEAE
Juncus flavidus
Yellow Rush
JUNCACEAE
Juncus gregiflorus
Green Rush
JUNCACEAE
Juncus pallidus
Pale Rush
JUNCACEAE
Juncus planifolius
Broad-leaf Rush
JUNCACEAE
Juncus subsecundus
Finger Rush
JUNCACEAE
Juncus usitatus
Billabong Rush
JUNCACEAE
Kennedia prostrata
Running Postman
FABACEAE
Kickxia elatine
Sharp-leaved Fluellen
SCROPHULARIACEAE
*
Kickxia spuria
Blunt-leaved Fluellen
SCROPHULARIACEAE
*
Kunzea ericoides
Burgan
MYRTACEAE
Lactuca saligna
Willow-leaf Lettuce
ASTERACEAE
*
Lactuca serriola
Prickly Lettuce
ASTERACEAE
*
Lamium amplexicaule
Henbit Dead-nettle
LAMIACEAE
*
Lampranthus tegens
Little Noon-flower
AIZOACEAE
*
Lavatera arborea
Tree Mallow
MALVACEAE
*
Lavatera plebeia
Australian Hollyhock
MALVACEAE
Leersia oryzoides
Cut Grass
POACEAE
Lemna disperma
Common Duckweed
LEMNACEAE
Lemna minor
European Duckweed
LEMNACEAE
*
Leontodon taraxacoides
Hairy Hawkbit
ASTERACEAE
*
Lepidium africanum
Common Pepper-cress
BRASSICACEAE
*
Lepidium pseudotasmanicum
Shade Pepper-cress
BRASSICACEAE
Lepidosperma concavum
Sand-hill Sword-sedge
CYPERACEAE
Lepidosperma curtisiae
Little Sword-sedge
CYPERACEAE
Lepidosperma gunnii
Slender Sword-sedge
CYPERACEAE
Lepidosperma laterale var. laterale
Variable Sword-sedge
CYPERACEAE
Leptorhynchos squamatus
Scaly Buttons
ASTERACEAE
+
Leptorhynchos tenuifolius
Wiry Buttons
ASTERACEAE
+
Leptospermum lanigerum
Woolly Tea-tree
MYRTACEAE
Leptospermum obovatum
River Tea-tree
MYRTACEAE
Leptospermum petersonii
Lemmon-scented Tea-tree
MYRTACEAE
#
Ligustrum lucidum
Tree Privot
OLEACEAE
*
Ligustrum ovalifolium
Hedge Privot
OLEACEAE
*
Linaria pelisseriana
Pelisser's Toad-flax
SCROPHULARIACEAE
*
Linum marginale
Native Flax
LINACEAE
Linum trigynum
French Flax
LINACEAE
Lissanthe strigosa ssp. Subulata
Peach Heath
EPACRIDACEAE
Lobelia alata
Angled Lobelia
CAMPANULACEAE
Lobelia gibbosa s.l.
Tall Lobelia
CAMPANULACEAE
Lobularia maritima
Sweet Alyssum
BRASSICACEAE
70
Status
*
*
#
*
*
*
Scientific name
Common name
Family name
Status
Lolium perenne
Perennial Rye-grass
POACEAE
*
Lolium temulentum
Bearded Rye-grass
POACEAE
*
Lomandra filiformis ssp. coriacea
Wattle Mat-rush
XANTHORRHOEACEAE
Lomandra filiformis ssp. filiformis
Wattle Mat-rush
XANTHORRHOEACEAE
Lomandra longifolia ssp. longifolia
Spiny-headed Mat-rush
XANTHORRHOEACEAE
Lomandra multiflora ssp. multiflora
Many-flowered Mat-rush
XANTHORRHOEACEAE
Lonicera japonica
Japanese Honeysuckle
CAPRIFOLIACEAE
*
Lotus corniculatus
Bird's-foot Trefoil
FABACEAE
*
Lotus uliginosus
Greater Bird's-foot Trefoil
FABACEAE
*
Luzula meridionalis var. flaccida
Common Woodrush
JUNCACEAE
Lycium barbarum
Chinese Box-thorn
SOLANACEAE
*
Lycium ferocissimum
African Box-thorn
SOLANACEAE
*
Lycopus australis
Australian Gipsywort
LAMIACEAE
Lythrum salicaria
Purple Loosestrife
LYTHRACEAE
Maireana enchylaenoides
Wingless Bluebush
CHENOPODIACEAE
Malus x domestica
Apple
ROSACEAE
*
Malva neglecta
Dwarf Mallow
MALVACEAE
*
Malva parviflora
Small-flowered Mallow
MALVACEAE
*
Malva sylvestris var. sylvestris
Tall Mallow
MALVACEAE
*
Marrubium vulgare
Horehound
LAMIACEAE
*
Marsilea drummondii
Common Nardoo
MARSILEACEAE
+
Matricaria matricarioides
Rounded Chamomile
ASTERACEAE
*
Medicago polymorpha
Burr Medic
FABACEAE
*
Medicago sativa ssp sativa
Lucerne
FABACEAE
*
Melaleuca armillaris
Bracelet Honey-myrtle
MYRTACEAE
#
Melaleuca ericifolia
Swamp Paperbark
MYRTACEAE
+
Melaleuca hypericifolia
MYRTACEAE
#
Melaleuca stypheloides
MYRTACEAE
#
Melilotus albus
Bokhara Clover
FABACEAE
*
Melilotus indicus
Sweet Melilot
FABACEAE
*
Mentha australis
River Mint
LAMIACEAE
Mentha X cordiflora
Mint
LAMIACEAE
Microlaena stipoides var stipoides
Weeping Grass
POACEAE
Microseris aff. lanceolata (Basalt Plains)
Foothill Yam-daisy
ASTERACEAE
+
Microseris aff. lanceolata (Foothills)
Foothill Yam-daisy
ASTERACEAE
+
Microtis parviflora
Slender Onion-orchid
ORCHIDACEAE
Microtis unifolia
Common Onion-orchid
ORCHIDACEAE
Mirabilis jalapa
Four-o'clock
NYCTAGINACEAE
*
Modiola caroliniana
Carolina Mallow
MALVACEAE
*
Muehlenbeckia adpressa
Climbing Lignum
POLYGONACEAE
Muehlenbeckia complexa
Maiden Hair Vine
POLYGONACEAE
Muellerina eucalyptoides
Creeping Mistletoe
LORANTHACEAE
Myoporum insulare
Common Boobialla
MYOPORACEAE
Myoporum sp. (syn. M. viscosum)
Sticky Boobialla
MYOPORACEAE
Myosotis discolor
Yellow-and-blue Forget-me-not
BORAGINACEAE
Myriophyllum crispatium
Upright Water Milfoil
HALORAGACEAE
Nassella neesiana
Chillian Needle-grass
POACEAE
*
Nassella trichotoma
Serrated Tussock
POACEAE
*
Neopaxia australasica
White Purslane
PORTULACACEAE
Nicotiana suaveolens
Austral Tobacco
SOLANACEAE
Nothoscordum gracile
Fragrant False-garlic
ALLIACEAE
Notodanthonia semiannularis
Wetland Wallaby-grass
POACEAE
Oenothera stricta ssp stricta
Common Evening Primrose
ONAGRACEAE
*
Olea europaea ssp. europaea
Olive
OLEACEAE
*
71
*
*
*
Scientific name
Common name
Family name
Status
Olearia lirata
Snow Daisy-bush
ASTERACEAE
+
Olearia ramulosa var. ramulosa
Twiggy Daisy-bush
ASTERACEAE
Opercularia varia
Variable Stinkweed
RUBIACEAE
Opuntia ficus-indica
Indian Fig
CACTACEAE
*
Opuntia purberula
Prickly Pear
CACTACEAE
*
Opuntia robusta
Wheel Cactus
CACTACEAE
*
Opuntia
Common Prickly Pear
CACTACEAE
*
Opuntia stricta var. stricta
Common Prickly Pear
CACTACEAE
*
Opuntia vulgaris
Drooping Prickly Pear
CACTACEAE
*
Ornithogalum longibracteatum
Pregnant Onion
HYACINTHACEAE
*
Oxalis bowiei
Bowie Wood-sorrel
OXALIDACEAE
*
Oxalis corniculata spp. agg.
