moorabool wind project flora and fauna assessment bird, bat and

MOORABOOL WIND PROJECT
FLORA AND FAUNA ASSESSMENT
BIRD, BAT AND WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE
TARGETED SURVEYS
WestWind Energy Pty Ltd
605 Nicholson Street, North Carlton
P O Box 592, North Carlton, Vic. 3054
Ph. (03) 9387 5008
Fax. (03) 9387 6115
September 2009
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
CONTENTS
1.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...................................................................................................................1
2.
INTRODUCTION ..............................................................................................................................5
3.
SOURCES OF INFORMATION .........................................................................................................7
3.1.
Existing information ................................................................................................. 7
3.1.1.
Flora .................................................................................................................. 7
3.1.2.
Ecological Vegetation Classes......................................................................... 7
3.1.3.
Fauna ................................................................................................................ 7
3.2.
Field methodology .................................................................................................... 8
3.2.1.
Flora species .................................................................................................... 8
3.2.2.
Identifying and assessing native vegetation .................................................. 8
3.2.3.
Fauna .............................................................................................................. 10
3.3.
Limitations of field assessment ............................................................................ 11
4.
SITE DESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................... 12
5.
FLORA OF THE STUDY AREA ...................................................................................................... 14
6.
5.1.
Flora species .......................................................................................................... 14
5.2.
Ecological Vegetation Classes............................................................................... 18
5.3.
Scattered trees....................................................................................................... 24
5.4.
Degraded treeless vegetation ............................................................................... 24
5.5.
Conservation significance according to the Framework ..................................... 24
FAUNA OF THE STUDY AREA ...................................................................................................... 25
6.1.
Habitat assessment ............................................................................................... 25
6.2.
Fauna species ........................................................................................................ 28
6.2.1.
Birds ................................................................................................................ 30
6.2.2.
Mammals ........................................................................................................ 32
6.2.3.
Reptiles ........................................................................................................... 33
6.2.4.
Amphibians ..................................................................................................... 34
6.2.5.
Other fauna .................................................................................................... 34
6.3.
7.
Fauna conservation significance .......................................................................... 35
BIRD UTILISATION SURVEY ........................................................................................................ 36
7.1.
Methods .................................................................................................................. 36
7.1.1.
Fixed-point bird count method ...................................................................... 36
7.1.2.
Locations of survey points ............................................................................. 37
7.1.3.
Incidental observations ................................................................................. 37
7.2.
Limitations .............................................................................................................. 37
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7.3.
8.
9.
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Results of the bird utilisation survey .................................................................... 40
7.3.1.
Representativeness of the survey ................................................................ 40
7.3.2.
Bird Observations........................................................................................... 41
BAT SURVEY ................................................................................................................................ 52
8.1.
Introduction ............................................................................................................ 52
8.2.
Methods .................................................................................................................. 52
WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE SURVEY ................................................................................................. 55
9.1.
Wedge-tailed Eagle Biology ................................................................................... 55
9.2.
Field methodology .................................................................................................. 56
9.3.
Results .................................................................................................................... 59
9.3.1.
Existing information ....................................................................................... 59
9.3.2.
Results of the Survey ..................................................................................... 60
9.3.3.
Comparison with previous work .................................................................... 63
9.4.
Discussion .............................................................................................................. 63
10. POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED WIND FARM ON BIRDS AND BATS ........................ 65
10.1.1.
Mortality caused by wind turbines ............................................................ 65
10.1.2.
Indirect Habitat Disturbance ..................................................................... 67
10.1.3.
Direct Habitat Disturbance ........................................................................ 68
10.1.4.
Mortality caused by wind mast guys and powerlines .............................. 69
10.1.5.
Conclusions ................................................................................................ 69
11. IMPACTS AND REGULATORY IMPLICATIONS ............................................................................ 71
11.1.
Planning Controls ............................................................................................... 71
11.2.
Native Vegetation Management Framework ................................................... 71
11.2.1.
How the Framework operates ................................................................... 71
11.2.2.
Offset targets for removal from habitat zones ......................................... 72
11.2.3.
Offset targets for removal of scattered trees ........................................... 73
11.2.4.
Application of the Framework to project design ...................................... 74
11.2.5.
Wind Farm design response...................................................................... 75
11.3.
EPBC Act ............................................................................................................. 80
11.4.
FFG Act................................................................................................................ 80
11.5.
EE Act .................................................................................................................. 81
11.6.
DSE threatened species advisory lists ............................................................. 81
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11.7.
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Moorabool Shire Roadside Vegetation Plan .................................................... 82
12. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................................... 83
12.1.
Conclusions ........................................................................................................ 83
12.2.
Mitigation Recommendations ........................................................................... 83
13. REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................. 85
TABLES
Table 1: FFG Act and EPBC Act listed flora species and likelihood of occurrence ............ 15
Table 2: Threatened fauna identified as occurring or potentially occurring in the study
area ................................................................................................................................. 29
Table 3: Times of day when points* were counted during each survey day. .................... 37
Table 4: Summary of numbers of individual birds and their height distribution seen on
impact survey points at the Moorabool Wind Project site. A=below rotor swept area
(RSA) height (40 m); B= at RSA height (40-150 m); C= above RSA height (>150 m).
......................................................................................................................................... 46
Table 5: Summary of numbers of individual birds and their height distribution seen on
Reference survey points at the Moorabool Wind Project site. A=below rotor swept
area (RSA) height (40 m); B= at RSA height (40-150 m); C= above RSA height (>150
m). ................................................................................................................................... 48
Table 6: The number of birds counted at each of the survey points at Moorabool Wind
Project. A=below rotor swept area (RSA) height (40 m); B= at RSA height (40-150
m); C= above RSA height (>150 m). ............................................................................. 49
Table 7: Species flying at rotor swept area height during bird utilisation surveys at the
Moorabool Wind Project. ............................................................................................... 50
Table 8: The number of raptors counted at each of the survey points at Moorabool Wind
Project. A=below rotor swept area (RSA) height (40 m); B= at RSA height (40-150
m); C= above RSA height (>150 m). ............................................................................. 51
Table 9: A comparison of activity levels of bat species recorded on Moorabool Wind
Project site. ..................................................................................................................... 54
Table 10: Wedge-tailed Eagle records from the AVW search region surrounding the
proposed Moorabool Wind Project. .............................................................................. 59
Table 11: Summary of bird mortality estimates for wind farms in Europe and North
America (Sources: Erickson et al 2001; Percival 2003; NWCC 2004). ..................... 66
Table 12: Studies of the possible disturbance effects of wind farms on birds (after
Percival 2003). ............................................................................................................... 68
Table 13: Likely response to applications for removal of intact native vegetation ........... 72
Table 14: Application referral criteria ................................................................................... 72
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Table 15: Summary of like-for-like criteria that may relate to the current proposal ......... 73
Table 16: Priorities for retention of sites identified in the study area................................ 74
FIGURES
Figure 1 : Native Vegetation Quality – Bungeeltap Section ................................................ 21
Figure 2: Native Vegetation Quality – Ballark Section (east) .............................................. 22
Figure 3: Native Vegetation Quality – Ballark Section (west) ............................................. 23
Figure 4: Rocky outcrop within native grassland habitat in southern section of study area
......................................................................................................................................... 26
Figure 5: Remnant woodland forest in valley provides connectivity to larger bush blocks
......................................................................................................................................... 27
Figure 6: The Moorabool River East Branch is likely to support a range of common
waterbirds and frogs ...................................................................................................... 28
Figure 7: Map of the proposed Moorabool Wind Project site showing the approximate
location of bird utilisation survey points and bat recording sites. .............................. 39
Figure 8: The cumulative number of species of birds recorded during consecutive counts
at the impact observation points on the Moorabool Wind Project. ............................ 40
Figure 9: Wedge-tailed Eagle survey points ......................................................................... 58
Figure 10: Position, direction of travel and type of flight of Wedge-tailed Eagles recorded
as individual fixed-point and incidental sightings at the Bungeeltap Section of the
proposed Moorabool Wind Project site during the survey. ......................................... 61
Figure 11: Position, direction of travel and type of flight of Wedge-tailed Eagles recorded
as individual fixed-point and incidental sightings at the Ballark Section of the
proposed Moorabool Wind Project site during the survey. ......................................... 62
Figure 12: Priority Level for Retention – Bungeeltap Section............................................. 77
Figure 13: Priority Level for Retention – Ballark Section (east) ........................................ 78
Figure 14: Priority Level for Retention – Ballark Section (west) ........................................ 79
APPENDICES
Appendix 1: Flora species recorded incidentally in the study area and threatened species
(with the potential) to occur in the search region ........................................................ 88
Appendix 2: Vertebrate terrestrial fauna species that occur or are likely to occur in the
study area ....................................................................................................................... 94
Appendix 3: Fauna conservation significance criteria ....................................................... 103
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Appendix 4: Observations of Wedge-tailed Eagles at proposed Moorabool Wind Project
during Wedge-tailed Eagle survey. .............................................................................. 104
Appendix 5: Observations of Wedge-tailed Eagles at proposed Moorabool Wind Project
during Bird Utilisation survey. ..................................................................................... 112
ACRONYMS
FIS
Flora Information System
DSE
Department of Sustainability and Environment
EVC
Ecological Vegetation Class
VVP
Victorian Volcanic Plain
CVU
Central Victorian Uplands
AVW
Atlas of Victorian Wildlife
DBH
Diametre at Breast Height
GPS
Global Positioning System
RSA
Rotor Swept Height
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Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
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1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
WestWind Energy Pty Ltd engaged Brett Lane and Associates Pty Ltd to undertake
a detailed flora and fauna assessment on the site of a proposed new wind farm,
to be known as the Moorabool Wind Project, south of Ballan, approximately 67
kilometres west of Melbourne. The site is divided into northern (Bungeeltap
Section) and southern (Ballark Section) sections.
Specifically, the scope of the investigation comprised:

A flora and fauna assessment, including:
o Characterising and mapping remnant native vegetation;
o Compiling an incidental flora and fauna species list; and
o Assessing the likelihood of occurrence of threatened flora and fauna in
the area and the potential impacts of the proposed development on
these.

Targeted species surveys:
o A bird utilisation survey to inform a level one risk assessment (sensu
AusWEA 2005).
o An Anabat® ultrasonic bat detector survey
o A Wedge-tailed Eagle survey for individuals inhabiting the proposed
wind farm site and those within approximately 10 kilometres from the
proposed wind farm boundary. Subsequently a study on roaming was
undertaken comprising:

A five day survey in the proposed wind farm site documenting
eagle presence and behaviour;

The Identification of high-use areas by Wedge-tailed Eagles in
the wind farm site

An initial evaluation of the relative density of eagles utilizing the
proposed wind farm site through fixed point counts at ten
selected points located in the different habitats on the proposed
wind farm site; and

Mapping of Wedge-tailed Eagle sightings, and observed and
possible flight paths.
The results of these assessments and targeted surveys are summarised below.
Flora and native vegetation
Eighteen flora species on the EPBC Act and FFG Act were identified as occurring
or potentially occurring within the wind farm boundary due to the habitats
present. These were Buloke, Ornate Pink-fingers, Curly Sedge, Australian Anchor
Plant, Trailing Hop-bush, Clover Glycine, Basalt Pepper-cress, Velvet Daisy-bush,
Spiny Rice-flower, Maroon Leek-orchid, Brittle Greenhood, Scented Bush-pea,
Button Wrinklewort, Large-fruit Fireweed, Swamp Fireweed, Swamp Everlasting
Winter Sun-orchid and Spiral Sun-orchid. The proposed wind farm layout avoids all
areas of native vegetation and hence a targeted survey for the above species is
not required.
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The FIS indicated a total of 72 rare or threatened plant species listed on the DSE
advisory list as occurring in the search region. Confirming their presence was
beyond the scope of this study. However, one species listed as rare, Yarra Gum,
was recorded in the northern part of the study area. Further surveys to determine
the presence of any other DSE listed flora species would be appropriate at a later
stage in the planning of the wind farm, if any areas of remnant native vegetation
were to be affected by the project.
Vegetation on the site belonged to the following EVCs:

Escarpment Shrubland (EVC 895);

Plains Grassland (EVC 132);

Plains Grassy Wetland (EVC 125);

Plains Grassy Woodland (EVC 55);

Riparian Woodland (EVC 641);

Steam bank Shrubland (EVC 851); and

Valley Grassy Forest (EVC 47).
An assessment of vegetation quality in the study area indicated that the site
supported 286.2 hectares of high quality vegetation, 83.5 hectares of medium
quality vegetation, 91.5 hectares of low quality vegetation and 85.1 hectares of
land under covenant:
A total of 993.01 hectares was un-assessable due to heavy grazing by cattle and
sheep. As this grazing will continue in the future, these areas are unlikely to
change in condition.
Fauna
The proposed Moorabool Wind Project site supports the following fauna habitat
types:

Cleared agricultural land;

Planted trees;

Rocky outcrops;

Remnant woodland; and

Aquatic habitat.
Most of these habitats are of low to moderate habitat quality.
Based on the field assessment and the review of existing information, the study
area is known or likely to support 140 fauna species , including 17 mammals
species (five introduced), 107 birds species (six introduced), 10 reptile species
and seven frog species.
In the search region, the AVW and the EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool
indicated 32 threatened vertebrate species, including 20 bird species, six
mammal species, one reptile species, two frog species and two fish species and
one invertebrate species of as occurring or potentially occurring. Suitable habitat
exists in the proposed wind farm boundary for 12 of these species. However,
none are considered likely to be significantly affected by the proposed wind farm.
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Birds
The conclusions from bird investigations at the Moorabool Wind Project are
presented below.

The proposed wind farm site is a largely altered agricultural landscape
supporting a low diversity and abundance of common, predominantly
opportunistic and adaptable native and introduced bird species.

The site supports relative abundances of bird species in line with observations
from similar farmland settings elsewhere in southern Australia.

The site supports only a few birds of prey or waterbirds, groups considered
vulnerable to collision with operating wind turbines.

The wind farm site lies within or close to the territory of at least two families of
Wedge-tailed Eagles. Activity during the bird utilisation survey was of low
frequency (utilisation rate of 0.026 birds per hectare per hour). Therefore, the
risk of a collision by this species is considered to be low.

Recommended mitigation measures for the collision risk to the two families of
Wedge-tailed Eagle included siting turbines 300 metres away from
escarpment edges and implementing management practices to reduce food
availability within collision risk areas.

Studies of wind farms world-wide indicate that the rate of bird collisions
ranges between 0.04 and 4 birds per turbine per year. Similar collision rates
have been observed at Australian wind farms.

The proposed Moorabool Wind Project is broadly comparable in terms of bird
habitat characteristics and setting to other wind farms in southern Australia.
This would suggest that the operation of the proposed wind farm would result
on a similar rate of mortality of common farmland birds which is not
considered to be of regional, national or international importance due to their
widespread distribution in south eastern Australia.

As habitats within and surrounding the wind farm are similar the level of bird
usage and species present are likely to be comparable. Therefore, indirect
impacts from the proposed wind farm are likely only to affect common species
of farmland birds.

