Some of our completed projects:
Violet Town Quarries Expansion: Ecological Assessment, targeted rare flora species search and Offset Management Plan
Two separate sites were fully assessed for native vegetation present within the proposed expansion footprint. A rare species, the Hickory Wattle, was found within one site. Working with the client and project engineers, design plans were modified to minimise impacts on the Hickory Wattle.
Offsets to compensate for biodiversity losses and to comply with planning legislation requirements were investigated. Two different properties owned by the client were assessed for biodiversity values. Offset management plans were prepared for each of the sites; these meet all offset requirements for the quarry expansion.
Mooroopna Floodway: Native Grasses Restoration Plan and Offset Management Plan
A native grasses restoration plan was needed for a floodway associated with a new housing development at Mooroopna West. The purpose of this was to re-establish native grass areas that would be lost during construction of the floodway. A flora survey of several existing grassy patches was carried out to inform the planting design and grass species for the new areas. The restoration plan set out management actions over a five year time frame for seed collection, weed control, site preparation, planting design and ongoing maintenance.
For tree losses in the floodway, a separate but nearby offset site was fully assessed using the habitat hectare method; net gain available at the site was also calculated. Based on this data, an offset management plan to meet permit requirements was prepared for the clients.
Longwood East subdivision: Vegetation and Conservation Assessment
Landholders at Longwood East wished to subdivide their 107 hectare property into two parts, as part of a broader plan to protect and improve biodiversity values in the area. The landholders wished to reduce or eliminate stock access to riparian areas and remnant bushland, and to use indigenous planting for bushland restoration and increasing wildlife linkages across the landscape.
A Vegetation and Conservation Assessment report was prepared to support the subdivision proposal. A full flora survey, mapping of EVCs (Ecological Vegetation Classes) and an assessment of the quality of remnant native vegetation were undertaken; the condition of waterways, presence of weeds and potential for erosion were also considered across the site. Based on these assessments, the report included detailed recommendations for conservation management of the two new subdivisions.
Merton Rail Trail Reserve: Flora survey and management plan
Merton Landcare manages a section of road and rail reserve, just over two kilometres in length and adjacent to the Great Victorian Rail Trail, under an agreement with Mansfield Shire Council. The Landcare group needed an ecological assessment and a management plan to guide their management of the Reserve, which includes some grassy woodland sites that are now locally scarce.
Our report included a complete flora survey, mapping of vegetation classes, weed mapping and the identification of management issues; also recommendations for weed control, revegetation, increasing native grass cover, control of pest animals and the enhancement of wildlife habitat.