Yellow Wood-sorrel
OXALIDACEAE
*
OXALIDACEAE
*
Oxalis deppei
Oxalis exilis
Shady Wood-sorrel
OXALIDACEAE
Oxalis latifolia
Large-leaf Wood-sorrel
OXALIDACEAE
Oxalis perennans
Grassland Wood-sorrel
OXALIDACEAE
Oxalis pes-caprae
Soursob
OXALIDACEAE
*
Oxalis purpurea
Large-flower Wood-sorrel
OXALIDACEAE
*
Oxalis radicosa
Stout-rooted Wood-sorrel
OXALIDACEAE
Ozothamnus ferrugineus
Tree Everlasting
ASTERACEAE
Ozothamnus obcordatus
Grey Everlasting
ASTERACEAE
Panicum effusum
Hairy Panic
POACEAE
Papaver somniferum
Opium Poppy
PAPAVERACEAE
*
Paraserianthes lophantha
Cape Wattle
MIMOSACEAE
#
Parentucellia latifolia
Red Bartsia
SCROPHULARIACEAE
*
Parietaria judaica
Wall Pellitory
URTICACEAE
*
Paspalum dilatatum
Paspalum
POACEAE
*
Paspalum distichum
Water Couch
POACEAE
*
Pelargonium X domesticum
Garden Geranium
GERANIACEAE
*
Pelargonium australe
Austral Stork's-bill
GERANIACEAE
Pelargonium inodorum
Kopata
GERANIACEAE
Pellaea falcata
Sickle Fern
ADIANTACEAE
Pennisetum clandestinum
Kikuyu
POACEAE
*
Pennisetum villosum
Feathertop
POACEAE
*
Pentapogon quadrifidus
Five-awned Spear-grass
POACEAE
Persicaria decipiens
Slender Knotweed
POLYGONACEAE
Persicaria hydropiper
Water-pepper
POLYGONACEAE
Persicaria lapathifolia
Pale Knotweed
POLYGONACEAE
*
Persicaria maculosa
Persicaria
POLYGONACEAE
*
Persicaria praetermissa
Spotted Knotweed
POLYGONACEAE
Persicaria prostrata
Creeping Knotweed
POLYGONACEAE
Persicaria subsessilis
Hairy Knotweed
POLYGONACEAE
Petrorhagia velutina
Veltvety Pink
CARYOPHYLLACEAE
*
Phalaris aquatica
Toowoomba Canary-grass
POACEAE
*
Phalaris arundinacea
Reed Canary-grass
POACEAE
*
Phalaris minor
Lesser Canary-grass
POACEAE
*
Phoenix canariensis
Canary Island Date Palm
ARECACEAE
*
Phragmites australis
Common Reed
POACEAE
Physalis peruviana
Cape Gooseberry
SOLANACEAE
Pimelea curviflora s.I
Curved Rice-flower
THYMELAEACEAE
Pimelea humilis
Common Rice-flower
THYMELAEACEAE
Pinus pinaster
Cluster Pine
PINACEAE
*
Pinus radiata
Radiata Pine
PINACEAE
*
Piptatherum miliaceum
Rice Millet
POACEAE
*
72
*
*
Scientific name
Common name
Family name
Pittosporum eugenioides
Tarata
PITTOSPORACEAE
*
Pittosporum undulatum
Sweet Pittosporum
PITTOSPORACEAE
#
Plantago coronopus
Buck's-horn Plantain
PLANTAGINACEAE
*
Plantago lanceolata
Ribwort
PLANTAGINACEAE
*
Plantago major
Greater Plantain
PLANTAGINACEAE
*
Plantago varia
Variable Plantain
PLANTAGINACEAE
Plantanus X acerifolia
London Plane Tree
PLANTANACEAE
Platylobium obtusangulum
Common Flat-pea
FABACEAE
Platysace heterophylla
Slender Platysace
APIACEAE
Poa annua
Annual Meadow-grass
POACEAE
Poa ensiformis
Sword Tussock-grass
POACEAE
Poa labillardieri
Common Tussock-grass
POACEAE
Poa labillardieri (Basalt Plains form)
Blue Prickly Tussock-grass
POACEAE
Poa morrisii
Soft Tussock-grass
POACEAE
Poa pratensis
Kentucky Blue-grass
POACEAE
Poa rodwayi
Velvet Tussock-grass
POACEAE
Poa sieberiana var. sieberiana
Grey Tussock-grass
POACEAE
Polycarpon tetraphyllum
Four-leaved Allseed
CARYOPHYLLACEAE
*
Polygonum aviculare s.l.
Prostrate Knotweed
POLYGONACEAE
*
Polypogon monspeliensis
Annual Beard-grass
POACEAE
*
Polystichum proliferum
Mother Shield-fern
DRYOPTERIDACEAE
Pomaderris aspera
Hazel Pomaderris
RHAMNACEAE
Pomaderris racemosa
Cluster Pomaderris
RHAMNACEAE
Populus alba
White Poplar
SALICACEAE
*
Populus nigra 'Italica'
Lombardy Poplar
SALICACEAE
*
Populus x canescens
Grey Poplar
SALICACEAE
*
Poranthera microphylla
Small Poranthera
EUPHORBIACEAE
Portulaca oleracea
Common Purslane
PORTULACACEAE
Potamogeton pectinatus
Fennel Pondweed
POTAMOGETONACEAE
Prostanthera lasianthos
Victorian Christmas-bush
LAMIACEAE
+
Prunella vulgaris
Self-heal
LAMIACEAE
*
Prunus cerasifera
Cherry-plum
ROSACEAE
*
Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra'
Purple-leaved Plum
ROSACEAE
*
Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum
Jersey cudweed
ASTERACEAE
Psoralea pinnata
Blue Psoralea
FABACEAE
Pteridium esculentum
Austral Bracken
DENNSTAEDTIACEAE
Pteris tremula
Tender Brake
ADIANTACEAE
Pterostylis concinna
Trim Greenhood
ORCHIDACEAE
Pterostylis longifolia
Tall Greenhood
ORCHIDACEAE
Pterostylis pedunculata
Maroonhood
ORCHIDACEAE
Ptilotus spathulatus f. spathulatus
Pussy-tails
AMARANTHACEAE
+
Pyracantha crenulata
Nepal Firethorn
ROSACEAE
*
Quercus robur
English Oak
FAGACEAE
*
Ranunculus repens
Creeping Buttercup
RANUNCULACEAE
*
Rapanea howittiana
Muttonwood
MYRSINACEAE
Raphanus raphanistrum
Wild Radish
BRASSICACEAE
*
Rapistrum rugosum
Giant Mustard
BRASSICACEAE
*
Rhagodia candolleana ssp candolleana
Seaberry Saltbush
CHENOPODIACEAE
Ricinus communis
Caster-Oil Plant
EUPHORBIACEAE
*
Robinia pseudoacacia
Locust Tree
FABACEAE
*
Romulea rosea
Common Onion-grass
IRIDACEAE
*
Rorippa palustris
Yellow Marsh-cress
BRASSICACEAE
*
Rosa canina
Dog Rose
ROSACEAE
*
Rosa rubiginosa
Sweet Briar
ROSACEAE
*
73
Status
*
*
+
*
*
*
Scientific name
Common name
Family name
Rubus discolor
Blackberry
ROSACEAE
Rubus parvifolius
Small-leaf Bramble
ROSACEAE
Rumex bidens
Mud Dock
POLYGONACEAE
Rumex brownii
Slender Dock
POLYGONACEAE
Rumex conglomeratus
Clustered Dock
POLYGONACEAE
Rumex crispus
Curled Dock
POLYGONACEAE
*
Rumex dumosus
Wiry Dock
POLYGONACEAE
+
Rumex pulcher ssp. pulcher
Fiddle Dock
POLYGONACEAE
*
Sagina apetala
Common Pearlwort
CARYOPHYLLACEAE
*
Sagina procumbens
Spreading Pearlwort
CARYOPHYLLACEAE
*
Salix babylonica
Weeping Willow
SALICACEAE
*
Salix cinerea
Grey Sallow
SALICACEAE
*
Salix fragilis
Crack Willow
SALICACEAE
*
Salix matsudana
Tortured Willow
SALICACEAE
*
Salix X rubens
Basket Willow
SALICACEAE
*
Salpichroa origanifolia
Pampas Lily-of-the-Valley
SOLANACEAE
*
Salvia verbenaca var. vernalis
Wild Sage
LAMIACEAE
*
Sambucus gaudichaudiana
White Elderberry
CAPRIFOLIACEAE
Sanguisorba minor ssp. muricata
Salad Burnet
ROSACEAE
*
Schinus molle
Pepper Tree
ANACARDIACEAE
*
Schoenoplectus validus
River Club-sedge
CYPERACEAE
Schoenus apogon
Common Bog-sedge
CYPERACEAE
Sclerolaena muricata var. villosa
Grey Roly-poly
CHENOPODIACEAE
Sedum acre
Wall-pepper
CRASSULACEAE
*
Sedum praealtum ssp praealtum
Shrubby Stonecrop
CRASSULACEAE
*
Senecio biserratus
Jagged Fireweed
ASTERACEAE
Senecio glomeratus
Annual Fireweed
ASTERACEAE
Senecio hispidulus var hispidulus
Rough Fireweed
ASTERACEAE
Senecio hispidulus var. dissectus
Rough Fireweed
ASTERACEAE
Senecio minimus
Shrubby Fireweed
ASTERACEAE
Senecio pinnatifolius
Variable Groundsel
ASTERACEAE
Senecio quadridentatus
Cotton Fireweed
ASTERACEAE
Senecio tamoides
Canary Creeper
ASTERACEAE
*
Senecio vulgaris
Common Groundsel
ASTERACEAE
*
Setaria gracilis var. gracilis
Slender Pigeon Grass
POACEAE
*
Setaria verticillata
Whorled Pigeon-grass
POACEAE
*
Sherardia arvensis
Field Madder
RUBIACEAE
*
Sigesbeckia orientalis
Indian Weed
ASTERACEAE
Silene gallica
French Catchfly
CARYOPHYLLACEAE
*
Silybum marianum
Variegated Thistle
ASTERACEAE
*
Sisymbrium irio
London Rocket
BRASSICACEAE
*
Sisyrinchium iridifolium
Blue Pig Root
IRIDACEAE
*
Sisyrinchium sp. A
Scour-weed
IRIDACEAE
*
Solanum americanum
Glossy Nightshade
SOLANACEAE
*
Solanum aviculare
Kangaroo Apple
SOLANACEAE
Solanum laciniatum
Large Kangaroo Apple
SOLANACEAE
Solanum mauritianum
Wild Tobacco Tree
SOLANACEAE
*
Solanum nigrum complex spp. agg.
Black Nightshade (spp.agg)
SOLANACEAE
*
Solanum nigrum s.I.
Black Nightshade
SOLANACEAE
*
Solanum pseudocapsicum
Madeira Winter-cherry
SOLANACEAE
*
Solenogyne dominii
Smooth Solenogyne
ASTERACEAE
Solenogyne gunnii
Hairy Solenogyne
ASTERACEAE
Soliva sessilis
Jo Jo
ASTERACEAE
*
Sollya heterophylla
Bluebell Creeper
PITTOSPORACEAE
#
74
Status
*
*
Scientific name
Common name
Family name
Status
Sonchus asper s.l.
Rough Sow-thistle
ASTERACEAE
*
Sonchus oleraceus
Common Sow-thistle
ASTERACEAE
*
Spartium junceum
Spanish Broom
FABACEAE
*
Spergularia rubra s.l.
Red Sand-spurrey
CARYOPHYLLACEAE
*
Spirodela punctata
Thin Duckweed
LEMNACEAE
Sporobolus indicus var. capensis
Indian Rat-tail Grass
POACEAE
Spyridium parvifolium
Dusty Miller
RHAMNACEAE
Stachys arvensis
Stagger Weed
LAMIACEAE
*
Stellaria media
Chickweed
CARYOPHYLLACEAE
*
Stellaria pungens
Prickly Starwort
CARYOPHYLLACEAE
Stenotaphrum secundatum
Buffalo Grass
POACEAE
*
Taraxacum Sect. Hamata
Garden Dandelion
ASTERACEAE
*
Taraxacum Sect. Ruderalia
Garden Dandelion
ASTERACEAE
*
Tecomaria capenmsis
Cape Honeysuckle
BIGNONIACAEAE
*
Tetragonia tetragonioides
New Zealand Spinach
AIZOACEAE
Teucrium corymbosum s.l.