No threatened species of birds were observed on or near the proposed wind
farm site (see also the fauna assessment in section 5).

The use of the proposed wind farm site by migratory species listed on the
Commonwealth EPBC Act is likely to be very low and significant impacts on
regional populations of these species are not expected to occur.
Bats
Nine bat species were recorded as being active within the proposed wind farm
boundary. Taking into consideration activity was confined to the vegetated areas
along Moorabool River and the turbines are sited away from these areas, impacts
to bat species are unlikely to be significant.
Implications
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As per the requirements of the Native Vegetation Management Framework
impacts to native vegetation have been avoided or minimised during the design
stage of the project. Where impacts to native vegetation are unavoidable, these
will be offset.
No areas of remnant grassland will be affected by the proposed wind farm layout.
Roadside vegetation removal will require a planning permit. Where access tracks
to the wind farm cross the public road reserve and protected and threatened flora
species listed under the FFG Act are to be removed, a license under this Act would
be required from DSE. By avoiding roadside vegetation in siting access to the site
this requirement can be avoided.
The fauna survey failed to find any rare or threatened species and found that
fauna habitat in the proposed footprint was of low quality. The higher quality
habitats likely to support rare and threatened fauna species occur in the study
area away from the proposed footprint. Provided that access tracks and other
wind farm infrastructure are situated to avoid impacts on remnant woodland and
aquatic habitats, then significant impacts on local native fauna populations are
not expected to occur.
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2. INTRODUCTION
WestWind Energy Pty Ltd engaged Brett Lane and Associates Pty Ltd to undertake
a detailed flora and fauna assessment on the site of a proposed new wind farm,
to be known as the Moorabool Wind Project, south of Ballan, approximately 67
kilometres west of Melbourne.
Specifically, the scope of the investigation comprised:

A flora and fauna assessment , including:
o Characterising and mapping remnant native vegetation;
o Compiling incidental flora and fauna species lists; and
o Assessing the likelihood of occurrence of threatened flora and fauna in
the area and the potential impacts of the proposed development on
these.

A five day survey in the proposed wind farm site documenting
eagle presence and behaviour;

The Identification of high-use areas by Wedge-tailed Eagles in
the wind farm site

Mapping of Wedge-tailed Eagle sightings, and observed and
possible flight paths.
This report documents the results of these assessments and targeted surveys,
and it is divided into following sections.
Section 3 describes the sources of information, including the methods used for
the field survey.
Section 4 provides an overview of the characteristics of the study area.
Section 5 presents the results of the flora and native vegetation investigation of
the study area.
Section 6 gives the results of the fauna assessment of the proposed wind farm
site.
Section 7 provides information on the bird usage of the site.
Section 8 presents the results of the bat study of the site.
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Section 9 provides the methods and results of an investigation of the wedgetailed Eagle on the site.
Section 10 assesses the impacts of the proposed wind farm on birds and bats.
Section 11 discusses the implications of the findings under relevant
Commonwealth, State and local legislation and policies.
This investigation was undertaken by a team from Brett Lane & Associates Pty
Ltd, comprising Amanda Dodd (Botanist), Teisha Sloane (Zoologist), Khalid AlDabbagh (Ornithologist), Justin Sullivan (Botanist), Francisco D’Elia (GIS Analysis)
and Brett Lane (Principal Consultant).
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3. SOURCES OF INFORMATION
This section identifies the sources of information and methodology used for this
assessment. Only terrestrial vascular plants were considered.
3.1.
Existing information
Existing information on flora used for this investigation is described below. Note
that there are two ‘study areas’ for this site: the Northern site (Bungeeltap
Section), north of Egerton-Bungeeltap Road and west of Ballan-Meredith Road
and the Southern site (Ballark Section), south of Egerton-Bungeeltap Road and
west of Geelong-Ballan Road. Existing information has been obtained from a wider
area, termed the ‘search region’, with a radius of 20 kilometres from the
approximate centre point of the study area (north zone coordinates: latitude 37°
39’ 08” S and longitude 144°10’ 31” E, south zone coordinates: latitude 37° 43’
48” S and longitude 144°10’ 31” E).
3.1.1.
Flora
Flora records from the Viridans Flora Information System (FIS), a database
administered by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) were
obtained. This database search listed all plant species, including rare and
threatened plants found in the search region.
The likelihood of suitable habitat in the study area for nationally threatened flora
species was ascertained through a search of the online Environment Protection
and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 Protected Matters Search Tool (DEWHA
2008) using the same search region.
Plant taxonomy used throughout this report follows the FIS standards.
3.1.2.
Ecological Vegetation Classes
Pre-1750 (pre-European settlement) vegetation mapping was reviewed to
determine the type of native vegetation likely to occur in the study area.
Information on Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVC) was obtained from published
EVC benchmarks. These sources included:

Relevant EVC benchmarks for the Victorian Volcanic Plains (VVP) and Central
Victorian Uplands (CVU) bioregions1 (DSE 2008a); and

Biodiversity Interactive Maps (DSE 2008b).
3.1.3.
Fauna
A list of the fauna species recorded in the search region was obtained from the
Atlas of Victorian Wildlife (AVW), a database administered by the DSE.
Fauna taxonomy used throughout this report follows the AVW nomenclature, and
Christidis and Boles (2008) where appropriate.
1
A bioregion is defined as “a geographic region that captures the patterns of ecological
characteristics in the landscape, providing a natural framework for recognising and
responding to biodiversity values”. In general bioregions reflect underlying environmental
features of the landscape (DNRE 1997).
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The presence or likelihood of occurrence in the study area of nationally
threatened fauna species was obtained through the Environment Protection and
Biodiversity Conservation Act Protected Matters Search Tool (DEWHA 2008).
3.2.
Field methodology
The initial flora assessment was conducted in mid-December 2008 and the fauna
assessment in mid-March 2009. An additional flora assessment was conducted in
late August 2009 for two additional properties at the Northern Site.
During the field assessments, the study area was briefly surveyed by vehicle to
determine the presence, absence and/or general quality of vegetation,
threatened fauna and flora habitat. Areas requiring closer inspection were then
surveyed on foot to confirm their condition and extent.
Mapping was undertaken through a combination of initial aerial photograph
interpretation and vehicle overview inspection, followed by detailed groundtruthing.
Sites in the study area found to support native vegetation (as defined in Section
3.2.2) and/or habitat for rare or threatened flora and/or fauna were recorded and
mapped.
3.2.1.
Flora species
Incidental records of flora species were made based on intuitive sampling
methods. Sites supporting potential habitat for rare or threatened flora species
were noted.
3.2.2.
Identifying and assessing native vegetation
For mapping purposes, the accepted definitions of native vegetation in Victoria
were used. Native vegetation in Victoria has been defined by the DSE as
belonging to three categories:

Remnant patch;

Scattered trees; and

Degraded treeless vegetation.
These categories are described in detail below, together with the method DSE
prescribes for their assessment.
Remnant Patch
Remnant patches of native vegetation comprise indigenous plant species
considered part of a clearly definable EVC. Such vegetation includes remnant
vegetation with the following attributes:

Proportion of indigenous understorey species greater than 25% of the total
understorey cover (excluding bare ground); and/or

Indigenous canopy trees with at least 20% projected foliage canopy cover
(DSE 2007a).
Areas supporting remnant patch vegetation were further classified according to
the quality categories described below.
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High quality remnant patch – the vegetation is representative of pre-European
condition having either escaped disturbance or largely recovered from historical
disturbance events. Depending on vegetation type, but as a general guide, the
following attributes are typical of high quality patches:

Overstorey intact - senescent, mature, juvenile and regenerating canopy
species present;

Middle and understorey layers intact and species present are indicative of EVC
description;

Ground flora layers intact and indicative of EVC description;

Presence of introduced species is minimal or negligible; and

Fallen wood and other habitat components present.
Medium quality remnant patch – the vegetation exhibits signs of disturbance or
decline associated with past or current land use or the use of surrounding land.
Depending on vegetation type, but as a general guide, the following attributes are
typical:

Canopy largely intact with some signs of decline - senescent and mature trees
present with some juvenile and regenerating canopy species;

Middle and understorey layers largely intact however some decline in
structural diversity and distribution present, most species indicative of EVC
description are present;

Ground flora layers reduced in extent and diversity with only some species
indicative of EVC description remaining. Decline resultant of a combination of
physical, mechanical or competitive removal associated with grazing,
development or weed invasion;

Presence of introduced species is obvious and potential for further invasion is
moderate to high; and

Fallen wood and other habitat components present but in decline.
Low quality remnant patch – the vegetation is in a state of decline with a
disruption of basic ecological processes obvious and the potential for recovery
lowered significantly. Depending on vegetation type, but as a general guide, the
following attributes are typical:

Canopy highly fragmented or in serious decline - senescent and mature trees
present with few or no regenerating canopy species;

Middle and understorey layers absent or surviving in isolated patches, most
species indicative of EVC description are absent;

Ground flora layers absent or replaced with introduced species, some isolated
patches present. Few species indicative of EVC description remaining. Decline
resultant from total physical, mechanical or competitive removal or alteration
associated with grazing, development or weed invasion;

Presence of introduced species is extensive and potential for further invasion
is very high; and

Fallen wood and other habitat components largely absent or unlikely to be of
value given decline in other ecological attributes.
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Scattered trees
Scattered trees comprise indigenous trees with projected foliage canopy cover
less than 20% and total cover of indigenous species in the shrub and ground layer
(excluding bare ground) of less than 25% (DSE 2007a).
The size class of scattered trees is usually determined by comparing their
diameter at breast height (DBH) to the benchmark large tree DBH for the EVC to
which they once belonged. During the current investigation, individual scattered
trees were not assessed due to time constraints. The proponent has advised that
the proposal will not involve the removal of any individual scattered trees.
However, if any are to be removed, they would need to be assessed for their DBH
and an offset found for them (see Section 11.2.3).
Degraded treeless vegetation
Degraded treeless vegetation comprises all other native vegetation (DSE 2007a).
This category includes the following:

Treeless vegetation with less than 25% total cover of indigenous species
(excluding bare ground); or

Treeless vegetation that has greater than 25% total cover of indigenous
species (excluding bare ground) but is dominated by a small number of
opportunistic native species which were unlikely to have been dominant prior
to a disturbance event (e.g. cropping).
3.2.3.
Fauna
The techniques used to detect fauna species inhabiting the study area included:

Incidental searches for mammal scats, tracks and signs (e.g. diggings, signs of
feeding and nests/burrows);

Turning over logs and other ground debris for reptiles, frogs and mammals;

Incidental bird observations; and

General searches for reptiles and frogs; including listening to frog calls in
seasonally wet areas.
Fauna habitat types were characterised in the study area and described in
Section 6.1. The quality of fauna habitat was assessed based on the criteria
detailed below.
High: Fauna habitat components are usually all present (i.e. vegetation intact) and
habitat linkages to other remnant ecosystems in the landscape are intact.
Moderate: Some fauna habitat components are often missing (i.e. old-growth
trees, fallen timber, leaf litter, surface rocks), although linkages with other
remnant habitats in the landscape are usually intact.
Low: Many fauna habitat elements in low quality remnants have been lost (e.g.
old-growth trees, fallen timber) and tree canopies are often highly fragmented.
Remnants may be severely weed-invaded and possess few native structural and
floristic components. Habitat linkages with other remnant ecosystems in the
landscape have usually been removed by extensive past clearing.
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3.3.
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Limitations of field assessment
Flora field surveys usually fail to record all species present for various reasons,
including the seasonal absence of some species and short survey duration. Rare
or cryptic species are often missed in short surveys. The aim of the current
assessment was not to document the status and distribution of threatened
plants. This task would be more efficiently undertaken once a close-to-final wind
farm layout was available, and if the layout was likely to affect identified habitat.
The field assessments were carried out in late spring – early summer and in late
winter, when some annual and early spring-emergent plant species may have
been undetectable or in the senescent stage of their life cycle and lacking
essential identification characteristics. Much of the site was under heavy grazing
by cattle and sheep and therefore assessing grassland vegetation quality was
made difficult. It was possible that some native grassland vegetation may have
been missed due to this heavy grazing. Areas where it was not possible to
ascertain the quality of vegetation due to the presence of heavy grazing have
been designated and mapped as not assessable potential native vegetation.
Some of the roadside vegetation was slashed to a height of five centimetres
during the study so it was hard to ascertain the quality of the roadside vegetation
adjacent to much of the Ballark Section.
The timing of the flora survey and condition of vegetation was otherwise
considered suitable to ascertain the extent and general quality of native
vegetation and potential habitat for rare or threatened flora species. As a basis
for designing a wind farm layout that takes account of the ‘avoid’ and ‘minimise’
principles of the applicable native vegetation retention planning provisions, this
investigation is satisfactory.
The fauna assessment was undertaken in March during mild and overcast
conditions. Diurnal conditions were suitable for detecting most fauna likely to
occur in the study area.
Wherever appropriate, a precautionary approach has been adopted in the
discussion of implications. That is, where insufficient evidence is available on the
likelihood of occurrence of a species, it is assumed that it could be in an area of
habitat, if suitable, and the implications under legislation and policy are
considered accordingly.
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Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
4. SITE DESCRIPTION
The study area for this investigation is approximately 5570 hectares of private
land, involving 16 different owners, located along the Ballan-Meredith Road, in
Ballan, Victoria. The site is split into two parts: the northern site (Bungeeltap
Section) and the southern site (Ballark Section).
The Bungeeltap Section is bordered by Ballan-Egerton Road to the north, BallanMeredith Road to the east, Manleys Road to the west, and a rural property to the
south.
The Ballark Section is bordered by Egerton-Bungeeltap Road to the north,
Geelong- Ballan Road to the east, and rural properties to the west and south.
Surrounding land on both sites supports predominantly agricultural land uses,
such as grazing and cropping, with some surrounding remnant native vegetation.
A branch of the Moorabool River runs through the Bungeeltap Section.
The study area comprises basalt soils on an undulating landscape cut through by
steep escarpments associated with the Moorabool River east branch. The site
supports small creek lines and artificial dams running though some of the
properties, most of which supporting no significant vegetation. Historically,
swampy land through the Ballark Section has been cleared and drained, with one
exception.
Most of the site has been heavily altered from its natural state with the majority
under cropping or subject to heavy grazing by cattle and sheep. The presence of
large rock piles indicate much of the site has been cleared of surface rocks. The
main areas of native vegetation were found along the banks and escarpments of
the Moorabool River east branch and along the road reserves adjacent to the site.
There was some revegetation of trees and shrubs within a number of the
properties. Species used were a combination of indigenous and non-indigenous
native plants. The locations of these were not mapped as they are of limited
conservation significance.
The escarpment vegetation was highly degraded in most areas with just the
canopy remaining due to heavy grazing by stock. The canopy primarily comprised
Manna Gum, River Red Gum and Blackwood with a mosaic understory of Tussock
Grass (Poa sp.), Kangaroo and Wallaby Grasses, and Bracken. At the top of the
escarpments some low quality grassy vegetation was found, supporting Spear
Grass and Wallaby Grasses with very little native shrub or tree canopy.
The roadside vegetation was of high quality and consisted of a Kangaroo Grass
and Wallaby grass dominated ground cover, with herbs such as Chocolate Lilies
and Scaly Buttons apparent.
Most of the study area lacked significant weed invasion due to grazing and control
by landowners. On the escarpments however, weeds such as Serrated Tussock,
Patterson’s Curse, and Rye Grass were more evident.
Observed vegetation consisted of Riparian Woodland (EVC 64), Creekline Herb
Rich Woodland (EVC 164), Plains Grassland (EVC 132), Plains Grassy Wetland
(EVC 125), Valley Grassy Forest (EVC 47) and Plains Grassy Woodland (EVC 55).
Native vegetation in the study area is well connected within the riparian and
escarpment zones of the Moorabool River East Branch. The grassland
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Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
communities are connected via linear road reserves. The smaller patches of
native vegetation away from the escarpments and roadsides are fragmented and
separated by large areas of crop land.
The majority of the study area lies within the Victorian Volcanic Plain (VVP)
bioregion. A small area in the northern part of the Bungeeltap Section adjacent to
Moorabool River lies within the Central Victorian Uplands bioregion.
The entire study area falls within the Corangamite catchment. It is currently zoned
Farming and is subjected to the following overlays in the Moorabool Shire
Planning Scheme:

Design and Development Overlay Schedule 1;

Environmental Significance Overlay Schedule 1;

Wildfire Management Overlay; and

Heritage Overlay.
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Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
5. FLORA OF THE STUDY AREA
This section describes the flora of the study area based on the review of existing
information and the field investigations.
5.1.
Flora species
FIS records and the EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool (DEWHA 2008) indicate
that within the search region 76 rare or threatened flora species, listed on the
FFG Act and/or EPBC Act, occur or potentially occur due to the presence of
suitable habitat. The likelihood of occurrence within the proposed wind farm
boundary is assessed and presented in Table 1. A total of 18 threatened flora
species were found to potentially occur within the proposed wind farm boundary.
These were Buloke, Ornate Pink-fingers, Curly Sedge, Australian Anchor Plant,
Trailing Hop-bush, Clover Glycine, Basalt Pepper-cress, Velvet Daisy-bush, Spiny
Rice-flower, Maroon Leek-orchid, Brittle Greenhood, Scented Bush-pea, Button
Wrinklewort, Large-fruit Fireweed, Swamp Fireweed, Swamp Everlasting Winter
Sun-orchid and Spiral Sun-orchid. Confirming the presence or absence of such
species was beyond the scope of this study. However, at a later stage in wind
farm planning, such a survey would be appropriate of any areas of remnant native
vegetation should they be affected by the project.
One rare flora species, Yarra Gum, was recorded within one of the northern
properties in the Bungeeltap Section. No rare or threatened flora species listed
under the FFG or EPBC Act were found during this study. However the presence
of these species was not a target of this survey.
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Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Table 1: FFG Act and EPBC Act listed flora species and likelihood of occurrence
Conservation status
Scientific Name
Common Name
Habitat
EPBC
FFG
Potential to occur in
study area
f
Usually associated with basaltic substrate streams
in cool elevated areas (Walsh 1999).
Habitat present –
Potential to occur
f
Basalt Plains. Rarely recorded from western Vic and
only known from two populations N and NE of
Melbourne (Entwisle 1996).
Habitat present –
Potential to occur
Brittle Greenhood
f
Predominantly east of Wilsons Promontory, but also
known from the Portland region. Grows in openforest, usually near-coastal (Entwisle 1994).
No habitat present unlikely to occur
Allocasuarina
luehmannii
Buloke
f
Woodlands on non-calcareous soils. Commonly
grows with Grey Box (Entwisle 1996).
No habitat present unlikely to occur
Rutidosis
leptorhynchoides
Button Wrinklewort
E
f
Basaltic grasslands (Jeanes 1999).
Habitat present –
Potential to occur
Glycine latrobeana
Clover Glycine
V
f
Grasslands and grassy woodlands (Jeanes 1996).
Habitat present –
Potential to occur
Carex tasmanica
Curly Sedge
V
f
Seasonally wet heavy clayey soils (Wilson 1994).
Habitat present –
Potential to occur
Senecio macrocarpus
Large-fruit Fireweed
V
f
Themeda grasslands on basalt (Walsh 1999).
Habitat present –
Potential to occur
Prasophyllum frenchii
Maroon Leek-orchid
E
f
Favouring heathland and Grassland on black clays
(Bates 1994).
Habitat present Potential to occur
Discaria pubescens
Australian Anchor Plant
Lepidium hyssopifolium
Basalt Pepper-cress
Pterostylis truncata
E
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Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Conservation status
Scientific Name
Common Name
Habitat
EPBC
Caladenia ornata
Ornate Pink-fingers
Pultenaea graveolens
Scented Bush-pea
FFG
V
f
Pimelea spinescens
subsp. spinescens
Spiny Rice-flower
C
f
Thelymitra mattewsii
Spiral Sun-orchid
V
f
Swamp Everlasting
V
f
Swamp Fireweed
Xerochrysum palustre
Senecio psilocarpus
Dodonaea procumbens
Trailing Hop-bush
Olearia pannosa subsp.
cardiophylla
Velvet Daisy-bush
Potential to occur in
study area
Heathy forest and among shrubs on seasonally
moist sandy loams (Jones 2006).
No habitat present unlikely to occur
Occurs in shrub understorey of dry Stringybark or
Ironbark forest (Corrick 1996)
Habitat presentPotential to occur
Grasslands or open shrublands on basalt derived
soils (Entwisle 1996). Prefers shallow depressions
and drainage lines with moderate soil moisture (D.
Coppolino pers. obs.).
Slightly elevated sites to 300m in well-drained soils
(sandy loams to gravelly limestone soils) in light to
dense forest; sometimes in coastal sandy flats
(Weber & Entwisle 1994).
Habitat present –
Potential to occur
No habitat present unlikely to occur
Lowland swamps, usually on cracking clays (Flann
1999).
Habitat present –
Potential to occur
V
Herb-rich winter-wet swamps on volcanic clays or
peaty soils (Walsh 1999).
Habitat present –
Potential to occur
V
Grows in low lying often winter wet areas in
woodland, low open-forest and grasslands on sands
and clays. Largely confined to SW of Victoria
(Duretto 1999).
Habitat present –
Potential to occur
Dry open forest on shallow rocky soils. Records in
coastal woodland near Anglesea (Walsh and
Lander, 1999).
No habitat present unlikely to occur
f
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Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Conservation status
Scientific Name
Common Name
Habitat
EPBC
FFG
Swamps and heaths on sandy soils near coast to
low woodlands on skeletal soils inland, mostly in
Thelymitra hiemalis
Winter Sun-orchid
f
moist and poorly drained areas (Weber & Entwisle
1994).
EPBC – Status under EPBC Act; C – Critically Endangered; E – Endangered; V – Vulnerable; FFG (f) – Listed as threatened under FFG Act.
Page | 17
Potential to occur in
study area
Habitat present –
Limited Potential to
occur
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
5.2.
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Ecological Vegetation Classes
Pre–European settlement EVC mapping (DSE 2008a) indicates that the study
area and surrounds would have supported the following EVCs based on modelling
of factors including rainfall, aspect, soils and remaining vegetation:

Escarpment Shrubland (EVC 895)

Plains Grassland (EVC 132)

Plains Grassy Wetland (EVC 125)

Plains Grassy Woodland (EVC 55)

Riparian Woodland (EVC 641)

Steam bank Shrubland (EVC 851)

Valley Grassy Forest (EVC 47)
Evidence on site, including floristic composition and soil characteristics,
suggested all the above EVCs were present. However, most existed in a degraded
and reduced form.
Vegetation quality of EVCs was assessed using the methodology provided by DSE
(Figure 1 to 3). The study site therefore supported:
•
286.18 hectares of high quality vegetation;
•
83.54 hectares of medium quality vegetation;
•
91.49 hectares of low quality vegetation; and
•
85.06 hectares of land under covenant.
A total of 993.01 hectares was un-assessable due to heavy grazing by cattle and
sheep. As this grazing will continue in the future, these areas are unlikely to
change in condition.
A description of the EVCs present and their distribution in the study area is given
below.
Escarpment Shrubland (EVC 895) has an endangered conservation status in the
VVP bioregion. The benchmark for this EVC describes it as “Occur[ing] on rocky
escarpments in steep valleys or gorges, associated with limestone or basalt. Sites
have moderate to high fertility, are well-drained but subject to regular summer
drought due to shallow soils. Eucalypt woodland to 15 metres tall or non-eucalypt
shrubland to 8 metres tall, with occasional eucalypts; lichen-covered rock
outcrops are common.” This vegetation type was confined to small patches within
the main gully in the Bungeeltap Section and a small area on the south-western
side of the Ballark Section.
Plains Grassland (EVC 132) has an endangered conservation status in the VVP
bioregion. The benchmark for this EVC describes it as “Treeless vegetation mostly
less than 1 metre tall dominated by largely graminoid and herb life forms.
Occupies fertile cracking basalt soils prone to seasonal water-logging in areas
receiving at least 500 mm annual rainfall.” This vegetation type was mainly
confined to the roadsides, with small degraded patches occurring on some
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Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
properties. Some of the areas defined as un-assessable potential native
vegetation may belong to this EVC but this could only be determined after removal
of grazing animals for several months during the growing season.
Plains Grassy Wetland (EVC 125) has an endangered conservation status in the
VVP bioregion. The benchmark for this EVC describes it as “usually treeless, but in
some instances can include sparse River Red Gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis or
Swamp Gum Eucalyptus ovata. A sparse shrub component may also be present.
The characteristic ground cover is dominated by grasses and small sedges and
herbs. The vegetation is typically species-rich on the outer verges but is usually
species-poor in the wetter central areas.” This vegetation type was predominantly
confined to the areas currently under covenant. Other areas which may
historically have supported this vegetation have been filled and cropped.
Plains Grassy Woodland (EVC 55) has an endangered conservation status in the
VVP bioregion. The benchmark for this EVC describes it as “open, eucalypt
woodland to 15 metres tall. Occupies poorly drained, fertile soils on flat or gently
undulating plains at low elevations. The understorey consists of a few sparse
shrubs over a species-rich grassy and herbaceous ground layer. This variant
occupies areas receiving approximately 500 – 700 mm annual rainfall.” This
vegetation type was mainly confined to the roadsides, with small, degraded
patches occurring on some properties. Some of the areas defined as unassessable potential native vegetation may belong to this EVC this but this could
only be determined after removal of grazing animals for several months during the
growing season.
Riparian Woodland (EVC 641) has an endangered conservation status in the VVP
bioregion. The benchmark for this EVC describes it as “occur[ing] beside
permanent streams, typically on narrow alluvial deposits. Woodland to 15 metres
tall generally dominated by Eucalyptus camaldulensis over a tussock grassdominated understorey. Tall shrubs may be present and amphibious herbs may
occur in occasional ponds and beside creeks. While flooding may be common,
sites are rarely inundated for lengthy periods.” This vegetation type was confined
to patches within the main gully on the northern site and in the south-western part
of the southern site. This EVC occurred as a mosaic with Valley Grassy Forest (EVC
47) through these areas.
Steam bank Shrubland (EVC 851) has an endangered conservation status in the
VVP bioregion. The benchmark for this EVC describes it as “tall shrubland to 8
metres tall above a ground layer of sedges and herbs. A sparse eucalypt
overstorey to 15 metres tall may sometimes be present. Occurs along rivers and
major streams where the watercourse consists of either rocky banks, a flat rocky
stream bed or broad gravel banks which are often dry but are also regularly
flooded by fast flowing waters.” This vegetation type was confined to small
patches within the main gully on the northern site and to patches in the southwestern part of the southern site.
Valley Grassy Forest (EVC 47) has a vulnerable conservation status in both the
VVP and CVU bioregions. The benchmark for this EVC describes it as “Valley
Grassy Forest occurs under moderate rainfall regimes of 700-800 mm per annum
on fertile well-drained colluvial or alluvial soils on gently undulating lower slopes
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Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
and valley floors. The tall, open overstorey to 25 metres tall may carry a variety of
eucalypts, usually species which prefer more moist or more fertile conditions over
a sparse shrub cover. In season, a rich array of herbs, lilies, grasses and sedges
dominate the ground layer but at the drier end of the spectrum the ground layer
may be sparse and slightly less diverse, but with the moisture-loving species still
remaining.” This vegetation type was the main intact EVC present within the study
area, occurring in the gully on the northern site and across the western side of the
Ballark Section.
Page | 20
0
0.5
Kilometers
2
1
Legend
Figure 1 : Native vegetation quality - Bungeeltap Section
Native vegetation quality
Project Title: Moorabool Wind Farm
High
Unassessable potential native vegetation
Client: West Wind Pty Ltd
Project No.: 8147
Medium
Low
Date: 31/08/2009
Created by: J. Sullivan / F. D'Elia
Site Boundary
Experience
Knowledge
Solutions
°
605 Nicholson Street
ph (03) 9387 5008 | fax (03) 9387 6115
PO Box 592, Carlton North
[email protected]
VIC 3054 Australia
www.ecologicalresearch.com.au
0
0.5
Kilometers
2
1
Legend
Figure 2 : Native vegetation quality - Ballark Section (east)
Native vegetation quality
Project Title: Moorabool Wind Farm
High
Unassessable potential native vegetation
Medium
Native vegetation under covenant
Client: West Wind Pty Ltd
Project No.: 8147
Low
Site Boundary
Experience
Knowledge
Solutions
Date: 31/08/2009
Created by: J. Sullivan / F. D'Elia
°
605 Nicholson Street
ph (03) 9387 5008 | fax (03) 9387 6115
PO Box 592, Carlton North
[email protected]
VIC 3054 Australia
www.ecologicalresearch.com.au
0
0.5
Kilometers
2
1
Legend
Figure 3 : Native vegetation quality - Ballark Section (west)
Native vegetation quality
Project Title: Moorabool Wind Farm
High
Unassessable potential native vegetation
Client: West Wind Pty Ltd
Project No.: 8147
Medium
Low
Date: 31/08/2009
Created by: J. Sullivan / F. D'Elia
Site Boundary
Experience
Knowledge
Solutions
°
605 Nicholson Street
ph (03) 9387 5008 | fax (03) 9387 6115
PO Box 592, Carlton North
[email protected]
VIC 3054 Australia
www.ecologicalresearch.com.au
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
5.3.
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Scattered trees
Scattered trees recorded in the study area would once have comprised the
canopy component of Plains Grassy Woodland (EVC 55) or Valley Grassy Forest
(EVC 47). Mapping of scattered trees was not within the scope of this study
however it is noted that they are spread throughout most of the cropped and
grazed paddocks in the study area. Based on the current survey, size classes of
these trees were considered to range from mostly large to very large compared
with the benchmark large tree DBH for the relevant EVCs.
5.4.
Degraded treeless vegetation
It is possible that the areas classified as un-assessable potential native
vegetation in Figures 1 to 3 may support degraded treeless vegetation. However,
due to current heavy grazing this could not be confirmed. Sites not indicated on
Figures 1 to 3 as native vegetation or potential native vegetation are unlikely to
constitute this vegetation type due to recent cropping activity.
5.5.
Conservation significance according to the Framework
The conservation significance of remnant patch vegetation is determined based
on a combination of the bioregional conservation status of the EVC, quality (i.e.
habitat score) of the vegetation, the presence of rare or threatened species and
any significant site attributes.
Very large, large and medium scattered trees in the study area are assigned a
conservation significance based on the bioregional conservation status of the EVC
to which they once belonged (i.e. the lowest conservation significance for the
relevant EVC). Small scattered trees are defined as having low conservation
significance according to the Framework.
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Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
6. FAUNA OF THE STUDY AREA
This section describes the fauna habitat features of the site and the fauna
recorded or likely to occur.
6.1.
Habitat assessment
The land under investigation supports the fauna habitat types described below.