Forest Germander
LAMIACEAE
Thelymitra pauciflora
Slender Sun Orchid
ORCHIDACEAE
Thelymitra rubra
Salmon Sun-orchid
ORCHIDACEAE
Themeda triandra
Kangaroo Grass
POACEAE
Tradescantia albiflora
Wandering Jew
COMMELINACEAE
*
Tragopogon porrifolius
Salsify
ASTERACEAE
*
Tribolium acutiflorum
Desmazenia
POACEAE
*
Tricoryne elatior
Yellow Rush-lily
PHORMIACEAE
Trifolium angustifolium var. angustifolium Narrow-leaf Clover
*
FABACEAE
*
Trifolium dubium
Suckling Clover
FABACEAE
*
Trifolium fragiferum var. fragiferum
Strawberry Clover
FABACEAE
*
Trifolium glomeratum
Cluster Clover
FABACEAE
*
Trifolium repens var repens
White Clover
FABACEAE
*
Trifolium subterraneum
Subterraneum Clover
FABACEAE
*
Triglochin procerum spp. agg.
Water-ribbons
JUNCAGINACEAE
Triptilodiscus pygmaeus
Common Sunray
ASTERACEAE
Tristaniopsis conferta
Brush Box
MYRTACEAE
Tropaeolum majus
Nasturtium
TROPAEOLACEAE
Typha domingensis
Cumbungi
TYHPHACEAE
Typha latifolia
Great Reedmace
TYPHACEAE
Typha orientalis
Cumbungi
TYPHACEAE
Ulex europaeus
Furze
FABACEAE
*
Ulmus porcera
Elm
ULMACEAE
*
Urtica incisa
Scrub Nettle
URTICACEAE
Urtica urens
Small Nettle
URTICACEAE
*
Verbascum thapsus
Great Mullein
SCROPHULARIACEAE
*
Verbascum virgatum
Twiggy Mullein
SCROPHULARIACEAE
*
Verbena bonariensis s.l.
Purple-top Verbena
VERBENACEAE
*
Verbena officinalis s.l.
Common Verbena
VERBENACEAE
*
Veronica arvensis
Wall Speedwell
SCROPHULARIACEAE
*
Veronica gracilis
Slender Speedwell
SCROPHULARIACEAE
Veronica plebeia
Trailing Speedwell
SCROPHULARIACEAE
Viburnum tinus
Laurestinus
CAPRIFOLIACEAE
*
Vicia sativa
Common Vetch
FABACEAE
*
Vicia tetrasperma
Slender Vetch
FABACEAE
*
Vinca major
Blue Periwinkle
APOCYNACEAE
*
Viola hederacea s.l.
Ivy-leaf Violet
VIOLACEAE
Viola odorata
Common Violet
VIOLACEAE
Vittadinia cuneata var. cuneata
Fuzzy New Holland Daisy
ASTERACEAE
75
*
*
*
Scientific name
Common name
Family name
Vulpia bromoides
Squirrel-tail Fescue
POACEAE
*
Vulpia myuros
Rat's-tail Fescue
POACEAE
*
Wahlenbergia communis s.l.
Tufted Bluebell
CAMPANULACEAE
Wahlenbergia gracilenta s.l.
Annual Bluebell
CAMPANULACEAE
Wahlenbergia gracilis s.l.
Sprawling Bluebell
CAMPANULACEAE
Wahlenbergia luteola
Yellowish Bluebell
CAMPANULACEAE
Wahlenbergia multicaulis s.l.
Many-stemmed Bluebell
CAMPANULACEAE
Wahlenbergia stricta
Tall Bluebell
CAMPANULACEAE
Watsonia meriana
Bulbil Watsonia
IRIDACEAE
Wurmbea dioica
Common Early Nancy
COLCHICACEAE
Zantedeschia aethiopica
White Arum Lily
ARACEAE
Key to Symbols
*
Exotic species
#
Non-indigenous native species
+
Re-introduced indigenous species
76
Status
*
*
Appendix 6
Flora species important in the Melbourne Region
Scientific name
Common name
Adiantum aethiopicum
Common Maidenhair
Agrostis aemula
Purplish Blown Grass
Agrostis avenacea var. avenacea
Common Blown Grass
Agrostis avenacea var. perennis
Wetland Blown Grass
Allocasuarina littoralis
Black Sheoke
Allocasuarina verticillata
Drooping Sheoke
Amphibromus macrorhinus
Long-nosed Swamp Wallaby-gras
Amphibromus nervosus
Veined Swamp Wallaby-grass
Asperula scoparia
Prickly Woodruff
Asplenium flabellifolium
Necklace Fern
Banksia marginata
Silver Banksia
Bolboschoenus fluviatilis
Stream Club-sedge
Bothriochloa macra
Red-leg Grass
Bracteantha viscosa
Shiny Everlasting
Bursaria spinosa var. macrophylla
Sweet Bursaria
Caladenia carnea var. carnea
Pink Fingers
Calandrinia calyptrata
Pink Purslane
Calandrinia eremaea
Small Purslane
Callistemon sieberi
River Bottlebrush
Carex tereticaulis
Rush Sedge
Carpobrotus modestus
Inland Pigface
Cheilanthes austrotenuifolia
Green Rock Fern
Cheilanthes sieberi ssp. sieberi
Narrow Rock Fern
Chenopodium desertorum spp microphyllum
Frosted Goosefoot
Chrysocephalum semipapposum
Clustered Everlasting
Convolvulus remotus
Grassy Bindweed
Correa glabra
Rock Correa
Cyathea australis
Rough Tree-fern
Cynoglossum suaveolens
Sweet Hound's-tongue
Cyrtostylis reniformis
Small Gnat-orchid
Danthonia tenuior
Purplish Wallaby -grass
Davesia leptophylla
Narrow Leaf Bitter Pea
Desmodium gunnii
Southern Tick-trefoil
Deyeuxia quadriseta
Reed Bent Grass
Dianella aff longifolia (Volanic Plains)
Flax Lily
Dianella longifolia var longifolia sensu conran
Pale Flax Lily
Dipodium punctatum
Hyacinth Orchid
Dipodium punctatum
Hyacinth Orchid
Disphyma crassifolium
Rounded Noon-flower
Dodonaea viscosa ssp. cuneata
Wedge-leaf Hop-bush
Doodia media ssp. australis
Common Rasp-fern
Drosera peltata spp peltata
Pale Sundew
Echinopogon ovatus
Common Hedgehog-grass
Einadia trigonos ssp. trigonos
Hill Saltbush
Elatine gratioloides
Waterwort
Eragrostis parviflora
Weeping Love-grass
Erodium crinitum
Blue Heron's-bill
Eucalyptus globulus ssp. bicostata
Eurabbie
Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. connata
Yellow Gum
Exocarpos strictus
Pale-fruit Ballart
Galium gaudichaudii
Rough Bedstraw
Galium migrans
Bedstraw
Geranium retrorsum
Grassland Cranesbill
Glycine tabacina s.l.
Variable Glycine
Goodenia pinnatifida
Cut-leaf Goodenia
77
Scientific name
Common name
Gynatrix pulchella s.l.
Hemp Bush
Hakea sp. (ex H. sericea sensu Willis 1972)
Bushy Hakea
Haloragis heterophylla
Varied Raspwort
Hypolepis rugosula
Ruddy Ground-fern
Imperata cylindrica
Blady Grass
Indigofera australis
Austral Indigo
Juncus caespiticius
Grassy Rush
Kunzea ericoides
Burgan
Lavatera plebeia
Australian Hollyhock
Lepidosperma concavum
Sand-hill Sword-sedge
Lepidosperma curtisiae
Little Sword-sedge
Lepidosperma laterale var. laterale
Variable Sword-sedge
Leptospermum obovatum
River Tea-tree
Lissanthe strigosa
Peach Heath
Lycopus australis
Australian Gipsywort
Maireana enchylaenoides
Wingless Bluebush
Microtis parviflora
Slender Onion-orchid
Microtis unifolia
Common Onion-orchid
Muehlenbeckia adpressa
Climbing Lignum
Myoporum insulare
Common Boobialla
Olearia lirata
Snow Daisy-bush
Ozothamnus obcordatus
Grey Everlasting
Panicum effusum
Hairy Panic
Pelargonium australe
Austral Stork's-bill
Pellaea falcata
Sickle Fern
Pentapogon quadrifidus
Five-awned Spear-grass
Persicaria praetermissa
Spotted Knotweed
Persicaria subsessilis
Hairy Knotweed
Pimelea curviflora var. sericea
Curved Rice-flower
Platylobium obtusangulum
Common Flat-pea
Platysace heterophylla
Slender Platysace
Poa rodwayi
Velvet Tussock-grass
Polystichum proliferum
Mother Shield-fern
Pomaderris racemosa
Cluster Pomaderris
Potamogeton pectinatus
Fennel Pondweed
Prostanthera lasianthos
Victorian Christmas-bush
Pteris tremula
Tender Brake
Pterostylis concinna
Trim Greenhood
Pterostylis longifolis
Tall Greenhood
Pterostylis pedunculata
Maroonhood
Rapanea howittiana
Muttonwood
Sambucus gaudichaudiana
White Elderberry
Sclerolaena muricata var. villosa
Five-spined Bassia
Senecio biserratus
Jagged Fireweed
Senecio hispidulus var. dissectus
Rough Fireweed
Senecio lautus (dissected leaf form)
Coast Groundsel
Sigesbeckia orientalis
Indian Weed
Solenogyne gunnii
Solenogyne
Spyridium parvifolium
Dusty Miller
Stipa blackii
Crested Spear-grass
Stipa densiflora
Dense Spear-grass
Stipa elegantissima
Feather Spear-grass
Stipa flavescens
Coast Spear-grass
Tetragonia tetragonioides
New Zealand Spinach
Teucrium corymbosum
Forest Germander
Thelymitra pauciflora
Slender Sun Orchid
Thelymitra rubra
Salmon Sun Orchid
Triptilodiscus pygmaeus
Common Sunray
78
Scientific name
Common name
Viola hederacea
Ivy-leaf Violet
Vittadinia cervicularis
Annual New Holland Daisy
Vittadinia cuneata var. cuneata
Fuzzy New Holland Daisy
Wahlenbergia luteola
Yellowish Bluebell
79
Appendix 7
Yarra Bend Park FFG listed and threatened flora species and
Communities
Scientific name
Common name
Agrostis aemula var. setifolia
Gilgai Blown Grass
FFG listed
AROT status
VROT status
v
Agrostis avenacea var. perennis
Wetland Blown Grass
k
Bolboschoenus fluviatilis
Tall Club-sedge
Callitriche brachycarpa
Short Water Starwort
Cullen parvum
Small Scurf-pea
Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. connata
Yellow Gum
Poa labillardieri (Victorian Plains form)
Blue Prickly Tussock Grass
k
9
R
v
E
e
v
k
Western (Basalt) Plains
Grassland Community
9
Rocky Chenopod Open
Scrub Community
9
e
Endangered in Victoria, i.e. rare and at risk of disappearing from the wild state if present land use and other causal factors
continue to operate.
v
Vulnerable in Victoria, i.e. rare, not presently endangered but likely to become so soon due to continued depletion, or
which largely occur on sites likely to experience changes in land use which would threaten the survival of the species in
the wild.
r
Plants which are rare in Victoria but which are not considered otherwise threatened. This category does not necessarily
imply that plants are substantially threatened, but merely that there are relatively few known stands.
k
species poorly known, suspected of being in one of the above categoris.
E
Endangerd species in serious risk of disappearing from the wild state within one or two years if present land use and other
causal factors continue to operate.
V
Vulnerable species not presently endangered but at risk over a longer period through continued depletion, or which
largely occur on sites likely to experience changes in land use which would threaten the survival of the species in the wild.
R
Species which are rare in Australia but which are not currently considered endangered or vulnerable. Such species may
be represented by a relatively large population in very restricted areas or by smaller populations spread over a wider
range.
80
Statewide distribution of FFG flora species and communities
Cullen Parvum
Small Scurf-pea
The Action Statement prepared for the Small Scurf-pea indicates although the species was considerably
more widespread in the past, there are now only eight known populations of the species in the north and
south of central Victoria excluding Yarra Bend Park. It is found in grassland and grassy woodland which is
subject to irregular flooding on alluvial and basalt soils. The main stronghold of the species is in the
Barmah State Park and State Forest. Within the Port Phillip CaLP region the species only occurs in Yarra
Bend Park, along a road reserve between Shelford and Mt Mercer and a single plant in Deer Park.
These three locations in the Port Phillip CaLP region therefore play a vital role in the conservation of this
species.
Western (Basalt) Plains Grassland Community
The Action Statement prepared for this community indicates that Western (Basalt) Plains Grassland
occurs within a 23 000 square kilometre area of flat to undulating basalt plains in Victoria. This area is
bounded by Melbourne to the east, Hamilton to the west, Beaufort to the north and Colac to the south.
Very little of the community remains intact. In 1986 only 3000 hectares supported the community now
listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. Typically these sites are isolated remnants
surrounded by introduced vegetation. The land tenure of the remnants on basalt-derived soils was:
private land 46%, roadside 28%, unreserved Crown Land 10%, disused rail reserves 7%, rail reserves
6%, biological reserves 2% and cemeteries <1%.
Rocky Chenopod Open Scrub Community
No Action statement has been prepared for this community.The distribution of this community in Victoria
is unknown.
81
Distribution of FFG flora species and communities within the Park
Scientific name
Common name
Characteristics/Vegetation types
Cullen parvum
Small Scurf-pea
ƒ
The top growth dies back over
summer and sprouts again in
spring
ƒ
Occurs at reconstructed wetland
in the Park
ƒ
The population has increased
from the original plants
transplanted.
ƒ
Occurs on basalt soils in the
Park
ƒ
Remnants are dominated by
Kangaroo Grass, with subdominant grasses such as
wallaby grasses.
ƒ
Woody plants are generally
absent with occasional scattered
trees and shrubs.
ƒ
Occurs on steep escarpments
formed by the Yarra River
eroding the Silurian
sandstone/mudstone soils
ƒ
Canopy is open with Yellow gum
the dominant tree over a typically
tall understorey featuring Gold
Dust Wattle, Golden Wattle and
Shiny Cassinia (Yarra Bend Park
Trust). Sub shrubs such as
Saloop, Nodding Saltbush and
the succulent inland Pigface and
tussock grasses are
characteristic of the field layer
(Yarra Bend Park Trust)
Focus area
A
Plant community
Western (Basalt) Plains
Grassland Community
Rocky Chenopod Open
Scrub Community
A, C
B, D,
Action statements and major recommendations for FFG flora
Listed species
Major recommendations
Small Scurf-pea
ƒ
To ensure the long term survival of the species maintain flooding regime and weed control in
the area.
Western (Basalt) Plains
Grassland Community
ƒ
Protect existing remnants.
ƒ
Improve the quality of remnants.
ƒ
Prevent damaging activities and use fire and herbicides as management tools.
82
Statewide distribution of threatened flora species
Callitriche brachycarpa
Short Water Starwort
The Short Water Starwort only occurs in six locations across the state. It occurs in three locations on the
Otway Coast and in three locations in the Port Phillip CaLP region. In the Port Phillip CaLP region the
species occurs in Yarra Bend Park and in two sites south of the Kinglake National Park. These three
locations in the Port Phillip CaLP region therefore play a vital role in the conservation of this species.
Agrostis aemula var. setifolia
Gilgai Blown Grass
The Gilgai Blown Grass only occurs in a limited number of locations across the state. These locations
are from Ballarat to the Little Dessert National Park in the west of the state, north of the Melbourne
metropolitan area and on the east coast. Within the Port Phillip CaLP region the species is only found in
Yarra Bend Park and around Plenty Gorge. These locations in the Port Phillip CaLP region therefore play
a vital role in the conservation of this species.
Bolboschoenus fluviatilis
Tall Club-sedge
The Tall Club-sedge only occurs in approximately eight locations across the state. These locations
include the Victorian Volcanic Plains in the west, the Midlands in central Victoria and East Gippsland
(Walsh and Entwisle 1994a). Within the Port Phillip CaLP region the species is only found in two locations
including Yarra Bend Park. These locations in the Port Phillip CaLP region therefore play a vital role in
the conservation of this species.
Agrostis avenacea var. perennis
Wetland Blown Grass
Specimens of Wetland Blown Grass have been recorded in Victoria from near the Yarra River, from
Wando Vale near Casterton and from Snowy Creek, a tributary of the upper Overns River, near
Freeburgh. However, further studies may show the formal distinction given to var. perennis from the
widespread Common Blown-grass (Agrostis avenacea) may be unnecessary, as the distinctive features
of var. perennis may be as much due to ecological as genetic factors (Walsh and Entwisle 1994a).The
distribution of the species in the Port Phillip CaLP region is unknown.
Cullen parvum
See previous description for this species
Small Scurf-pea
Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. connata
Yellow Gum
The distribution of this non-glaucous form of E. leucoxylon is limited to two locations within the Port Phillip
CaLP region, the Brisbane Ranges and northeastern metropolitan Melbourne including Yarra Bend Park
(Walsh and Entwisle 1994b). These two locations in the Port Phillip CaLP region therefore play a vital role
in the conservation of this species.
Poa labillardieri (Basalt Plains form)
Blue Prickly Tussock Grass
The distribution of this species in Victoria is unknown.
83
Distribution of threatened flora in Yarra Bend Park
Scientific name
Common name
Characteristics/vegetation types
Agrostis aemula var.
setifolia
Gilgai Blown Grass
ƒ
Location and identification to
be confirmed
ƒ
Requires seasonally wet
soils.
ƒ
Compact annual tuft.
ƒ
Location and identification to
be confirmed.
ƒ
Assumed to occur at Asylum
Terraces site
ƒ
Occurs as a semi-aquatic on
the Yarra River at 2 locations
ƒ
Positively identified by the
Herbarium
ƒ
Tufted sedge to 2m brown
woody stems.
ƒ
Occurs in moist areas of dry
sclerophyll forest and riparian
scrub.
ƒ
Requires moist soils.
ƒ
Very small prostrate herb.
Agrostis avenacea var.
perennis
Bolboschoenus fluviatilis
Callitriche brachycarpa
Wetland Blown Grass
Tall Club-sedge
Short Water Starwort
Focus area
A
A
A
Cullen parvum
Small Scurf-pea
ƒ
See previous description for
this species
Open parkland
Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp.
connata
Yellow Gum
ƒ
Dominant overstorey species
of Valley Forest and Rocky
Outcrop Shrubland
vegetation in Yarra Bend
Park
B, D, E, Open
parkland
ƒ
Affected by dieback in small
areas of the Park
ƒ
Location and identification to
be confirmed
ƒ
Assumed to occur at the St
Albans site in the Park. The
St Albans site is a
reconstructed grassland
which was introduced into the
Park after it was salvaged
from a development site in St
Albans
Poa labillardieri (Basalt
Plains form)
Blue Prickly Tussock
Grass
84
Appendix 8
Statewide distribution of JAMBA/CAMBA species
Gallinago hardwickii
Latham’s Snipe
Recorded sightings of the Latham’s Snipe are scattered throughout the state, with particular
concentrations around coastal areas, the Melbourne metropolitan area and the Murray River south of
Swan Hill. The species has been widely sighted across the Port Phillip CaLP region.
Ardea alba
Great Egret
The Great Egret has been a limited distribution in Victoria, mainly along the Murray River and the east
and west coast of Victoria. The only recorded sighting of the species in the Port Phillip CaLP region is at
Yarra Bend Park.