Cleared agricultural land;

Planted trees;

Rocky outcrops;

Remnant woodland; and

Aquatic habitat.
Cleared Agricultural land is the dominant habitat in the study area and comprises
large areas of managed cropping land and grazed pasture with scattered trees,
exotic grasses and weeds. For this reason, structural diversity is generally poor
thereby providing few opportunities for fauna other than common agricultural bird
(native and exotic), mammal and reptile species. Cleared agricultural land has lost
many fauna habitat components and the ground layer is highly modified from the
original intact vegetation. There are some areas of surface and embedded rock
which may provide shelter for ground-dwelling fauna. Scattered mature eucalypts,
potentially used by mobile hollow-dependent fauna such as birds and bats, occur
throughout this habitat.
Based on this assessment cleared agricultural land is of low quality for fauna.
Planted trees are numerous throughout the study area along fence lines and act
as windbreaks. Species are dominated by pines or eucalypts and are generally
less than 5 metres tall. These trees have the potential to provide roosting,
nesting and perching habitat for common farmland birds. Additional habitat is
found in the Bungeeltap Section where there are fenced revegetated patches.
Large areas of pine plantations lacking understorey area also found in the study
area.
Taking into consideration planted tree habitats are dominated by exotic species
and only support common farmland species, this habitat is considered to be of
low quality for fauna.
Rocky Outcrop was found within numerous areas throughout both sections of the
wind farm. Rocky outcrops occur along the escarpment edge in the Bungeeltap
Section with some significant rocky outcrops in some areas of the southern
section (Figure 4). Indigenous grass species, including wallaby grasses and
Kangaroo Grass, have a moderate to high cover within these (Figure 4). Native
grassland vegetation also occurs along Bungeeltap Road and is dominated by
Kangaroo Grass.
Rocky outcrops may provide habitat for reptile species and were considered to be
moderate quality habitat for native fauna.
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Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Figure 4: Rocky outcrop within native grassland habitat in southern section of study area
Remnant woodland occurs within the valley associated with the Moorabool River
in the Bungeeltap Section, and ‘Little Forest’ adjoins the western border of the
Ballark Section of the proposed wind farm site (Figure 5). The canopy
predominantly comprised Manna Gum, River Red Gum and Blackwood with a
mosaic understory of Tussock Grass (Poa sp.). Several areas of the woodland
habitat in the study area have been disturbed as a result of stock grazing, which
has reduced the diversity of ground layer flora. Woodland remnants retain fallen
branches and logs, an important habitat component for ground fauna. A number
of mature, hollow-bearing trees provide nesting sites, roosting sites and shelter
from predators for birds, bats and tree-dwelling mammals. In or near woodland
remnants, bush birds and hollow-dependent birds were observed.
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Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Figure 5: Remnant woodland forest in valley provides connectivity to larger bush blocks
The woodland occurs mostly below the ridges provides connectivity between
remnant woodland north of the study area, forming habitat links of wider regional
value (Figure 5). The remnant woodland habitat in the study area, although not
extensive, is comparatively intact and has many key fauna habitat components.
Remnant Woodland is therefore considered to be moderate to high quality fauna
habitat likely to support a variety of fauna species that would not otherwise be
present in the study area.
Aquatic Habitat comprises a variety of wetlands, including, the Moorabool River,
tributary creeks, open water impoundments and a number of small constructed
farm dams. The majority farm dams support banks lacking fringing vegetation,
with two supporting some Common Reed. Floodplains in the Ballark Section are of
low quality and are currently grazed by stock. When inundated, the dams and
floodplains could provide roosting and feeding habitat for a variety of common
ducks, coots and moorhens, lapwings, herons and ibises, as well as a variety of
common frog species.
Due to the scattered nature of the dams, their small size and general lack of
vegetation, this habitat is considered to be low quality fauna habitat.
The Moorabool River runs through the Bungeeltap Section and along the western
border of the Ballark Section of the proposed wind farm. The river supports
significant fringing, floating and submerged vegetation and lies within the valley
surrounded by remnant woodland (Figure 6). Several sections of the river are dry,
less vegetated with some disturbance. This habitat constitutes a flyway and
habitat link and is likely to provide habitat for a variety of aquatic fauna.
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Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
The aquatic habitat for fauna is likely to range from moderate to high quality on
the river, to low quality in the various farm dams.
Figure 6: The Moorabool River East Branch is likely to support a range of common
waterbirds and frogs
6.2.
Fauna species
AVW records and the EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool (DEWHA 2008)
indicate that within the search region 32 (20 bird, six mammal, one reptile, two
frog, one invertebrate and two fish species) rare or threatened fauna species,
listed on the FFG Act and / or EPBC Act, occur or potentially occur due to the
presence of suitable habitat (Table 2). Species for which suitable habitat occurs
in the study area are discussed in more detail in the following sections, whilst
other species are not discussed further.
Based on the field assessment and the review of existing information, the study
area is known or likely to support 140 fauna species , including 17 mammals (five
introduced), 108 bird (six introduced), 10 reptile and seven frog species
(Appendix 2, including fauna recorded during the field surveys).
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Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Table 2: Threatened fauna identified as occurring or potentially occurring in the
study area
Common Name
Scientific Name
Conservation Status
Suitable
habitat
EPBC
FFG
DSE
VU
L
CR
No
NT
Yes
Yes
Birds
Australian Painted Snipe
Rostratula australis
Azure Kingfisher
Alcedo azurea
Blue-billed Duck
Oxyura australis
L
EN
Brolga
Grus rubicunda
L
VU
No
Brown Treecreeper
Climacteris picumnus victoriae
NT
No
Cattle Egret
Ardea ibis
Chestnut-rumped Heathwren
Calamanthus pyrrhopygius
L
VU
No
Diamond Firetail
Stagonopleura guttata
L
VU
No
Eastern Great Egret
Ardea modesta
Hardhead
Aythya australis
Latham's Snipe
Gallinago hardwickii
Little Egret
Egretta garzetta
EN
Yes
Musk Duck
Biziura lobata
VU
Yes
Pied Cormorant
Phalacrocorax varius
NT
No
Powerful Owl
Ninox strenua
L
VU
Yes
Regent Honeyeater
Xanthomyza phrygia
L
CR
No
Royal Spoonbill
Platalea regia
VU
No
Speckled Warbler
Pyrrholaemus sagittatus
Spotted Quail-thrush
Cinclosoma punctatum
Swift Parrot
Lathamus discolor
Brush-tailed Phascogale
Phascogale tapoatafa
Common Dunnart
Sminthopsis murina
Grey-headed Flying-fox
Pteropus poliocephalus
VU
L
VU
No
Konoom, Smoky Mouse
Pseudomys fumeus
EN
L
CR
No
Southern Brown Bandicoot
Isoodon obesulus obesulus
EN
NT
No
Spot-tailed Quoll
Dasyurus maculatus maculatus
EN
L
EN
No
VU
L
EN
No
L
EN
No
VU
L
EN
Yes
CR
L
CR
No
M
M
Yes
L
M
L
EN
L
EN
VU
Yes
VU
Yes
NT
Yes
VU
No
NT
No
L
EN
No
L
VU
No
VU
No
Mammals
Reptiles
Striped Legless Lizard
Delma impar
Amphibians
Brown Toadlet
Pseudophryne bibronii
Growling Grass Frog
Litoria raniformis
Invertebrate
Golden Sun Moth
Synemon plana
Australian Grayling
Prototroctes maraena
VU
L
VU
Yes
Dwarf Galaxias
Galaxiella pusilla
VU
L
VU
Yes
Fish
Page | 29
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
DSE – Status from DSE Advisory List; EPBC – Status under EPBC Act; FFG – Status under FFG Act;
CR – Critically endangered; EN – Endangered; VU– Vulnerable; NT – Lower risk near threatened;
M – Migratory; DD = data deficient; L – Listed on FFG Act
6.2.1.
Birds
VFD records, the EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool, habitat availability and
records during the field assessment have indicated that 107 birds species (six
introduced) occur or potentially occur within the study area. The 56 species were
recorded during the field assessment are provided in Appendix 2.
The information obtained indicated that seven threatened bird species are likely
to be present within the study area. These are discussed in more detail below.
The EPBC Act Protective Matters Search Tool indicated the presence of suitable
habitat for the nationally endangered Swift Parrot, Regent Honeyeater and
Australian Painted Snipe within the study area, though the AVW did not hold
records of these species. No suitable habitat was present within the proposed
wind farm boundary for the Australian Painted Snipe which prefers vegetated
shallow freshwater wetlands. Similarly, no suitable habitat is present for the
Regent Honeyeater, a species preferring flowering eucalypts and mistletoe.
Additionally, Regent Honeyeater is “all but extinct” in Victoria (Olsen et al. 2005)
and is now mainly found in north-east Victoria and in New South Wales (Higgins et
al. 2001; Tzaros 2005). Taking this information into consideration, it is unlikely
for these species to be present within the proposed wind farm boundary. It is
likely that the Swift Parrot occasionally visits the large tracts of remnant woodland
in the wider region, such as the Brisbane Ranges National Park, during migration
in autumn and winter. The lack of nearby regional records however indicate that
visitation by this species to the wind farm site itself is likely to be irregular.
The remaining birds listed in Table 2 for which habitat exists in the study area
were state threatened species. These are considered below.
There were four records of Powerful Owl from the AVW search region between
1999 and 2001, three of which were located within the Brisbane Ranges National
Park and the fourth near Ballark. No records were situated within the proposed
wind farm site. The Powerful Owl prefers open and tall wet sclerophyll forests with
sheltered gullies and old growth forest with dense understorey (Higgins 1999). It
is also found in dry forests with box and ironbark eucalypts and River Red Gum.
Large old trees with hollows are required by this species for nesting.
Powerful Owls select home ranges based on large trees and hollows rather than
the forest and can range up to 9 kilometres (Soderquist and Gibbons 2007). The
proposed study area contains some suitable habitat for Powerful Owls within the
forested areas, but overall the site is not considered likely to regularly support the
species. It is possible that individuals may use the valleys in and near the study
area during dispersal from and between more extensive habitats nearby (e.g.
Little Forest to the west, and forest to the north near Mount Edgerton) but this is
likely to be irregular and involve a very small number of birds infrequently.
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Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Waterbirds
The AVW list a number of threatened waterbird species from the search regions.
The status of these birds in relation to the proposed wind farm site is summarised
below.
The AVW contained eight records of the Blue-billed Duck (1986–2000), 15
records of the Musk Duck (1987–2000), and 11 records of the Hardhead (1980–
1999); almost all of these records were from Durdidwarrah dam (about five
kilometres south of wind farm site) and Mt Wallace (about five kilometres east of
wind farm site). The three duck species may occur occasionally in small numbers
along the Moorabool River within the study area but significant numbers are
highly unlikely to occur in the area.
The Little Egret and Eastern Great Egret have been recorded once (2000) and on
three occasions (1991–1992) respectively, in the AVW search region. These
species are listed migratory species under the EPBC Act. Records are from the
same wetlands as those listed above for the ducks. The listing of the egrets in
Victoria refers to the small size of the breeding population and the small number
of sites where they breed.
Outside the breeding season, the Eastern Great Egret occurs in most of Victoria’s
wetlands, including farm dams (Emison et al. 1987). It is possible that the Eastern
Great Egret may occasionally occur in the study area, particularly along the banks
of Moorabool River and on larger farm dams. The Little Egret is more restricted in
habitat choice and is less likely to occur in the study area. The study area is not
considered to provide core habitat for these species. Therefore, it is considered
that these species would not suffer any adverse effects from the current proposal.
The Lathams’ Snipe was recorded once in 1990 from the search region from an
unspecified locality. This species is a listed migratory species under the EPBC Act.
The snipe is a migratory shorebird spending the summer months in south-eastern
Australia. It is possible this species may occasionally occur in vegetated habitats
along the Moorabool River, but numbers are unlikely to be significant due to the
lack of extensive wetland habitats capable of supporting significant numbers.
Another species which inhabits shallow freshwater wetlands is the Brolga, listed
as vulnerable in Victoria (DSE 2007b) and listed under the FFG Act. There is one
non-breeding AVW record from 2005 within the south eastern section of the study
area. The Brolga was recorded along a shallow depression within high quality
native grassland (see figure 2). Notwithstanding this, it was considered that
habitat suitable to support the Brolga regularly is not present in the study area.
For this reason, the site and the surrounding region does not support a significant
population or regular breeding sites for this species. This is corroborated by the
lack of AVW records of the species within the search region.
Finally, the AVW contained two records of the Azure Kingfisher from the search
region. The records were not recent (1997) and were from the Brisbane Ranges
National Park, well outside the proposed wind farm site. The kingfisher inhabits
vegetation at the edges of waterways and wetlands, mostly well vegetated
freshwater or tidal rivers and creeks, especially with still or slowly flowing waters
Page | 31
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
(Higgins 1999). The species may occur within the study area along the vegetated
parts of the Moorabool River.
In addition to the above birds, the EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool
predicted the passage of eight migratory species over the wind farm site, these
include:

White-bellied Sea Eagle;

White-throated Needletail;

Rainbow Bee-eater;

Satin Flycatcher;

Rufous Fantail;

Australian Painted Snipe;