Hirundapus caudacutus
White-throated Neeedletail
The White-throated Needletail has been widely sighted across most of Victoria. Fewer sightings have
been recorded in the northwestern part of the state. The species also appears to have been sighted
more frequently in the southern and eastern areas of the state than in the west of the state. The species
has been widely sighted across the Port Phillip CaLP region.
Tringa nebularia
Common Greenshank
The Common Greenshank has been widely sighted around Port Phillip Bay, the Murray River, western
Victoria and the Victorian Coast. Fewer sightings have been recorded in eastern Victoria. The species
has been widely sighted across the Port Phillip CaLP region.
Ardea ibis
Cattle Egret
Sightings of the Cattle Egret are scattered throughout Victoria, with particular concentrations around
coastal areas, the Melbourne metropolitan area and the Murray River. Fewer sightings have been
recorded in the northeast and north west of the state. The species has been widely sighted across the
Port Phillip CaLP region.
Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew
Sightings of the Eastern Curlew have predominantly been around Port Phillip Bay, Westernport Bay and
the eastern coastline. Scattered sightings have also occurred along the far west coast and the Murray
River. The species has been widely sighted across the Port Phillip CaLP region.
Apus pacificus
Fork Tailed Swift
Sightings of the Fork Tailed Swift are scattered throughout the state, with a particular concentration
around the Melbourne metropolitan area. The species has been widely sighted across the Port Phillip
CaLP region.
85
Distribution and behaviour of Yarra Bend Park JAMBA and CAMBA species
Scientific Name
Common Name
Distribution and Behaviour
Ardea alba
Great Egret
ƒ
Occasional visitor to Park.
ƒ
They feed mainly on fish but also eat
insects, crustaceans and amphibians.
ƒ
Heard calling overhead from Yarra Bend
Golf Course at night.
ƒ
The bird was presumed to be on
migration.
ƒ
Migrate from Japan to Australia in midAugust and return to Japan in March.
ƒ
Feed on invertebrates and plant material
on the ground.
ƒ
Vagrant species recorded once in the
Park
ƒ
Occasional visitor in summer.
ƒ
A common summer migrant to E. Aust.
ƒ
Relies on flying insects for food.
ƒ
It is common in air currents where food is
abundant.
ƒ
Occasional visitor.
ƒ
Feeds in wet paddocks and on small
aquatic animals.
ƒ
Roosts in riparian vegetation.
ƒ
Occasional visitor August to May.
ƒ
Feed on invertebrates in shallows of
estuaries and mud flats.
ƒ
Occasional visitor in summer.
ƒ
Relies on flying insects for food.
ƒ
It is common in air currents where food is
abundant
Tringa nebularia
Gallinago
hardwickii
Hirundapus
caudacutus
Ardea ibis
Common Greenshank
Latham’s Snipe
White-throated
Needletail
Cattle Egret
Numenius
madagascariensis
Eastern Curlew
Apus pacificus
Fork Tailed Swift
86
Focus area
(Potential)
A,C
A,C
A,C
A,C
A,C
A,C
A,C
Appendix 9
Fauna of Yarra Bend Park
Scientific name
Common name
Status
Mammals
Chalinolobus gouldii
Gould's Wattled Bat
Hydromys chrysogaster
Water Rat
Mus musculus
House Mouse
Myotis macropous
Southern Myotis
Nyctophilus geoffroyi
Lesser Longeared Bat
Orcyctolagus cuniculus
Rabbit
Ornithorhynchus anatinus
Platypus
Pseudocheirus peregrinus
Common Ringtail Possum
Pteropus poliocephalus
Grey-Headed Flying-Fox
Rattus norvegicus
Brown Rat
*
Rattus rattus
Black Rat
*
Tachyglossus aculeatus
Echidna
Trichosurus vulpecula
Common Brushtail Possum
Vespadelus vulturnus
Little Forest Bat
Vulpes vulpes
Fox
*
*
*
Reptiles
Amphibolurus muricatus
Tree Dragon
Chelodina expansa
Broad-shelled Tortoise
Chelodina longicollis
Common Long-necked Tortoise
Ctenotus robustus
Large Striped Skink
Delmar impar
Striped Legless Lizard
Egernia cunninghami
Cunningham's Skink
Egernia whitii
White's Skink
Emydura macquani
Murray River Tortoise
Eulamprus tympanum
Southern Water Skink
Lampropholis delicata
Delicate Skink
Lampropholis guichenoti
Garden Skink
Lerista bougainvillii
Bougainville's Skink
Notechis scutatus
Tiger Snake
Phyllodactylus marmoratus
Marbled Gecko
Physignanthus lesueurii howitii
Gippsland Water Dragon
Pseudemoia entrecasteauxii
Grass Skink
Pseudemoia entrecasteauxii
Grass Skink Form A
Pseudonaja textilis
Eastern Brown Snake
Saproscincus mustelinus
Weasel Skink
Tiliqua nigrolutea
Blotched Blue-Tongue Lizard
Tiliqua scincides
Common Blue Tongued Lizard
#
#
#
Amphibians
Crinia signifera
Common Froglet
Limnodynastes dumerilii
Pobblebonk (Banjo) Frog
Limnodynastes peronii
Striped Marsh Frog
Limnodynastes tasmaniensis
Spotted Grass Frog
Litoria ewingii
Southern Brown Tree Frog
Fish
Acanthogobius flavimanus
Yellowfin Goby
Anguilla australis
Short-Finned Eel
Atherinosoma microstoma
Small-Mouthed Hardyhead
Carassius auratus
Goldfish
*
Cyprinus carpio
European Carp
*
87
Gadopsis marmoratus
River Blackfish
Galaxias maculatus
Common Galaxias
Gambusia affinis
Mosquito Fish
*
Macculochella peeli
Murray Cod
#
Macquaria amgigna
Golden Perch
Macquaria australasica
Macquarie Perch
#
Misgurnus anguillicaudatus
Oriental Weatherloach
*
Mordacia mordax
Pouched Lamprey
Nannoperca australis
Southern Pigmy Perch
Perca fluviatilis
Redfin
Prototroctes maraena
Australian Grayling
Pseudaphritis urvilli
Tupong
Retropinna semoni
Australian Smelt
Rutilis rutilis
Roach
*
Salmo gardeneri
Rainbow Trout
*
Salmo trutta
Brown Trout
*
Tinca tinca
Tench
*
*
Butterflies
Anaphaeis java teutonia
Caper White
Delias harpalyce
Imperial White
Dispar compacta
Dispar Skipper
Geitoneura klugii klugii
Klugs Xenica
Heteronympha merope merope
Comon Brown
Junonia villida calybe
Meadow Argus
Lampides boeticus
Pea Blue
Nacaduba biocellata biocellata
Double-spotted Line Blue
Ocybadistes walkeri sothis
Yellow Banded Dart
Papilio anactus
Dingy Swallowtail
Pieris rapae
Cabbage White
Taractrocera papyria papyria
White Grass Dart
Trapezites symmomus soma
Symmonus Skipper
Vanessa itea
Australian Admiral
Vanessa kershawi
Painted Lady
Zizina labradus labradus
Common Grass Blue
Key to Symbols
*
Exotic species
#
Non-indigenous native species
+
Re-introduced indigenous species
88
#
Appendix 10 Birds of Yarra Bend Park
Scientific name
Common name
Occurrence
Acanthiza chrysorrhoa
Yellow-Rumped Thornbill
RBU
Status
Acanthiza nana
Yellow (Little) Thornbill
R B ABSENT
Acanthiza pusilla
Brown Thornbill
RBU
Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris
Eastern Spinebill
OV A & W
Accipiter cirrhocephalus
Collared Sparrowhawk
OV A & W
Accipiter fasciatus
Brown Goshawk
RBU
Accipiter novaehollandiae
Grey (White) Goshawk
VAG
Acridotheres tristis
Common Mynah
RBP
Anas castanea
Chestnut Teal
OV
Anas gracilis
Grey Teal
OV
Anas gracilis
Mallard Duck
OV
Anas superciliosa
Pacific Black Duck
MP B
Anhinga melanogaster
Darter
VAG
Anthochaera carunculata
Red Wattlebird
RBP
Anthochaera chrysoptera
Little Wattlebird
RBU
Apus pacificus
Fork-Tailed Swift
OV Summer
Aquila audax
Wedge-Tailed Eagle
OV
Ardea alba
Great Egret
OV
Artamus cyanopterus
Dusky Woodswallow
B MP Regular Migrant
Artamus personatus
Masked Woodswallow
OV B U SUMMER
Artamus superciliosus
White-Browed Woodswallow
OV B SUMMER
Cacatua galerita
Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo
OV
Cacatua roseicapilla
Galah
R B MP
Cacatua tenuirostris
Long-Billed Corella
OV B
Cacomantis flabelliformis
Fan-Tailed Cuckoo
OV B S & S
Callocephalon fimbriatum
Gang-Gang Cockatoo
OV A & W
Calyptorhynchus funereus
Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoo
OV
Carduelis carduelis
European Goldfinch
RBU
*
Carduelis chloris
European Greenfinch
RBU
*
Chenonetta jubata
Maned (Wood) Duck
OV
Chrysococcyx basalis
Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo
OV B S & S
Chrysococcyx lucidus
Shining Bronze-Cuckoo
OV B S & S
Cincloramphus mathewsi
Rufous Songlark
OV S & S B
Circus assimilis
Swamp (Marsh) Harrier
OV
Climacteris picumnus
Brown Treecreeper
VAG One Record
Colluricincla harmonica
Grey Shrike-Thrush
Columba livia
Rock Dove
Columbia livia
Feral Pigeon
Coracina novaehollandiae
Black-Faced Cuckoo -Shrike
Corvus mellori
Little Raven
RBP
Coturnix australis
Brown Quail
OV
Cracticus torquatus
Grey Butcherbird
RBU
Cuculus pallidus
Pallid Cuckoo
OV B S & S
Cygnus atratus
Black Swan
OV
Dacelo novaeguineae
Laughing Kookaburra
Dicaeum hirundinaceum
Mistletoebird
OV A & W
Egretta novaehollandiae
White-Faced Heron
RB
Elanus axillaris
Black-Shouldered Kite
OV
Elseyornis (Charadrius) melanops
Black-Fronted Plover
OV
Eopsaltria australis
Eastern Yellow Robin
Falco berigora
Brown Falcon
OV
Falco cenchroides
Australian (Nankeen) Kestrel
OV B
Falco longipennis
Australian Hobby
RBU
Falco peregrinus
Peregrine Falcon
OV
Falco subniger
Black Falcon
VAG
*
*
R B MP
89
*
Gallinago hardwickii
Latham's Snipe
VAG
Gallinula tenebrosa
Dusky Moorhen
R B MP
Geopelia humeralis
Bar-Shouldered Dove
VAG
Geopelia striata
Peaceful Dove
Glossopsitta concinna
Musk Lorikeet
OV
Glossopsitta porphyrocephala
Purple-Crowned Lorikeet
OV
Glossopsitta pusilla
Little Lorikeet
OV
Grallina cyanoleuca
Australian Magpie-Lark
R B MP
Grallina cyanoleuca
Magpie-Lark
Gymnorhina tibicen
Australian Magpie
R B MP
Haliastur sphenurus
Whistling Kite
OV
Hieraaetus morphnoides
Little Eagle
OV
Hirundapus caudacutus
White-Throated Needletail
MP SUMMER
Hirundo neoxena
Welcome Swallow
Larus novaehollandiae
Silver Gull
RP
Lathamus discolor
Swift Parrot
OV A & W
Lichenostomus chrysops
Yellow-Faced Honeyeater
OV A & W
Lichenostomus fuscus
Fuscous Honeyeater
OV A & W
Lichenostomus melanops
Yellow-Tufted Honeyeater
OV A & W
Lichenostomus penicillatus
White-Plumed Honeyeater
RBP
Malurus cyaneus
Superb Fairy-Wren
R B MP
Manorina melanocephala
Noisy Miner
Manorina melanophrys
Bell Miner
R B MP
Melithreptus brevirostris
Brown-Headed Honeyeater
VAG
Melithreptus lunatus
White-Naped Honeyeater
OV A & W MP
Melopsittacus undulatus
Budgerigar
ESCAPEE
Neochmia temporalis
Red-Browed Finch
RBU
Ninox connivens
Barking Owl
?
Ninox novaeseelandiae
Southern Boobook
RBU
Ninox strenua
Powerful Owl
?
Numenius madagascariensis
Eastern Curlew
U
Nycticorax caledonicus
Nankeen Night Heron
R
Ocyphaps (Geophaps) lophotes
Creasted Pigeon
OV
Oriolus sagittatus
Olive-Backed Oriole
OV B U
Pachycephala pectoralis
Golden Whistler
Pachyptila salvini
Salvin’s Prion
Old Record
Pardalotus punctatus
Spotted Pardalote
OV B MP
Pardalotus striatus
Striated Pardalote
OV B MP
Passer domesticus
House Sparrow
RBP
*
Passer montanus
Eurasian Tree Sparrow
R B MP
*
Pelecanus conspicillatus
Australian Pelican
VAG
Petroica phoenicea
Flame Robin
Phalacrocorax carbo
Great Cormorant
R
Phalacrocorax melanoleucos
Little Pied Cormorant
OV
Phalacrocorax sulcirostris
Little Black Cormorant
OV
Phaps chalcoptera
Common Bronzewing
OV B
Phaps elegans
Brush Bronzewing
OV A & W
Philemon citreogularis
Little Friarbird
VAG
Phylidonyris melanops
Tawny-Crowned Honeyeater
VAG
Phylidonyris novaehollandiae
New Holland Honeyeater
OV
Platycercus elegans
Crimson Rosella
OV A & W
Platycercus eximius
Eastern Rosella
R B MP
Podargus strigoides
Tawny Frogmouth
RBU
Podiceps cristatus
Great-Crested Grebe
VAG
Poliocephalus poliocephalus
Hoary-Headed Grebe
OV
Polytelis swainsonii
Superb Parrot
VAG presumed avairy escape
Porphyrio porphyrio
Purple Swamphen
R
Psephotus haematonotus
Red-Rumped Parrot
R B MP
Purpureicephalus spurius
Red-Capped Parrot
ESCAPEE
90
Rhipidura leucophrys
Willie Wagtail
Sericornis frontalis
White-Browed Scrubwren
RBP
Stagonopleura guttata
Diamond Firetail
VAG
Strepera graculina
Pied Currawong
OV
Streptopelia chinensis
Spotted Turtledove
R B MP
*
Sturnus vulgaris
Common Starling
RBP
*
Tachybaptus novaehollandiae
Australasian Grebe
OV
Threskiornis molucca (T. aethiopica)
Australian White Ibis
OV
Threskiornis spinicollis
Straw-Necked Ibis
OV
Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus
Scaly-Breasted Lorikeet
VAG
Trichoglossus haematodus
Rainbow Lorikeet
OV
Tringa nebularia
Greenshank
U
Turdus merula
Common Blackbird
RBMP
*
Turdus philomelos
Song Thrush
RBV
*
Turnix varia
Painted Button-Quail
Tyto alba
Barn Owl
OV
Vanellus miles
Masked Lapwing
OV
Xanthomyza phrygia
Regent Honyeater
OV B NOW ABSENT
Zosterops lateralis
Silvereye
RBP
Key to Symbols
*
Exotic species
#
Non-indigenous native species
+
Re-introduced indigenous species
R
Resident Species
OV
Occasional Visitor
B
Breeding In Area Noted
A and W
Autumn And Winter
P
Plentiful
S and S
Spring And Summer
MP
Moderately Plentiful
VAG
Vagrant; Less Than Six Records
U
Uncommon
91
Appendix 11 Yarra Bend Park FFG listed and threatened fauna species
Scientific name
Common name
FFG listed
AROT status
VROT status
Mammals
Myotis macrpous
Southern Myotis
LR
Birds
Accipiter novaehollandiae
Grey Goshawk
LR
9
Ardea alba
Great Egret
Falco subniger
Black Falcon
End
Lathamus discolor
Swift Parrot
9
Ninox connivens
Barking Owl
9
End
Ninox strenua
Powerful Owl
9
End
Nycticorax caledonicus
Nankeen Night Heron
Xanthomyza phrygia
Regent Honeyeater
9
End
End
Striped Legless Lizard
9
Vul
End
9
Vul
End
Vul
End
Vul
Reptiles
Delma impar
Fish
Macquaria amgigua
Golden Perch
Prototroctes maraena
Australian Grayling
Vul
Vul
Source: Atlas of Victorian Wildlife (1998) and Parks Victoria staff
CEn
Critically Endangered: a taxon is Critically Endangered when it is facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in
the immediate future.
End
Endangered: A taxon is Endangered when it is not Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of extinction in the
wild in the immediate future.
Vul
Vulnerable: A taxon is Vulnerable when it is not Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of extinction
in the wild in the medium-term future.
LR
Lower Risk - near threathened: A taxon is Lower Risk – near threatened when it has been evealuated, does not satisfy
the criteria for any of the threatened categoris, but which is close to qualifying for Vulnerable. In practice, these species
are most likely to move into a threatened category should current declines continue or catastrophes befall the species.
92
Statewide distribution of FFG fauna species
Ardea alba
Great Egret
Recorded sightings of the Great Egret have occurred throughout the state with particular concentrations
along the Murray River and the east and west coast of Victoria. The species has been widely sighted
across the Port Phillip CaLP region.
Lathimus discolor
Swift Parrot
The Recommendations for Listing of the Swift Parrot indicates that, although once quite widely spread
throughout Victoria, this species appears to now be primarily located in open eucalypt woodlands
occurring in southern and central Victoria. The species has been sighted widely across the Port Phillip
CaLP region.
Xanthomyza phrygia Regent Honeyeater
The Action Statement for Regent Honeyeater indicates that it occurs mainly in dry open forest and
woodland in areas of low to moderate relief on the inland slopes of the Great Dividing Range. It also
indicates that they occur frequently in broad valleys extending into the ranges and occasionally visit the
east Gippsland coast. The species has been sighted across the Port Phillip region.
Prototroctes maraena Australian Grayling
The Australian Grayling is located in limited numbers in river systems along the coastline of Victoria and
the interior of east Gippsland and the Melbourne metropolitan area. Within the Port Phillip CaLP region
the species has been recorded in the Yarra, Marribyrnong and Bunyip rivers and the Cardinia Creek.
Yarra Bend Park therefore plays an important role in the conservation of this species.
Ninox connivens
Barking Owl
Recorded sightings of the Barking Owl have occurred throughout the state with particular concentrations
around the Melbourne metropolitan area and the Murray River south of Kerang. The species has been
widely sighted across the Port Phillip CaLP region.
Ninox strenua
Powerful Owl
A draft Action Statement for the Powerful Owl is currently being prepared. The Action Statement
indicates that the distribution of the species is fairly widespread across Victoria with the exception of the
far north west of the state. Within the Port Phillip CaLP region the species has been sighted in the
northeast and south east of the region.
Delma impar
Striped Legless Lizard
The Action Statement for the Striped Legless Lizard states that the distribution and abundance of the
Striped Legless Lizard are poorly documented as the species is rarely seen. In Victoria the most recent
sightings of the species have been in Port Phillip CaLP region in west and north of the region and in the
Western District. The Action Statement states that recent studies have found the Striped Legless Lizard
generally occurs in perennial lowland tussock grasslands with year-round cover.
93
Distribution of FFG fauna species within the Park
Scientific name
Common name
Habitat & behaviour
Focus area
Birds
Xanthomyza phrygia
Ardea alba
Lathimus discolor
Ninox connivens
Ninox strenua
Regent Honeyeater
Great Egret
Swift Parrot
Barking Owl
Powerful Owl
ƒ
Last observed in the Park in 1996 (juvenile bird
associating with wattle birds) for duration of 3
weeks.
ƒ
Before this observation it is regarded as an
occasional visitor and has been observed to
breed in the Park.
ƒ
Feeds in the shallows of watercourses and
water bodies.
ƒ
Nests on the ground.
ƒ
Occasional visitor to the Park.
ƒ
Feeds in foliage of predominantly eucalypts.
ƒ
Nests in hollows.
ƒ
Occasional visitor in Autumn and Winter.