Cattle Egret; and

Eastern Great Egret.
The White-bellied Sea Eagle is unlikely to visit the study area due to lack of major
wetlands. White-throated Needletail, Rainbow Bee-eater, Satin Flycatcher and
Rufous Fantail are migrants to south-eastern Australia, mainly during the summer
months. Their presence in any area depends on the availability of suitable
eucalypt forests or ferny gullies. Small numbers of these species may pass
through the area on migration. The White-throated Needletail would use any
habitat across the study area, while the Satin Flycatcher and Rufous Fantail may
occur in the forested habitats among the waterways. There have been no records
of any of these species in the AVW from the search region except for Satin
Flycatcher and Eastern Great Egret.
The Australian Painted Snipe and Eastern Great Egret are already discussed in the
paragraphs above. The Cattle Egret is found in grasslands, woodlands and
wetlands, and is not common in arid areas. It also uses pasture and cropland and
associates with grazing animals, in particular cattle (Marchant and Higgins 1990).
This species may occur irregularly in small numbers within lush pasture habitat
and amongst cattle.
In addition to the foregoing threatened species, another species of concern, the
Wedge-tailed Eagle, although not a threatened species, is prone to collision with
operating wind turbines and may be affected by the proposed wind farm. The
Wedge-tailed Eagle is further discussed in Section 9.
6.2.2.
Mammals
A total of 17 mammal species occur or is likely to occur within the study area
based on AVW records from the search region and the current site assessment.
This total includes five introduced species and a number of bats. Two native
species, Eastern Grey Kangaroo and Black Wallaby, were ecorded during the field
assessment along with three introduced species, Red Fox, European Hare and
European Rabbit (Appendix 2).
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Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
The current assessment found that no species of threatened mammals listed at
either state or commonwealth level, would be expected to occur regularly in the
study area, due to a lack of suitable habitat and a lack of regional records.
The EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool indicated that four species of
nationally threatened terrestrial mammals could potentially occur in the region
(Table 2).
No recent AVW records from the search region exist for the Grey-headed Flying
Fox. This species is more common in sub-tropical and tropical regions and until
recently was known from two large roosts in Victoria, one in the state’s far east at
Mallacoota and the other from the Melbourne Botanic Gardens (Menkhorst
1995). The study area is not considered to comprise core habitat or provide a
significant source of food (fruit and nectar-bearing trees) for this species. It is
highly unlikely it would occur regularly or in significant numbers due to the lack of
AVW records and suitable habitat.
It is very unlikely that sufficient contiguous intact habitat remains for the Spottailed Quoll, since this species is typical of large forest blocks of the Otway Range
or eastern Victorian (Menkhorst 1995).
The Smoky Mouse occurs in several disjunctive forested or heathy habitats in
Victoria, the closest of which is the Grampians (Menkhorst 1995) and so a
population of this species is very unlikely to exist in the study area.
Similarly the Southern Brown Bandicoot prefers dense understorey vegetation in
heathy forest on well drained soils (Menkhorst 1995). Given the degraded quality
and limited extent of remnant habitat on site and, in particular, its lack of
connectivity with nearby areas of known habitat for the bandicoot, this species is
considered unlikely to occur in the study area.
Due to the lack of AVW records and suitable habitat, it is considered that these
threatened mammal species would not suffer any adverse effects from the
current proposal as they are unlikely to occur in the study area.
Bats could also be at risk of collision with wind turbines. Six species of bats were
recorded in the AVW, but none were threatened. Bats are discussed in detail in
Section 8.
6.2.3.
Reptiles
Records from the AVW and the current site assessment indicate that ten reptile
species occur or are likely to occur within the study area (Appendix 2). The EPBC
Act Protected Matters Search Tool indicated that one threatened reptile species,
Striped Legless Lizard potentially occurred within the study area, though the AVW
held no records of these. Some suitable habitat occurs in the south-eastern
section of the wind farm. This habitat contains rocky outcrops and native grasses
(wallaby grass and Kangaroo Grass). Native grassland vegetation also occurs
along Bungeeltap Road in the Bungeeltap Section and is dominated by Kangaroo
Grass. Suitable habitat across the wind farm is minimal and occurs mostly along
roadsides. Most paddocks in the study area are highly unlikely to sustain a
population of the species due to intensive cultivation and grazing. The proposed
wind farm layout avoids all areas of native grassland. There is limited connectivity
Page | 33
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
to suitable habitat in the surrounding area and therefore the Striped Legless
Lizard is unlikely to occur on the proposed wind farm site.
6.2.4.
Amphibians
VFD records and the current site assessment indicate that seven amphibian
species occur or are likely to occur within the study area. No species were directly
recorded during the assessment (Appendix 2).
The EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool indicated that one species of
nationally threatened amphibian, Growling Grass Frog, may occur in the search
region.
The Growling Grass Frog was recorded once from the AVW search region in 1987
at Sheoaks, more than 10 kilometres to the south of the wind farm site. This
species inhabits areas of permanent water and farm dams, especially those with
bulrushes and other dense fringing or floating vegetation cover (Organ 2002).
The presence of this frog in the region would depend on the presence of suitable,
permanent water bodies, such as dams with fringing vegetation or permanent
creeks. The dams and wetlands throughout the wind farm site are unsuitable due
to lack of permanent water and fringing aquatic vegetation.
Although it is unlikely that this frog would be found on the wind farm site due to a
lack of past records, it is likely that parts of the Moorabool River would provide
habitat for the species to disperse. Potential habitat of dense fringing and floating
vegetation occur along parts of the river in conjunction with adjacent surface rock.
It is unlikely that the species would occur away from the river however due to a
lack of suitable habitat. The proposed turbines are situated on high ground where
there are no wetlands or creeks, and therefore a targeted survey for the Growling
Grass Frog is not required and the project is not expected to significantly affect
this species.
6.2.5.
Other fauna
The EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool identified the Golden Sun Moth as
occurring or having potential habitat within the search region.
The Golden Sun Moth inhabits native tussock grasslands that support wallaby
grass Austrodanthonia spp. (O’Dwyer and Attiwill 1999). Previous studies indicate
that the species requires at least 40% cover of Wallaby Grass for survival
(O’Dwyer and Attiwill 1999), although recent findings in Victoria suggest that small
populations may persist in more disturbed habitats with less wallaby grass cover
than what is considered optimal for the species. Although there is one small
patch of native grassland in the southern section of the wind farm site, it is
avoided in the proposed wind farm layout and hence will not be affected. It is
unlikely that the habitat available could support the species due its small size and
isolation from areas well to the east known to support the species (outside the
search region).
The study area was considered not to support any threatened fish species.
However, the EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool indicated that habitat was
present for two fish species of national environmental significance: the Australian
Page | 34
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Grayling and the Dwarf Galaxias. These species are listed as vulnerable under the
EPBC Act, are listed under the FFG Act, and are considered to be vulnerable in
Victoria (DSE 2007a). No recent AVW records from the search region exist for
these species.
The closest records of the Australian Grayling are from the Barwon River west of
Geelong. The larvae are thought to be swept out to sea and return to freshwater
after four to six months (Wager and Jackson 1993). Freshwater habitats include
large and small coastal streams and rivers. The species prefer cool, clear waters,
with a gravel substrate (Cadwallader and Backhouse 1983).
Similarly, the Dwarf Galaxias has not been recorded in the AVW search region.
This species is typically found in still or slow-moving waters such as swamps,
drains and backwaters of Creeks and streams and amongst aquatic vegetation
(Cadwallader and Backhouse 1983). In Victoria, populations are located in the
Grampians, and in four major creeks around Melbourne.
Although the Moorabool River provides habitat for both species, these are not
expected to occur in the study area due to the lack of historical records and
connectivity to areas supporting known populations outside the search region.
Additionally, the proposed turbine locations are situated on high ground away
from rivers and creeks. Therefore, a targeted survey for these fish is not
recommended and the proposed wind farm will not have a significant impact on
them.
6.3.
Fauna conservation significance
The remnant woodland and aquatic habitat within the valley and the western
border of the Ballark Section retains numerous habitat features, such as hollow
trees, native ground cover and logs that are important for native and threatened
fauna species. It is considered likely that the Powerful Owl and Azure Kingfisher
may occur in this habitat. Using the criteria in Appendix 3, this area is therefore
considered to be of potential state conservation significance for fauna.
Other aquatic habitats on the wind farm site, including floodplains and farm
dams, are modified and highly disturbed and therefore of local conservation
significance. They are of local fauna conservation significance only.
All other threatened species of fauna have a low or no probability of occurrence.
Remaining habitat in the study area consists of modified and highly disturbed
areas and is likely to support locally common species and unlikely to support
threatened species. Therefore, in accordance with the zoological significance
criteria, these areas area considered to be of local conservation significance for
fauna.
Page | 35
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
7. BIRD UTILISATION SURVEY
The bird utilisation survey of the proposed Moorabool Wind Project site was
undertaken over five days between 16th and 26th of March, 2009.
Methods to undertake this survey are consistent with the requirements for a
‘Level One’ bird risk assessment in accordance with ‘Wind Farms and Birds Interim Standards for Risk Assessment’ issued by the Australian Wind Energy
Association (AusWEA 2005). This approach has been endorsed in the
Association’s latest (2007) Best Practice Guidelines.
The methods used and the results of the survey are presented in this section of
the report.
7.1.
Methods
7.1.1. Fixed-point bird count method
Ten fixed survey points were established in the study area and nearby district;
eight points were ‘impact’ points located within the proposed wind farm boundary,
and two were ‘reference’ points and located outside the wind farm boundary (see
Figure 7).
For this survey an observer was stationed at a survey point for 15 minutes. During
this period, all bird species within 200 metres were recorded. Species, number,
distance from the centre point and flight height were documented, with flight
height being classified as below, at or above rotor swept area height (RSA height).
RSA height lies between 40 and 150 metres above-ground.
The surveys were undertaken nine times at each site at different times of the day
to allow for time-of-day differences in bird movements and activity. Table 3 below
indicates when each point was counted on each survey day.
Page | 36
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Table 3: Times of day when points* were counted during each survey day.
Day
T1
T2
T3
T4
T5
T6
T7
T8
T9
T10
8:00
8:30
9:00
9:30
10:00
10:30
11:00
11:30
12:00
12:30
1
2
3
4
1
2
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
R1
R2
3
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
R1
R2
1
4
3
4
5
6
7
8
R1
R2
1
2
4
5
6
7
8
R1
R2
1
2
3
T12
T13
T14
T15
T16
T17
T18
T19
T20
T21
13:00
13:30
14:00
14:30
15:00
15:30
16:00
16:30
17:00
17:30
1
5
6
7
8
R1
R2
1
2
3
2
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
R1
R2
3
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
R1
R2
1
4
3
4
5
6
7
8
R1
R2
1
2
5
4
5
6
7
8
R1
R2
5
* See Figure 1 for survey point locations.
7.1.2. Locations of survey points
The survey points were spaced as evenly as possible across the wind farm,
subject to access, to obtain representative coverage of the study area (Figure 7).
Where possible impact points were established on elevated ground, allowing a
clear view of surrounding areas, and in areas of proposed sites for the wind
turbines.
The location of the impact points differed slightly in position in relation to the
escarpment. Three of the points (2, 6, and 8) were located directly on the top
edge of the Moorabool River escarpment and the remaining points were in open
paddocks at varying distances from the escarpment. All points were near
windbreaks of either pine or planted native trees.
The two reference points were established on similar terrain to that of impact
sites and were located on public roads outside the wind farm site (Figure 7).
7.1.3. Incidental observations
In addition to the observations during formalised, fixed-point counts, incidental
observations of waterbirds and raptors were also made while moving about the
wind farm site, with particular reference to birds flying at RSA height. Also,
incidental observations were recorded for the Wedge-tailed Eagles to supplement
records from the formal bird utilisation counts.
7.2.
Limitations
This bird utilisation survey was undertaken in autumn 2009. At this time of year,
many birds that normally spend the summer in pairs were in small feeding flocks
after the end of the breeding season. Some species, such as, magpies and
ravens, had already formed large feeding flocks.
Page | 37
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
At this time of year, some migratory bird species, including the summer visitors
and some passage migrants, were already in the region. However, most of these
species were likely to be confined to the woodland or ephemeral wetland habitats
and would not move regularly across the balance of the wind farm site where wind
turbines are most likely to be sited.
For these reasons, the utilisation rates and species abundances recorded during
the current survey are considered to be representative of the parts of the site
where turbines would be placed and to be a reasonable basis on which to assess
the bird risks of the proposed Moorabool Wind Project.
The bird species mix and relative species abundances recorded during the current
survey is broadly comparable with results from similar surveys elsewhere in
southern Victorian agricultural landscapes (Brett Lane & Associates Pty Ltd,
unpublished data).
Page | 38
M1
(
!
M2 A3 A4
( !
!
( !
(
M4
(
!
M3
(
!
R2
(
!
R1
(
!
A2
(
!
M5
(
!
M6
(
!
A1
(
!
M8
(
!
M7
(
!
Legend
Figure 7: Bird Utilization Survey Points on Moorabool Wind Farm.
Study area
Project Title: Moorabool Wind Farm.
Bird and Bat observation points
0
(
!
Bat survey points
(
!
Bird utilization survey points
1,750
Client: WestWind Energy Pty Ltd
Project No.: 8147
3,500
Metres
7,000
Experience
Knowledge
Solutions
Date: 02/ 04 /2009
Created by: K. Al-Dabbagh / F. D'Elia
°
605 Nicholson Street
ph (03) 9387 5008 | fax (03) 9387 6115
PO Box 592, Carlton North
[email protected]
VIC 3054 Australia
www.ecologicalresearch.com.au
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
7.3.
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Results of the bird utilisation survey
This section presents the bird utilisation survey results.
7.3.1. Representativeness of the survey
The cumulative number of species observed from the consecutive fixed-point bird
counts conducted at the observation points during the survey period has been
plotted (see Figure 8). This revealed that the number of new species observed at
the points almost levelled off after about 25 counts, after which the occasional
new species was found. Over 90% of species were found after less than 50% of
the surveys. This suggests that the surveys collectively provided a representative
picture of the diversity of bird species flying over the wind farm during the survey
period. Species recorded incidental to the fixed point counts either have very low
utilisation rates or do not occur regularly on the parts of the wind farm site on
which turbines would be placed.
Figure 8: The cumulative number of species of birds recorded during consecutive counts
at the impact observation points on the Moorabool Wind Project.
The adequacy of using 15 minutes as an interval to record the presence of birds
during bird utilisation surveys was investigated in an earlier study at another wind
farm site (Brett Lane and Associates Pty Ltd, unpublished data). This showed that
82 to 100 percent (average 88 percent) of species actually seen in one hour of
surveying were seen in the initial 15 minutes of observation. Based on this result,
the period of 15 minutes used in the formal bird utilisation surveys generated
representative data on the bird species in the area during the survey. The results
presented in Figure 8 also suggest that the 15 minute count interval was
adequate.
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Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
7.3.2. Bird Observations
The Atlas of Victorian Wildlife (AVW) predicted 136 species of birds to occur in a
search region of 10 kilometres radius based on the centre of the wind farm site.
Based on the current habitats in the study area, 107 bird species are expected to
occur there (see Section 6). These comprise mostly bush-birds inhabiting
remnant woodlands patches and rarely venturing into the open grazing paddocks
that dominate the wind farm site. Of the number expected to use the wind farm
study area, 56 species were recorded during field work, including those recorded
incidentally while moving between impact points and during the fauna field
assessment (see Section 6).
Some 39 species of birds were actually recorded from the eight impact points
while carrying out the bird utilisation survey (Appendix 2). The species diversity
and numbers of birds observed during the survey at the impact points are shown
in Table 4. The species observed utilising the observation points, and
consequently most of the study area, were common farmland birds. Bird
abundance and diversity during the bird utilisation survey were similar to wind
farms in other parts of southern Victoria (Brett Lane & Associates Pty Ltd, unpubl.
data).
At the impact points, species richness was broadly similar between the eight
observations points and the number of species recorded at each point ranged
between 8 and 20 species. There was a tendency for species richness to be
slightly higher at those observation points which were located in open paddocks
and away from the escarpment. Points within open paddocks contained more
diverse habitats in the form of planted and scattered native trees nearby
compared with the points overlooking the river escarpment.
Table 4 presents a list of the species observed during the bird utilisation survey
and the numbers in which they were seen in each height zone. The most
abundant species at the impact sites were:

Australian Magpie;

Raven spp., mainly Little Raven;

Common Starling; and

Yellow-rumped Thornbill
These four species, including the introduced species (Common Starling), were the
most abundant species and they accounted for almost 50 percent of the
individual birds counted. Their numbers varied between 151 and 357 birds per
observation point (total bird count from the nine replicates; i.e. 16.7–39.6 birds
per point) and they were common in all parts of the study area. The first four
species were followed by another five species (Red Wattlebirds, Eastern Rosella,
Long-billed Corella, Crimson Rosella, and Sulphur-crested Cockatoo) whose
abundance was between 72 and 103 birds. All nine species accounted for over
70 percent of all individual birds counted at the impact points during the survey.
The abundance of the remaining species ranged between one and 68 birds and
their distribution among the observation points was uneven depending on the
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Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
presence of a range of habitats in the count area, such as the proximity of trees
providing habitat for bush-birds.
The abundant species were, predictably, common farmland birds; species that are
widely distributed in farmland across south-eastern Australia. However, the
abundance of windbreaks in the study area comprising planted pines and planted
native eucalypt trees has encouraged birds that are adapted to a combination of
large trees for roosting and open grasslands for foraging, such as rosellas,
cockatoos and wattlebirds, to utilise the study area. The wattlebirds, a usually
common woodland bird, were found to be common in the morning flying in good
numbers between lines of trees (windbreaks) across the open paddocks.
The ranking of species by abundance was almost the same at the 16 observation
points, with the Australian Magpie and Raven spp. being the most common
resident farmland bird at most points (see Table 4). The mix of bird species at
each point reflected the area of native trees or exotic pines within the counting
area. In general there were more trees surrounding the points within the
paddocks (mostly windbreaks) compared to those points on the edge of the
escarpment. Although native trees were more widespread in the river valley, they
were outside the formal counting area (200 metres radius) and very few birds,
apart from the Red Wattlebirds, were observed to move outside treed areas in this
setting to the edge of the escarpment.
On the two reference points, the dominant bird species reflected the habitat on
which the points were located. Reference point 1 was close to the Moorabool
River and its associated remnant native woodland while reference point 2 was in
the middle of paddock, in habitat very similar to the impact points. The dominant
birds on reference point 1 were mainly bush-birds (see Table 5) while those on
reference point 2 were farmland birds similar to those recorded on the impact
points.
Table 6 shows the distribution of bird numbers among the survey points. The total
number of birds counted at the impact points varied between a minimum total of
110 birds at point 8 to a maximum total of 342 birds at point 4, with an average
total of 244 birds per point at the impact points (total of nine counts at each
point). The higher number at point 4 was mainly due to the presence of large
numbers of starlings, and at point 1 the presence of a good mix of farmland,
forest and introduced bird species.
Table 7 shows the numbers of individual birds of each species observed flying at
RSA height. During the survey period, a total of 106 individual birds of 14 species
were observed flying at RSA height at the impact points, or about 8.6 percent of
the total number of birds counted.
The most abundant species observed flying at RSA height were:

Long-billed Corella;

Raven spp.;

Australian Magpie; and

Common Starling.
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Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
These four species accounted for over 72 percent of the birds counted at RSA
height, with ravens comprising the bulk of these flights (30%). All bird species
flying at RSA height were common farmland birds, of which one, the Common
Starling, is an introduced species.
Long-billed Corella, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo and Galah usually fly low when
flying short distances, but fly high at RSA height when moving between paddocks
or when dispersing to their feeding grounds from their roosting sites, particularly
early in the morning. Ravens (mainly Little Raven) at this time of year move and
forage in varying sized flocks. Similar to the corellas, they usually fly close to the
ground when foraging, but at times fly at RSA height when moving long distances
between paddocks or to and from their roost sites.
Magpies are ground birds. They are not usually found flying at RSA height, except
when performing aerial displays: groups of noisy magpies can ascend to heights
above 40 metres and perform a territorial defence behaviour, aerial bluff display,
or chase intruding raptors, particularly Wedge-tailed Eagles.
The remaining birds at RSA height comprised four birds of prey, two waterbirds,
and one farmland bird. Birds of prey, groups most likely to be observed regularly
flying at RSA height are discussed below in more detail. The remaining birds may
occasionally fly at RSA heights although usually prefer flying closer to the ground.
The presence of birds at RSA height at the 8 impact points varied between zero at
point 1 and 24 at point 4 (i.e. 0–2.6 birds per count). In common with the total
number of birds at the observation points, there were no particular patterns of
distribution of birds at RSA height among the impact points. Except for the Wedgetailed Eagles, birds flying at RSA heights were almost equally divided between the
observation points (Table 6).
Birds of Prey (Raptors)
Few birds of prey were observed on the site during the counts. At the impact
points, four species were seen flying within the count areas. The number of
raptors was low in relation to the total number of birds recorded during the survey.
Raptors formed 1.0 percent of all individuals surveyed on the wind farm site and
8.5 percent of birds seen at RSA height (Table 8).
The Wedge-tailed Eagle was the most common raptor observed utilizing the wind
farm site. Eagles were seen on five occasions during formal counts; sightings
were as follows:

Two adult soaring at c. 100 metres over point 3 (birds were close to the
escarpment).

One adult soaring above 120 metres over point 6;

One adult soaring above 100 metres over point 8; and

Two adult seen on two different occasions; one perched on a tree at point 6
and the other flying low over the same point (eagles seen at points 6 and 8
are probably members of one family).
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Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
In addition, eagles were also seen on six more occasions outside the formal bird
count; these sightings are discussed in Section 9.
The number of eagles recorded during formal bird count is 6 birds, all of which
were seen in association with the escarpment. The utilisation rate of the wind
farm site by eagles based on observing 6 birds during formal count amounts to
0.026 birds per hectare per hour. The utilisation rate of Wedge-tailed Eagles at
Victorian and eastern South Australian wind farm sites studied by Brett Lane &
Associates Pty Ltd (unpubl. data) have varied from 0.001 to 0.44 birds per
hectare per hour. The highest figure was for the Yaloak wind farm site between
five and ten kilometres east of the proposed Moorabool site. These findings
suggest that eagle use of the Moorabool site is not comparable to that at Yaloak
where impacts of a large wind farm development were deemed to be
unacceptable.
The sighting of eagles in the current bird utilisation survey was from observation
points located at the Moorabool River escarpment. The eagles usually prefer such
sites as the escarpment creates uplifting air currents which the eagles exploit
efficiently to soar over their foraging areas. No eagle was observed flying or
soaring over the points located in the open paddocks away from the escarpment.
A more detailed account of eagle distribution on the site is given in Section 9.
It is likely that eagles sighted during the current bird utilisation survey belonged to
two families; the core habitat of the first family (seen at points 6 and 8) is over the
Moorabool River escarpment and extends over most of the southern section of
the wind farm and the woodland abutting its western border. The core habitat of
the second family (seen on point 3) is likely to cover part of the northern section
of the wind farm site and the associated river escarpment that runs through it (for
more details, see Section 9).
Other raptors seen at the RSA height were the Brown Falcon, Nankeen Kestrel
and Brown Goshawk. Falcons and kestrels are common farmland birds, mostly
found flying at low heights but they can also fly at RSA height, particularly when
foraging. The goshawks were seen from point 8 and were flying over the
escarpment towards the woodland. The four goshawks seen may belong to a
single pair inhabiting the woodland nearby.
Waterbirds
Waterbirds were scarce at the proposed Moorabool Wind Project. Four common
species, Australian Wood Duck, Australian Shelduck, Pacific Black Duck and
White-faced Heron, were recorded at observation points during formal counts.
The proposed Moorabool Wind Project site contained a number of farm dams;
most lacked vegetation and were used for stock watering. The wind farm site
lacked naturally occurring water bodies, except for the Moorabool River, and is
distant from major lakes or reservoirs that could be a source of waterbirds.
The waterbirds recorded as part of the bird utilisation survey are shown in Table
4. Seventy nine individual belonging to four species were recorded (4% of all
birds), of which 38 individuals were Australian Wood Duck, 26 were Australian
Shelduck, three were White-faced Heron and two were Pacific Black Duck. Larger
Page | 44
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
flocks of both the wood duck and the Shelduck (c. 50 birds in a flock) were seen
foraging in open paddocks around points 1, 2 and 3 and resting on large farm
dams in the same area. Ducks usually fly low when moving over fields but can
also fly at RSA heights when crossing longer distances between their roosting
wetlands and foraging fields.
Page | 45
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Table 4: Summary of numbers of individual birds and their height distribution seen on impact survey points at the Moorabool Wind Project site.
A=below rotor swept area (RSA) height (40 m); B= at RSA height (40-150 m); C= above RSA height (>150 m).
Species
P1
P2
P3
P4
P5
P6
P7
P8
Totals
Grand
%
Imp.
A
B
C
A
B
C
A
B
C
A
B
C
A
B
C
A
B
C
A
B
C
A
B
C
A
B
C
Total
Australian Magpie
40
0
0
53
0
0
45
0
0
71
0
0
39
2
0
20
6
0
34
3
0
44
0
0
346
11
0
357
18.3
Raven spp.
27
0
0
18
2
0
36
2
0
15
0
0
24
6
0
16
4
0
53
6
0
39
4
0
228
24
0
252
12.9
Common Starling
0
0
0
62
0
0
0
0
0
90
10
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
20
0
0
0
0
0
172
10
0
182
9.3
Yellow-rumped Thornbill
49
0
0
6
0
0
16
0
0
4
0
0
66
0
0
10
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
151
0
0
151
7.7
5.3
Red Wattlebird
6
0
0
34
2
0
2
0
0
6
0
0
11
0
0
34
6
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
95
8
0
103
Eastern Rosella
28
0
0
9
0
0
32
0
0
21
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
0
94
0
0
94
4.8
Long-billed Corella
10
0
0
0
10
0
10
12
0
36
10
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
56
32
0
88
4.5
Crimson Rosella
8
0
0
12
0
0
15
0
0
26
0
0
6
0
0
4
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
73
0
0
73
3.7
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
19
0
0
8
0
0
0
0
0
34
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
7
0
0
0
0
0
68
4
0
72
3.7
Galah
0
0
0
6
0
0
54
3
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
62
3
0
65
3.3
Superb Fairywren
36
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
7
0
0
19
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
62
0
0
62
3.2
House Sparrow
34
0
0
0
0
0
12
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
10
0
0
0
0
0
56
0
0
56
2.9
European Goldfinch
33
0
0
0
0
0
6
0
0
12
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
51
0
0
51
2.6
Magpie-lark
10
0
0
4
0
0
16
0
0
4
0
0
8
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
6
1
0
48
1
0
49
2.5
Australian Shelduck
0
0
0
6
2
0
30
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
36
2
0
38
1.9
Australian Wood Duck
16
0
0
0
0
0
20
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
36
0
0
36
1.8
Australasian Pipit
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
24
0
0
4
0
0
30
0
0
30
1.5
Crested Pigeon
4
0
0
9
0
0
3
0
0
13
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
29
0
0
29
1.5
White-fronted Chat
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
0
0
24
0
0
0
0
0
28
0
0
28
1.4
Willie Wagtail
7
0
0
6
0
0
4
0
0
2
0
0
4
0
0
2
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
27
0
0
27
1.4
Red-rumped Parrot
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
0
2
0
0
10
0
0
0
0
0
16
0
0
16
0.8
Common Bronzwing
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
8
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
14
0
0
14
0.7
Grey Currawong
0
0
0
6
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
6
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
12
0
0
12
0.6
Brown Thornbill
5
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
9
0
0
9
0.5
Eurasian Skylark
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
8
0
0
8
0
0
8
0.4
Page | 46
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Species
P1
P2
P3
P4
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
P5
P6
P7
P8
Totals
Grand
%
Imp.
A
B
C
A
B
C
A
B
C
A
B
C
A
B
C
A
B
C
A
B
C
A
B
C
A
B
C
Total
Wedge-tailed Eagle
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
2
3
1
6
0.3
Brown Falcon
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
4
1
0
5
0.3
Nankeen Kestrel
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
2
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
2
3
0
5
0.3
Brown Goshawk
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
2
0
2
2
0
4
0.2
Common Blackbird
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
0
4
0.2
Flame Robin
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
0
4
0.2
Yellow-faced Honeyeater
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
0
4
0.2
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
0
3
0.2
Laughing Kookaburra
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
0
3
0.2
White-faced Heron
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
2
0
3
0.2
Pacific Black Duck
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
2
0.1
Welcome Swallow
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
2
0.1
Grey Fantail
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
0.1
Grey Shrike-thrush
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
0.1
340
0
0
247
16
0
308
19
0
342
24
0
206
11
0
102
17
1
187
9
0
110
10
0
1842
106
1
1949
100.0
Total
No. of species recorded
20
17
19
15
19
13
Page | 47
11
8
39
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Table 5: Summary of numbers of individual birds and their height distribution seen on Reference survey points at the Moorabool Wind Project site.
A=below rotor swept area (RSA) height (40 m); B= at RSA height (40-150 m); C= above RSA height (>150 m).
R1
Species
A
B
R2
C
A
B
Totals
C
A
B
C
Grand
Total
%
Imp.
Yellow-rumped Thornbill
56
0
0
39
0
0
95
0
0
95
14.9
New Holland Honeyeater
76
0
0
0
0
0
76
0
0
76
11.9
Yellow-faced Honeyeater
66
0
0
0
0
0
66
0
0
66
10.4
Australian Magpie
27
0
0
32
0
0
59
0
0
59
9.3
Crimson Rosella
39
0
0
18
0
0
57
0
0
57
8.9
Superb Fairywren
43
0
0
3
0
0
46
0
0
46
7.2
Welcome Swallow
30
0
0
2
0
0
32
0
0
32
5.0
Silvereye
29
0
0
0
0
0
29
0
0
29
4.6
Tree Martin
26
0
0
0
0
0
26
0
0
26
4.1
Common Blackbird
23
0
0
0
0
0
23
0
0
23
3.6
Eastern Rosella
4
0
0
14
0
0
18
0
0
18
2.8
Magpie-lark
0
0
0
15
0
0
15
0
0
15
2.4
Crested Pigeon
0
0
0
14
0
0
14
0
0
14
2.2
Willie Wagtail
0
0
0
13
0
0
13
0
0
13
2.0
Raven spp.
0
2
0
6
3
0
6
5
0
11
1.7
Red Wattlebird
3
0
0
8
0
0
11
0
0
11
1.7
White-browed Scrubwren
10
0
0
0
0
0
10
0
0
10
1.6
Red-browed Finch
8
0
0
0
0
0
8
0
0
8
1.3
Brown Thornbill
4
0
0
2
0
0
6
0
0
6
0.9
European Goldfinch
6
0
0
0
0
0
6
0
0
6
0.9
Page | 48
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
R1
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
R2
Totals
Species
A
B
C
A
B
C
A
B
C
Grand
Total
%
Imp.
Common Bronzwing
0
0
0
5
0
0
5
0
0
5
0.8
Grey Shrike-thrush
2
0
0
2
0
0
4
0
0
4
0.6
Brown Falcon
2
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
2
0.3
Pacific Black Duck
2
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
2
0.3
Restless Flycatcher
0
0
0
2
0
0
2
0
0
2
0.3
Laughing Kookaburra
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
0.2
457
2
0
175
3
0
632
5
0
637
100.0
Total
Number of species recorded
20
15
26
Table 6: The number of birds counted at each of the survey points at Moorabool Wind Project. A=below rotor swept area (RSA) height (40 m); B= at
RSA height (40-150 m); C= above RSA height (>150 m).
A
Number of Birds at
B
C
P4
P1
P3
P2
P5
P7
P6
P8
Total
342
340
308
247
206
187
102
110
1842
24
0
19
16
11
9
17
10
106
R1
457
R2
175
Observation Points
Total
% of total
birds
% at RSA
heights
%RSA birds
Of total birds
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
366
340
327
263
217
196
120
120
1949
18.8
17.4
16.8
13.5
11.1
10.1
6.2
6.2
100.0
6.6
0.0
5.8
6.1
5.1
4.6
14.2
8.3
5.4
1.2
0.0
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.5
0.9
0.5
5.4
2
0
459
72.1
0.4
0.3
3
0
178
27.9
1.7
0.5
Page | 49
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Observation Points
Total
A
Number of Birds at
B
C
632
5
0
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Total
% of total
birds
% at RSA
heights
%RSA birds
Of total birds
637
100.0
0.8
0.8
Table 7: Species flying at rotor swept area height during bird utilisation surveys at the Moorabool Wind Project.
Birds at RSA heights
Bird species
Long-billed Corella
Raven spp.
Australian Magpie
Common Starling
Red Wattlebird
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
Galah
Nankeen Kestrel
Wedge-tailed Eagle
Australian Shelduck
Brown Goshawk
White-faced Heron
Brown Falcon
Magpie-lark
Total
P1
P2
P3
P4
P5
P6
P7
P8
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
10
2
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
16
12
2
0
0
0
0
3
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
19
10
0
0
10
0
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
24
0
6
2
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
1
0
0
11
0
4
6
0
6
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
17
0
6
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
9
0
4
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
2
0
1
1
10
Page | 50
Total
RSA
birds
32
24
11
10
8
4
3
3
3
2
2
2
1
1
106
Birds at all
heights
88
252
357
182
103
72
65
5
6
38
4
3
5
49
1229
%
RSA
birds
36.4
9.5
3.1
5.5
7.8
5.6
4.6
60.0
50.0
5.3
50.0
66.7
20.0
2.0
8.6
% birds
at RSA
heights
30.2
22.6
10.4
9.4
7.5
3.8
2.8
2.8
2.8
1.9
1.9
1.9
0.9
0.9
100.0
% RSA
Birds of
All birds
2.6
2.0
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.3
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.1
0.1
8.6
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Table 8: The number of raptors counted at each of the survey points at Moorabool Wind Project. A=below rotor swept area (RSA) height (40 m); B= at
RSA height (40-150 m); C= above RSA height (>150 m).
P3
P5
P6
P8
Grand
Totals
Raptor species
A
B
C
A
B
C
A
B
C
A
B
C
A
B
C
Total
Wedge-tailed Eagle
Brown Falcon
Nankeen Kestrel
Brown Goshawk
Total
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
2
0
0
2
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
2
2
1
0
5
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
2
3
1
1
1
2
5
0
0
0
0
0
2
4
2
2
10
3
1
3
2
9
1
0
0
0
1
6
5
5
4
20
Page | 51
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
8. BAT SURVEY
8.1.
Introduction
The bat survey of the site investigated the local bat fauna, and was designed to
compile a species inventory for the site, to gain an insight into activity levels and
species present at proposed turbine locations and to ascertain if any threatened
species were present. This section describes the methods used and presents the
results of the bat survey.
8.2.
Methods
Automated Anabat® (Titley Electronics, Ballina, NSW) bat detectors that record
the species-specific echolocation calls of free-flying bats were used at four
sampling points that were representative of the habitats near wind turbine
locations on the proposed wind farm site. The detectors were programmed to
commence operation approximately 30 minutes before dusk, and to cease
approximately 30 minutes after dawn.
The Anabat unit was connected to a Compact Flash Storage ZCAIM unit that
recorded each bat echolocation call, along with the time and date of each call, on
a compact flash card.
Calls from the units were downloaded and sent to Dr Greg Richards (Greg
Richards and Associates Pty Ltd, Canberra) for identification. The files from the
recording sites were viewed in Anabat software (Chris Corben, USA), which
provides a sonogram display of frequency versus time. Call identification was
based on a key developed by comparing the characteristics of bat search calls
within reference calls from known species recorded across Australia, including
comparison with reference calls for Victoria kindly provided by Lindy Lumsden of
the Department of Sustainability and Environment.
Identification is largely based on changes to frequency patterns over time,
especially as the characteristic frequency changes. Only those recordings that
contained at least two definite and discrete calls were classified as bat calls. For
most species, a call sequence of several seconds in duration is required before
identification can be made confidently.
The identification of echolocation calls from microbats in south-eastern Australia
is facilitated by the fact that many calls are species-specific. However, not all
species can be consistently or reliably identified. There is a large overlap in the
call characteristics of some species and many calls are attributable only to
species “complexes” and not to single species.
A significant limitation in the use of this technique is that it is not possible to
census bats accurately. That is, the Anabat unit may record 10 calls of a
particular species but it is not known if this represents 10 individuals or one
individual flying past 10 times. Therefore, it is not possible to determine utilisation
rates as it is for birds.
Page | 52
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
8.2.1. Timing and location of the survey
The bat survey was conducted over seven nights between 12th and 19th March
2009 for sites one and two, and over seven nights between 19th and 26th March
2009 for sites three and four.
Two sampling points were selected to represent habitat where turbines are
proposed to be located (see Figure 7). The location and characteristics of the
recording sites are described below.