ƒ
Several reports of a Barking Owl calling were
obtained from near Alphington Boathouse
1988/1989 Beardsell, C. (1997).
ƒ
They have a large permanent territory.
ƒ
Prey is seized from the ground and the air.
ƒ
Yarra Bend Park would not have suitable
habitat to maintain a pair of Barking Owls.
ƒ
The record of Barking Owls would be of a
dispersing individual.
ƒ
A Powerful Owl was recorded calling near
Studley Park Boathouse in April 1993
(Beardsell 1997).
ƒ
The Yarra River provides a habitat link to the
suburbs and juvenile birds dispersing from the
foothills may pass through Yarra Bend Park.
ƒ
Powerful Owls occupy large permanent
territories.
ƒ
Yarra Bend Park would not have suitable
habitat to maintain a pair of Powerful Owls.
ƒ
The most recent record of this species is 1975
from the Dights Falls area of the Park. The grid
reference of the record is on the opposite side
of the Yarra to the Park but in the river flats. If
was decide to include the Striped Legless lizard
as extant in the Park as the record means that
the lizard is not extinct in the area.
ƒ
The action statement states that this species is
generally found in perennial lowland tussock
grasslands with year-round cover. The major
type of grassland it occurs in is the Western
(Basalt) Plains Grassland.
ƒ
Breeds in coastal estuaries and moves up the
Yarra to feed in fresh water.
ƒ
Movement is affected by Dights Falls.
ƒ
Anecdotal evidence suggests that a minor
increase in fish numbers upstream of Dights
Falls has occurred since the construction of the
fish ladder.
B, D, E
A, C
B, D, E
B
B, D
Reptiles
Delma impar
Striped Legless
Lizard
C – contains
preferred habitat
Fish
Prototroctes
maraena
Australian Grayling
94
A
Statewide distribution of threatened fauna in the Yarra Bend Park
Myotis macropous
Southern Myotis
The Large-footed Myotis occurs in only a limited number of locations across the state including the central
highlands, west Geelong, east Gippsland, Murray Central and south of Dergholm SP in west Victoria. The
Port Phillip CaLP region has recorded approximately one third of all sightings across the state.
Accipiter novaehollandiae Grey Goshawk
Recorded sightings of the Grey Goshawk are scattered throughout the state with particular concentrations
around the Otways, Lakes Entrance and the Melbourne metropolitan area. The species has been widely
sighted across the Port Phillip CaLP region.
Falco subniger
Black Falcon
The Black Falcon occurs widely across the state with fewer sightings in the east. The species has been
widely sighted across the Port Phillip CaLP region.
Nycticorax caledonicus
Nankeen Night Heron
Recorded sightings of the Nankeen Night Heron are scattered throughout the state with particular
concentrations along the Murray River, the Melbourne metropolitan area and east of Melbourne. There
have been a number of sightings in the Port Phillip CaLP region.
Macquaria amgigua
Golden Perch
The Golden Perch occurs in a number of locations stretching from the Murray River in central Victoria to
south of the Grampians National Park in the west of the state. The species occurs in only two other spots
in the state both within the Port Phillip CaLP region and one being Yarra Bend Park.
Macquaria novemaculeata
Australian Bass
The Australian Bass predominantly occurs in the far east of the state. The species occurs in only two
other spots in the state both within the Port Phillip CaLP region and one being Yarra Bend Park.
95
Distribution of threatened fauna in Yarra Bend Park
Scientific name
Common name
Habitat and behaviour
Myotis macropous
Southern Myotis
ƒ
Detected with a bat detector near
Heidelberg Rd and Merri Creek.
ƒ
A roost was located under the bridge in
1992.
ƒ
Feeds over water on aquatic
invertebrates.
ƒ
Roosts range from tree hollows, caves
and dense vegetation.
ƒ
Sedentary birds which wander in search
of new territory and nest high in tree
forks.
ƒ
Yarra Bend Park does not provide
suitable habitat, as they prefer dense
stands of trees.
ƒ
They have been observed in the Park on
six occasions.
ƒ
These observations would be of birds
searching for new territory.
ƒ
Requires high vantage points for
perching and searching for prey.
ƒ
Uses nests of other large birds.
ƒ
Nomadic and observed less than six
times in Yarra Bend Park.
ƒ
Nankeen Night Herons roost on riparian
vegetation overhanging water during the
day and feed on grassland areas and
hunt for fish, insects and amphibians at
night.
ƒ
Individual herons have been observed
roosting at various places along the
Yarra River and Merri Creek.
ƒ
Small colonies of birds have been
observed roosting near Kanes Bridge.
ƒ
Not an indigenous fish of the Yarra
River.
ƒ
It occurs in the Murray Darling River
system.
ƒ
Not an indigenous fish of the Yarra
River.
ƒ
It occurs north of Wilsons Promontory
NP along the east coast of Australia
(Philip 1983).
Accipiter
novaehollandiae
Falco subniger
Nycticorax
caledonicus
Macquaria
amgigua
Macquaria
novemaculeata
Grey Goshawk
Black Falcon
Nankeen Night Heron
Golden Perch
Australian Bass
Focus area
C
B, D, E
B, D, E
A
A
A
Action statements and major recommendations for FFG fauna
Listed species
Major recommendations
Regent Honeyeater
ƒ
Retain and enhance all stands of native open forest or woodland that contain Red Ironbark,
White Box, Yellow Box and Yellow Gum.
ƒ
Manage all such sites to retain the number of the key eucalypt species and to increase the
number of mature trees of these species.
ƒ
Maintain suitable habitat that is not disturbed and has good tussock cover.
ƒ
Undertake ecological burns in autumn when soil is dry and soil cracks are open for the lizard to
take refuge.
ƒ
Burning should be carried out in a patch work mosaic with each area burnt at a frequency of at
least five years to allow good tussock cover to develop.
ƒ
Control weeds invading the grassland especially Chilean Needle-grass.
ƒ
Undertake population inventory
Striped Legless Lizard
96
Appendix 12 Impact of pest plants on native vegetation in the Park
The table below lists the 19 Regionally Controlled species found within the Park and describes the mode
in which the weed species spread (Environment and Natural Resources Committee, 1998) and the impact
the weed species has on the growth and regeneration of indigenous understorey, midstorey and canopy
species. Common Thornapple is not currently present in the Park but has been included as it regularly
reinvades the Park and is removed once detected.
Regionally Controlled Weed Species in Yarra Bend Park
Name of Weed
Summary of Risk for Yarra Bend Park
Angled Onion
Allium triquetrum
Clump forming deciduous bulb, occurs in all environments. Local spread: vegetative (production of
new bulbs). Long range spread: bulbs carried downstream.
Artichoke Thistle
Perennial herb with spiny foliage. Local and long range spread: seed via wind, animals and birds.
•
Cynara cardunculus
Blackberry
Rubus spp.
•
Chrysanthemoides
monilifera
Boxthorn
•
Inhibits growth - 1
Inhibits regeneration - 1, 2, 3
Inhibits regeneration - 1, 2, 3
Deciduous perennial fleshy fruited shrub, occurs in all environments. Local spread: vegetative.
Long range spread: seed via birds and foxes.
•
Boneseed
•
Inhibits growth - 1
•
Inhibits growth - 1,2
Inhibits regeneration - 1, 2, 3
Perennial shrub which produces masses of long lived seed. Local spread: vegetative. Long range
spread: seed via birds.
•
•
Inhibits growth - 1, 2
Inhibits regeneration - 1, 2, 3
Lycium ferocissimum
Deciduous perennial fleshy fruited shrub, occurs in all environments. Local and long range spread:
seed via birds and foxes.
Common Thornapple
Annual herb which occurs in riparian areas. Local and long range spread: seed via water.
•
Datura stramonium
English Broom
Cytisus scoparius
•
Foeniculum vulgare
Genista linifolia
Ulex europaeus
Inhibits regeneration - 1, 2, 3
•
Inhibits growth - 1, 2
Inhibits regeneration - 1, 2, 3
•
Inhibits growth - 1, 2
Inhibits regeneration - 1, 2, 3
Evergreen perennial shrub, occurs in all environments. Local long range spread: seed via birds
and water. Seed germination advantaged by fire.
•
Hawthorn
•
Inhibits growth - 1, 2
Evergreen perennial shrub, occurs in all environments. Local and long range spread: seed. Seed
germination advantaged by fire.
•
Gorse
Inhibits regeneration - 1, 2, 3
Deciduous, herbaceous perennial, occurs in all environments. Local and long range spread: seed
via animals and water.
•
Flax- leaf Broom
•
Inhibits growth - 1, 2
Inhibits regeneration - 1, 2, 3
Evergreen perennial shrub, occurs in all environments. Local and long range spread: seed. Seed
germination advantaged by fire.
•
Fennel
•
Inhibits growth - 1, 2
•
Inhibits growth - 1, 2
Inhibits regeneration - 1, 2, 3
Crataegus monogyna
Deciduous perennial fleshy fruited shrub, occurs in all environments. Local and long range spread:
seed via birds and foxes.
Hemlock
Biennial herb which is poisonous. Local and long range spread: seed via water and animals.
•
Conium maculatum
Serrated Tussock
Nassella trichotoma
Slender thistle
Caduus tenuiflorus
Spear thistle
Cirsium vulgare
•
Dittrichia graveoloens
Inhibits regeneration - 1
•
•
Inhibits growth - 1
Inhibits regeneration - 1, 2
Annual herb. Local and long range spread: seed via wind, water and animals.
•
•
Inhibits growth - 1
Inhibits regeneration - 1
Annual producing large quantities of seed, occurs in all environments. Local and long range
spread. seed via wind, water, animals.
•
Inhibits growth - 1
Inhibits regeneration - 1
Annual herb which occurs in disturbed areas which produces large quantities of seed. Local and
long range spread: seed via wind, water and animals.
•
St. John’s Wort
•
Inhibits growth - 1, 2
Inhibits regeneration - 1, 2, 3
Perennial grass. Local and long range spread: seed via wind, water and animals.
•
Stinkwort
•
Inhibits growth - 1, 2
•
Inhibits growth - 1
Inhibits regeneration - 1
Hypercium perforatum
Herbaceous perennial, occurs in all environments. Local and long range spread: seed via wind,
water and animals.
Tree of Heaven
Tree. Local and long distance spread: seed via wind, water and birds.
•
Ailanthus altissima
•
•
Inhibits growth - 1
•
Inhibits growth - 2
97
Inhibits regeneration - 1
Inhibits regeneration - 2, 3
Wild Watsonia
Watsonia bulbillefera
Perennial corm growing over winter and spring, occurs in all environments. Local spread: via new
corm production. Long range spread: cormlets produced along stems carried by water, animals.
•
Key:
•
Inhibits growth - 1, 2
Inhibits regeneration - 1, 2, 3
Indigenous Vegetation Strata:
1
indigenous understorey vegetation;
2
indigenous middlestorey vegetation;
3
indigenous canopy vegetation.
Major environmental weeds are presented in two groups. The first group contains non grassy weeds and
the second group contains grassy weeds. The tables below describe the the mode in which the weed
species spreads (Environment and Natural Resources Committee, 1998) and the impact the weed
species has on the growth and regeneration of indigenous understorey, midstorey and canopy species.
Major (non grassy) Environmental Weed Species in Yarra Bend Park
Name of Weed
Summary of Risk for Yarra Bend Park
Asparagus
Tuberous geophyte which produces fleshy fruit. Local and long range spread: via birds.
Asparagus spp.
Blue periwinkle
Vinca major
•
•
Inhibits growth - 1
Inhibits regeneration - 1
Evergreen perennial ground cover, occurs in riparian areas. Local and long range spread:
vegetative.
•
•
Inhibits growth - 1
Inhibits regeneration - 1, 2, 3
Brassicaecae spp.
Annual herb which occurs after disturbances. Local and long range spread: via wind.
Cape Ivy
Vine. Local spread: vegetative. Long range spread: vegetative and seed via wind and animals.
•
Delairea odorata
Cape Weed
Arctotheca calendula
Cherry-Plum
Prunus cerasifera
•
•
Inhibits growth - 1
Inhibits regeneration - 1
Inhibits regeneration - 1, 2, 3
Annual Herb. Local and long range spread: seed via wind
•
•
Inhibits growth - 1
Inhibits regeneration - 1
Deciduous perennial fleshy fruited small tree, occurs in all environments. Local and long range
spread: seed via birds and foxes.
•
Chinese Wormwood
•
Inhibits growth - 1
•
Inhibits growth - 1, 2
Inhibits regeneration - 1, 2
Artemisia verlotiorum
Perennial herb which occurs in riparian areas. Local spread: vegetative. Long range spread: seed
via wind and water.
Common onion Grass
Cormous geophyte. Local and long range spread: via animals and birds
•
Romulea rosea
Creeping buttercup
Ranuculus repens
Elm
Ulmus spp.
English Ash
Fraxinus spp.
English Ivy
Hedera helix
Exotic Eucalypts
•
•
Inhibits growth - 1
•
Inhibits growth - 1
Inhibits regeneration - 1, 2
Inhibits regeneration - 1
Perennial herbaceous ground cover. Local spread: vegetative. Long range spread: seed via water.
•
•
Inhibits growth - 1
Inhibits regeneration - 1, 2, 3
Tree. Local spread: vegetative. Local and long range spread: seed via water.
•
•
Inhibits growth - 1, 2, 3
Inhibits regeneration - 1, 2, 3
Tree. Local and long range spread: seed via water and wind.
•
•
Inhibits growth - 1, 2, 3
Inhibits regeneration - 1, 2, 3
Vine. Local and long range spread: seed via birds and water.
•
•
Inhibits growth - 1, 2, 3
Inhibits regeneration - 1, 2, 3
Eucalyptus spp.
Known to hybridise with indigenous Eucalyptus. Local spread: seed via birds and ants. Long range
spread: seed via wind.
Freesia
Cormous geophyte. Local spread: vegetative. Long range spread: seed via wind.
•
Freesia leichtlinii
Galenia
Galenia pubescens
Hedge Privet
Ligustrum undulatum
Japanese Honeysuckle
Lonicera japonica
•
Solanum
pseudocapsicum
Nightshades
Inhibits growth - 1
Inhibits regeneration - 3
•
Inhibits regeneration - 1
•
Inhibits regeneration - 1, 2, 3
Perennial herb. Local spread: seed
•
Inhibits growth - 1
Small shrub with fleshy fruit. Local and long range spread: seed via birds.
•
•
Inhibits growth - 1, 2
Inhibits regeneration - 1, 2
Fleshy fruited, evergreen perennial climber, occurs in riparian areas. Local spread: vegetative.
Long range spread: seed via birds, water.
•
Madeira Winter-cherry
•
Inhibits growth - 3
•
Inhibits growth - 1, 2, 3
Inhibits regeneration - 1, 2, 3
Small shrub with fleshy fruit which occurs in riparian areas. Local and long range spread: seed via
birds and water.
•
•
Inhibits growth - 1, 2
Inhibits regeneration - 1, 2
Herb to small shrub. Local and long range spread: seed via birds and water.
98
Solanum spp
Olive
•
•
Inhibits growth - 1
Inhibits regeneration - 1, 2
Tree with fleshy fruit. Local and long range spread: seed via birds and water.
Olea europaea
Prickly Pear
Opuntia ficus-indica
•
•
Purple Top Verbena
•
Inhibits growth - 2
Inhibits regeneration - 2, 3
Large shrub with fleshy fruit. Local spread: vegetative. Long range spread: seed via birds and
animals.
•
Inhibits growth - 1, 2
Inhibits regeneration - 1, 2
Verbena bonariensis
Deciduous herbaceous perennial, occurs in riparian areas. Local spread: vegetative. Long range
spread: seed via animals, wind and water.
Ribwort
Perennial herb. Local and long range spread: seed via animals, birds and water.
Plantago lanceolata
Sheep Sorrel
Acetosella vulgaris
Soursob
•
Inhibits regeneration - 1
•
Inhibits growth - 1
•
Inhibits regeneration - 1
•
Inhibits regeneration - 1
Bulbous geophyte. Local spread: vegetative.
Oxalis pes-caprae
Sweet Pittosporum
Pittosporum unduatum
Wandering Jew
Tradescantia albiflora
Wall Pellitory
Parietaria judaica
White Bladder-flower
Araujia hortorum
Weeping Willow
Salix babylonic
•
Inhibits growth - 1
Evergreen tree species with fleshy fruits. Local and long range spread: seed via birds.
•
•
Inhibits growth - 1, 2, 3
Inhibits regeneration - 1, 2, 3
Evergreen fleshy ground cover, occurs near wet areas. Local and long range spread: vegetative.
•
•
Inhibits growth - 1
Inhibits regeneration - 1, 2, 3
Herbaceous perennial ground cover. Local and long range spread: seed via water and wind.
•
•
Inhibits growth - 1
Inhibits regeneration - 1, 2
Perennial vine with flowers which trap butterflies. Local and long range spread: seed via wind.
•
•
Inhibits growth - 1, 2, 3
Inhibits regeneration - 1, 2, 3
Deciduous tree species, occurs near River and Creek. Local and long range spread: seed and
vegetative (branches washed down stream).
•
Key:
•
Inhibits growth - 1
Perennial rhizomatous herb which occurs in sandy soils. Local spread: seed via animals.
•
Inhibits growth - 2, 3
Inhibits regeneration - 2, 3
Indigenous Vegetation Strata:
1
indigenous understorey vegetation;
2
indigenous middlestorey vegetation;
3
indigenous canopy vegetation.
Major (grassy) Environmental Weed Species in Yarra Bend Park
Name of Weed
Summary of Risk for Yarra Bend Park
Annual Veldt Grass
Annual grass. Local and long range spread: seed via wind, water and animals.
Ehrharta longiflora
•
Brown-top Bent
Perennial, stoloniferous grass. Local and long range spread: vegetative and seed via wind and
animals.
Agrotis capillaris
•
•
Inhibits growth - 1
•
Inhibits growth - 1
Inhibits regeneration - 1, 2
Inhibits regeneration - 1
Buffalo Grass
Perennial grass. Local and long range spread: vegetative
Stenotaphrum spp.
•
Chilean Needle Grass
Perennial grass. Local and long range spread: seed via animals, wind and water.
Nassella neesiana
•
Cocksfoot
Perennial grass. Local and long range spread: seed via animals and wind
Dactylis glomerata
•
Couch
Winter dormant, perennial, stoloniferous grass. Local and long range spread: vegetative and
seed via wind, animals.
Cynodon dactylon
•
•
Inhibits growth - 1
•
Inhibits growth - 1
•
Inhibits growth - 1
•
Inhibits growth - 1
Inhibits regeneration - 1, 2, 3
Inhibits regeneration - 1, 2, 3
Inhibits regeneration - 1
Inhibits regeneration - 1, 2, 3
False Oat-grass
Perennial grass. Local spread: seed via animals.
Arrhenatherum elatius
•
Kikuyu
Winter dormant, perennial, stoloniferous grass. Local and long range spread: vegetative and
seed via wind and animals.
Pennisetum
clandestinum
•
•
Inhibits growth - 1
•
Inhibits growth - 1, 2
Inhibits regeneration - 1
Inhibits regeneration - 1, 2, 3
Large Quaking-grass
Annual grass. Local and long range spread: seed via water, wind and animals.
Briza maxima
•
Panic Veldt Grass
Perennial cool season grass. Local and long range spread: seed via wind and animals.
Ehrharta erecta
•
Lesser Quaking Grass
Annual grass. Local and long range spread: seed via water.
•
Inhibits growth - 1
•
Inhibits growth - 1
99
Inhibits regeneration - 1
Inhibits regeneration - 1, 2, 3
•
Briza minor
Toowoomba
grass
Canary-
Phalaris aquatica
Key:
•
Inhibits growth - 1
Inhibits regeneration - 1
Perennial clump forming grass. Local and long range spread: seed via wind, water and
animals.
•
•
Inhibits growth - 1
Indigenous Vegetation Strata:
1
indigenous understorey vegetation;
2
indigenous middlestorey vegetation;
3
indigenous canopy vegetation.
100
Inhibits regeneration - 1, 2, 3