Site 1: Over the edge of the escarpment overlooking woodland in the southern
section of the wind farm site. The location was on the very edge of the
escarpment with little vegetation or large trees on site, with woodland about
500 metres away.

Site 2: In middle of a paddock in the north-eastern part of the southern
section. The site was among two lines of windbreaks made of pines and native
trees.

Site 3: Located in a paddock in the northern section of the wind farm about
200 meters from the escarpment. The location was surrounded by large pines
and some mature eucalypts.

Site 4: Located about 800 meters from escarpment or 600 meters from site 3,
overlooking similar paddocks and also surrounded by pine and eucalypt wind
breaks.
8.3. Results of the survey
During the survey, a total of nine bat species was recorded from the four
recording sites. These are listed in Table 9.
The species recorded at the wind farm site were widespread, common and secure
species and none are threatened or listed under any wildlife conservation
legislation, nationally or in Victoria. The record of the Inland Broad-nosed Bat is of
interest, as it is an uncommon but widespread species more usually reported
from northern and western Victoria (Menkhorst 1995).
The diversity of bats was similar at all recording sites, with all nine species
recorded at all recording sites.
Long-eared bats are difficult to distinguish to species level, and have been
grouped under their genus name. The species that are likely to occur at the site
are Nyctophilus geoffroyi and N. gouldi. The Southern Freetail Bat is currently
under taxonomic revision and a specific name is as yet not available.
Bat Activity
The number of calls recorded varied significantly between the four recording sites.
The total bat calls ranged between 9 and 385 calls and averaged 1.3 – 55.0 calls
per night for all species of bats recorded.
A review of the data from the survey sites (Table 9) shows that bat activity was
almost of equal among the first six species in the table. The most active species
were common farmland bats that roost mainly in tree hollows and under bark of
mature eucalypt trees. Little Forest Bat and Gould’s Wattle Bat were less active.
Page | 53
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
The Inland Broad-nosed Bat was the only bat with very low activity in all four sites;
this species is an uncommon species in the area.
Bat activity also differed in relation to the location of the recording site. Bats were
more active in sites located in open paddocks and away from the escarpment.
Sites 3, 2 and 4, located within paddocks and at varying distances from the
escarpment had much higher activity than site 1, located at the edge of the
escarpment. It seems likely that bat activity is more related to the presence of
suitable roosting habitats in the form of large trees nearby than to the proximity of
the escarpment. This also suggests strongly that routine bat activity in the
vegetation along the Moorabool River may be confined to that vegetation and that
individuals from this habitat do not regularly forage upslope, away from that
vegetation.
At the species level (Table 9), the number of bat calls differed significantly
between species and within the same species between the four sites. The
Southern Freetail Bats was the most common bat species and accounted for
approximately 22 percent of all bat calls recorded. The next most common
species were the Chocolate Wattle Bat and Southern Forest Bat. These three
species accounted for approximately 52 percent of all bat calls recorded.
The common bat species recorded at the four sites are known to roost mostly in
tree hollows, under bark or in buildings (Menkhorst 1995). Their concentration,
particularly at sites 3, 2 and 4 may indicate that the large gum trees on these
sites with their hollows provide a roost site for them.
Table 9: A comparison of activity levels of bat species recorded on Moorabool Wind
Project site.
Common name
Southern Freetail
Bat
Chocolate Wattle
Bat
Southern Forest Bat
White-striped
Freetail Bat
Long-eared Bat
Large Forest Bat
Little Forest Bat
Gould's Wattle Bat
Inland Broad-nosed
Bat
Totals
Scientific name
No. of calls (n= 7 days)
Site Site Site Site
Total
1
2
3
4
Mormopterus sp.
85
63
124
113
385
55.0
Chalinolobus gouldii
13
168
114
8
303
43.3
Vespadelus regulus
Austronomus
australis
Nyctophilus sp.
Vespadelus
darlingtoni
Vespadelus vulturnus
Chalinolobus morio
34
33
130
28
225
32.1
67
51
43
51
212
30.3
28
39
103
19
189
27.0
22
42
99
26
189
27.0
23
21
51
21
27
30
31
38
132
110
18.9
15.7
Scotorepens balstoni
1
3
3
2
9
1.3
294
471
673
316
1754
250.6
Average/
night
Page | 54
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
9. WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE SURVEY
A targeted survey has been undertaken of the Wedge-tailed Eagle inhabiting the
proposed Moorabool Wind Project site. The methods and results of this survey are
presented in this section of the report.
The purpose of this investigation was to ascertain whether the proposed wind
farm site was subject to high levels of eagle usage and how eagle usage varies
across the site. Such information can inform wind farm layout to reduce collision
risk to this species of concern.
Further east, this species was a significant issue for the proposed Yaloak Wind
Farm and the original project layout was rejected by a Planning Panel on the
grounds that the impacts on the Wedge-tailed Eagle may be unacceptable. A
preliminary investigation of whether such an issue exists for the proposed
Moorabool Wind Project was undertaken in late 2008 to guide its future planning
of the project. This more detailed investigation arose from that earlier
assessment.
9.1.
Wedge-tailed Eagle Biology
The Wedge-tailed Eagle is a common and widespread species in Victoria and it
occurs in a range of habitat types, including forests, woodlands, timbered
farmlands and open country (Marchant and Higgins 1993).
The Victorian population of this species is not listed as threatened under Flora
and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 or under the Commonwealth Environment
Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999. The Tasmanian subspecies (found nowhere
else) is listed as endangered.
The Wedge-tailed Eagle breeds between April and September, but mainly starts
breeding in June. One or two eggs are laid in a large stick nest, in either a living or
dead tree. Incubation is around 45 days, and the time from hatching to fledging is
between 70 and 95 days (Marchant and Higgins 1993).
Breeding territories tend to be discrete and evenly spaced. The size of a territory
is largely defined by the placement of nests and the boundaries of these
territories tend to remain stable from year to year (Olsen 2005). They are actively
defended by the breeding pair which entails patrolling of ridgelines and
aggressive aerial displays.
The density of nests is the best measure of territory size, and it is one of the most
practical means by which the population size can be estimated (Olsen 2005).
Active nests can be separated by less than a kilometre to as much as 10km
(Olsen 2005). Eagle activity is focused on their territory but they will also range
beyond that and into the territories of neighbouring eagles. Females tend to range
further than males. Ridges will often delineate territory boundaries, but where
escarpments exist, they will often nest on the slope below the escarpment edge
and hunt on the flatland above (Olsen 2005).
The Wedge-tailed Eagle forms life-long monogamous bonds and a partner is
replaced if it dies (Marchant and Higgins 1993, Olsen 1995). Pairs establish large
home ranges, consisting of a core area, which is defended from intruders, and a
Page | 55
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
larger home range outside of the nesting territory over which they may hunt
(Sharp et al. 2001).
Outside the existing territory, these home ranges may overlap with those of other
pairs (Sharp et al. 2001). There is considerable variation in the size of home
ranges, distance to nearest other breeding pairs and density of breeding pairs in
any given area. Density and abundance of prey as well as the availability of
suitable nest sites are likely to affect these factors (Sharp et al. 2001, Marchant
and Higgins 1993). Home ranges have been estimated to be 28-32 km2 in the
Eastern Highlands (south-eastern Australia), 30-35 km2 near Armidale (NSW), 53
km2 in arid NSW, and 32-108 km2 in arid WA (Marchant and Higgins 1993).
Smaller home ranges of 9-18 km2 have also been recorded (Marchant and
Higgins 1993). In Victoria, where records exist, active nests have been reported
between 0.7 km and 4.3 km apart (Marchant and Higgins 1993).
Young birds in their first five years (also known as “floaters”) tend to group
together, especially where there is carrion. Breeders will be recruited from these
young, who will rapidly fill vacancies created by the death or eviction of a
dominant breeding bird (Olsen 2005, Sharp et al. 2001).
Wedge-tailed Eagles feed on a variety of prey items, from mammals and birds to
reptiles and carrion (Debus 1998). In the south of the country they prefer rabbits
and hares, which make up an important and significant component of their diet
(Marchant and Higgins 1993). They forage on the wing, either by low, slow
quartering or high soaring, or from a perch (Debus 1998). They may hunt above
the tree canopy and over cleared and open land, and are often seen soaring along
cliffs and escarpments (Marchant and Higgins 1993).
9.2.
Field methodology
The field survey took place over five days from 25th to 31st March 2009. Mild
temperatures and overcast cloud cover were experienced on 25th and 26th of
March. The other days experienced mostly fine and sunny conditions. Overall
weather conditions were suitable for the survey and for the detection of eagles.
Furthermore, at the time of year of the survey, juvenile eagles from nearby nesting
pairs would have fledged and would be detectable.
The survey was based on two exercises, described below.

A roaming survey was undertaken that included travelling by car and surveying
all sections of the proposed wind farm site. Incidental sightings of Wedgetailed Eagles were recorded on topographic maps and information recorded
on behaviour and movements in the region.
Fixed point surveys were undertaken that included counting eagles from fixed
locations for a period of 20 minutes each. All of the original observation points
(Brett Lane & Associates Pty Ltd 2008) and an additional point (ten in total)
were visited four times each during the field period. Points were selected in
areas that provided maximum visibility to ridges, escarpments and valleys (see
Figure 9). At each observation point, the area was scanned with binoculars to
a maximum distance of 500 metres from the observer. The observation points
were marked with a Global Positioning System (GPS) and the location of any
Page | 56
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Wedge-tailed Eagles sighted in the 20 minute period was recorded on a
topographic map.
Data that was recorded included:

Time and duration of flight

Number of flights

Number of birds

Direction of flight

Height above ground

Eagle behaviour
Page | 57
.
!
.
!
P4
.
!
P5
.
!
P7
.
!
.
!
.
!
.
!
P1
P2
P3
P6
P10
P9
.
!
P8
.
!
Figure 9: Wedge-tailed Eagle Survey Points
Legend
Project Title: Moorabool Wind Farm.
Study area
!
.
0
Client: WestWind Energy Pty Ltd
Project No.: 8147
Date: 23/ 06 /2009
Created by: K. Al-Dabbagh / Syahrudin
Observation Points
1.5
3
6 Kilometers
Experience
Knowledge
Solutions
°
605 Nicholson Street
ph (03) 9387 5008 | fax (03) 9387 6115
PO Box 592, Carlton North
[email protected]
VIC 3054 Australia
www.ecologicalresearch.com.au
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
9.3.
9.3.1.
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Results
Existing information
Existing information on Wedge-tailed Eagles in the search region (10 km radius
from the proposed wind farm site boundaries) was obtained from the AVW).
The AVW contained 21 records from the search region (Table 10). The records
were for the period 1978 to 2005. Seven records were from the Brisbane Ranges
National Park. Remaining records were from areas surrounding the proposed
wind farm site. The nearest of these records was more than 5 km from the
proposed wind farm site boundary. Observations between 2004 and 2008 at the
Yaloak Estate and surrounding gorges and cliffs have revealed the presence of a
large population of the Wedge-tailed eagle utilizing that area (Brett Lane &
Associates, Unpubl. data). Yaloak Estate is approximately 6 km to the east of the
proposed Moorabool Wind Project site.
Table 10: Wedge-tailed Eagle records from the AVW search region surrounding the
proposed Moorabool Wind Project.
Written Locality
Nearest Place
Borhoney Ghurk, near Elaine
Ballark
1st Date
13-May-78
Werribee State Park (breeding
record)
28-Oct-86
roughly 2 km s of Glenmore
27-Oct-87
1 km SW of Morrisons
Beremboke Road, Beremboke
roughly 2 km sw of
Morrisons
within 2 km of
Reilly creek
Werribee State Park
17-May-92
1-Jan-95
23-Jul-95
Brisbane Ranges NP
Brisbane Range
6-Apr-99
Aeroplane Road picnic area,
Brisbane Ranges NP
roughly 2 km s of
Glenmore
13-Apr-99
Brisbane Ranges NP
sheoak hill
5-Sep-99
Durdiwarrah Dams 8km N of
Steiglitz
Moorabool River, Morrisons
1km SW of Morrisons
Marshalls Road, Brisbane
Ranges
Shoot Track, Brisbane Ranges
NP 12km SW of Bacchus Marsh
Stony Creek Catchment
Brisbane Ranges
Stony Creek Catchment
Brisbane Ranges
roughly 3 km w of
Durdidwarrah
roughly 2 km sw of
Morrisons
Eclipse Creek
Aston creek
1-Jun-01
Eclipse Creek
Aston creek
1-Jul-01
Durdidwarrah
roughly 2 km s of
Glenmore
within 2 km of
Durdidwarrah
roughly 2 km w of
Durdidwarrah
1-Apr-00
21-Apr-00
4-Jul-00
24-Sep-00
5-Oct-00
5-Oct-00
Latitude
37°45'24
"
37°40'08
"
37°44'57
"
37°47'06
"
37°48'15
"
37°40'01
"
37°44'16
"
37°44'44
"
37°47'32
"
37°49'17
"
37°47'03
"
37°48'37
"
37°44'29
"
37°49'32
"
37°49'38
"
37°48'43
"
37°48'43
"
Longitude
144°06'34"
144°19'49"
144°18'16"
144°06'14"
144°13'42"
144°19'53"
144°19'26"
144°18'25"
144°15'55"
144°11'41"
144°06'14"
144°13'25"
144°18'50"
144°13'06"
144°12'50"
144°08'31"
144°08'31"
Page | 59
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Written Locality
Nearest Place
1st Date
Eclipse Creek
Aston creek
1-Aug-01
Yaloak Estate
Yaloak creek
6-Oct-02
Yaloak Estate Southern
Boundary
Mount Wallace
9.3.2.
7-Oct-02
Mount Wallace
13-Jun-05
Latitude
37°48'43
"
37°40'55
"
37°44'21
"
37°43'17
"
Longitude
144°08'31"
144°14'32"
144°15'54"
144°11'43"
Results of the Survey
Figure 9 shows the location of the ten fixed observation points. Points one to five
and seven covered the northern section of the site, and points six and eight to ten
covered the southern section of the site. At each point, four replicate counts were
made at various times of the day.
Of all the counts (40 counts), Wedge-tailed Eagles was seen flying within 500
metres of points four, five, six, seven, eight and nine and outside observation
points during the roaming survey (Figures 10 and 11). During the bird utilisation
survey, the observation of eagles over areas where turbines are proposed to be
located equated to a utilisation rate of 0.026 birds per hectare per hour,
considered comparatively low for sites in rural south eastern Australia (Brett Lane
& Associates Pty Ltd, unpubl. data).
Observations were made during the eagle survey at the site. Wedge-tailed Eagles
were observed crossing over potential development areas, in particular over
escarpments and forest edges. These movements were recorded on a
topographic map for the Bungeeltap Section (Figure 10) and Ballark Section
(Figure 11). These figures also show eagle flight behaviour during fixed-point and
roaming surveys. Flight behaviour observed included soaring, directional flight,
directional soaring, circling and diving.
Figure 10 illustrates that points 3, 4 and 7 (steeper parts of the northern section
and adjacent valley), probably lie within the home range of one pair of eagles, with
all records from the same area of forest. It is also possible that this pair might
have a nest somewhere within this forest.
Page | 60
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Figure 10: Position, direction of travel and type of flight of Wedge-tailed Eagles recorded
as individual fixed-point and incidental sightings at the Bungeeltap Section of the
proposed Moorabool Wind Project site during the survey.
Page | 61
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Figure 11: Position, direction of travel and type of flight of Wedge-tailed Eagles recorded
as individual fixed-point and incidental sightings at the Ballark Section of the proposed
Moorabool Wind Project site during the survey.
Figure 11 shows that the Ballark Section of the proposed wind farm site most
likely lies within the home range of a resident family of 2 adults and 2 immature
eagles, which may also have a nest within the adjacent forest. During each survey
at observation point 9, at least three eagles were observed in the same area of
forest within the boundary of the proposed wind farm site. Several other pairs of
intruders flew into this area and as a result, aggressive territorial displays were
observed. High activity of eagle usage was noted around observation point 9, with
a maximum of eight eagles seen at one time within the area. Eagle activity at
points 8 and 10 was less frequent.
The proposed wind farm site was found to support a small population of Wedgetailed Eagles. The number of resident eagles that utilise the wind farm site on a
regular basis is six birds, two over the northern section and a family of four over
the southern section. Several additional pairs of eagles occasionally pass through
Page | 62
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
the site for foraging and their territories appear to lie outside the proposed
Moorabool Wind Project site.
9.3.3.
Comparison with previous work
A preliminary Wedge-tailed Eagle survey was carried out over three days (15th to
17th September, 2008) and results have been documented in a report submitted
to WestWind Energy Pty Ltd (Brett Lane and Associates Pty Ltd 2008).
The current survey followed the same field methodology as the preliminary survey,
and fixed observation survey points remained unchanged as they provided
adequate coverage of the area encompassed by revised site boundary (i.e.
southern section extension). Survey effort was greater during the most recent
survey, with two additional survey days and hence flight movements from fixed
survey observation points were considerably higher in number than during the
preliminary survey.
The preliminary survey concluded that the wind farm site does not support a large
population of Wedge-tailed Eagles. The maximum number of eagles that could
occasionally fly over the wind farm site was estimated to be four birds, two over
the northern section and two over the southern section. In addition, the
preliminary survey established that the utilisation rate of eagles is less than
0.001 birds per hectare per hour.
Results from the current survey confirmed that two birds occupy the northern
section and two birds over the southern section. An additional two birds were
observed in the southern section. These immature birds were most likely young
chicks still in the nest during the survey last year, and they would not have been
counted. Both young have successfully fledged and a family of four now resides
in the southern section.
9.4.
Discussion
This section provides a discussion on the current known population numbers of
Wedge-tailed Eagles within Moorabool Wind Project and a brief summary of the
implications of the results of the utilisation survey and risk collision modelling.
Frequent eagle usage of the site is confined to the forested areas associated with
the Moorabool River, and to areas with diverse topography that creates uplifting
winds suitable for soaring flight. Elsewhere on the site, eagle utilisation rates are
comparatively low and comparable with wind farm sites elsewhere in southern
mainland Australia were few collisions have been observed.
Given the presence of two pairs of eagles on the proposed wind farm site,
mitigation measures are recommended to reduce potential risk to the Wedgetailed Eagle.
Turbines should be located away from the edges of forested areas and
escarpments. Examination of Figures 10 and 11 indicate that most eagle
movements occurred within a zone up to 300 metres from the edges of
escarpments, as well as between the Moorabool River and tributary south of
Egans Road in the northern section. Consideration should be given to avoiding
these areas of higher eagle use to reduce collision risk for this species.
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Away from these areas, where turbines are to be located, mitigation measures
should focus on reducing the attraction of the site to individual birds and thus
attempt to reduce the number of movements by eagles where turbines are
situated, the main factor contributing to collision risk. Some of these actions may
include on-going carcass removal and effective rabbit control in areas where
turbines are located.
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10. POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED WIND FARM ON
BIRDS AND BATS
Wind turbines may affect birds and bats in three ways:

Birds and bats may be killed or injured by colliding with rotors, towers, guy
wires, or related structures;

Birds and bats may avoid wind energy facilities and surrounding habitat; and

The footprint of the turbines, roads, power lines, and auxiliary buildings may
directly remove habitat.
These potential sources of impact are discussed in detail below.
10.1.1.
Mortality caused by wind turbines
The impact of operating wind turbines on birds and bats appears to be limited,
but mortality does occur, although it appears to be very site-specific.
Table 11 summarises reported collision rates for birds from a range of European
and North American wind farms. The rate varied between 0.04 – 3.4 birds per
turbine per year. A rate of 4.3 birds per turbine per year was recorded from two
wind farms in the eastern U.S. outside California. However, variation among wind
farms depends on several factors, including the amount of bird use, vegetation
and other physical and biological characteristics of the specific wind farm and its
surrounding area.
Studies at upland sites in the UK have generally reported very low collision rates,
with some studies finding no collisions at all. This probably reflects the generally
low bird densities present in these areas.
Overall it is clear that birds are generally able to avoid collisions and do not simply
blindly fly into wind turbines. Collision rates typically in range of only 1 in 1,000–
10,000 bird flights through wind farm, even in studies such as Zeebrugge where
relatively high numbers of collisions have been reported.
Studies using radar tracking have helped to provide further information on birds’
general ability to avoid collisions. Dirksen et al. (1998), for example, showed that
Pochard Aythya ferina and Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula flew regularly through a
wind farm in the Netherlands at night under moonlight but flew around the
turbines at greater distance from them when it was dark and foggy.
Analysis of North American and European bird collisions at wind farms (Erickson
et al. 2001; Percival 2003; NWCC 2004) shows that bird species affected by
operational turbines varied but mostly depended on the type of habitat on which
the wind farm is built (Table 11). Most wind farm bird mortality was due to
migrating birds. The northern hemisphere has a large number of both species and
individuals of this bird group due to the large area of land at high latitudes that
becomes unsuitable for birds in winter. Australia’s geography and latitude means
that there are few night-migrating birds. For this reason, the numbers of birds
likely to collide with operating wind farms in Australia would be about half that in
Europe and North America.
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Table 11: Summary of bird mortality estimates for wind farms in Europe and North
America (Sources: Erickson et al 2001; Percival 2003; NWCC 2004).
USA sites (review of 12
projects outside California)
Altamont, California
Buffalo Ridge (all phases),
Minnesota, USA
Various
Various
Mixed
Ranch land
Raptors
VL
Collision
rate*
2.3 (1.5–
4.3)
0.05– 0.06
Various
Waterfowl & passerines
L
2.83
Tarifa, S. Spain
Coastal
Hills
VL
0.34
Navarre, Spain
Inland hills
Raptors, storks and
many migrants
Various, including
raptors and passerines
VL
0.34
Upland species
S
0.15
Shorebirds
S
2.52
Gulls, terns & migrants
M
11–29**
Upland species,
including peregrine
falcon
M
0.0
Site
Burgar Hill, Orkney
Blyth, Northumberland
Zeebrugge, Belgium
Bryn Tytli, Wales
Habitat
Species present
Size of
Wind Farm
Coastal
moorland
Coastal
Shoreline
Coastal
shoreline
Upland
moorland
Upland
Upland species
M
moorland
Coastal-on
Urk, Netherlands
Waterfowl
M
dyke wall
Coastal-on
Waterfowl & migrants
M
Oosterbierum, Netherlands
Dyke wall
Coastal-on
Kreekrak, Netherlands
Waterfowl
S
dyke wall
Ovenden Moor, South
Upland
Upland species
M
Pennines
moorland
Coastal
Waders and gulls
S
Tjaereborg, Denmark
grassland
Coastal
Waterfowl, including
Nasudden, Gothland,
marsh &
breeding waders &
L
Sweden
arable
migrants
Utgrunden
Offshore
Eiders
S
Collision rate = Number of birds killed per turbine per year; all rates are corrected for
observer efficiency and scavenging rate.
** The study included high correction factors (detecting only 11% of collisions).
VL=very large (>200 turbines); L=large (50–200); M=medium (10–50); S=small (<10).
Cemmaes, Wales
0.04
1.7
1.8
3.4
0.04
3.0
0.7
0.0
It is clear that bird collisions with wind turbines can be a problem under some
circumstances. From the evidence available from existing wind farms there are
two main types of sites that have had collision problems, as described below.

Sites with large raptors occurring regularly within the wind farm at the same
height as the rotor blades. In Australia the main species that would fall into
this category would be Wedge-tailed Eagle and Nankeen Kestrel. In this
respect, the mitigation measures proposed in section 9 are considered
prudent to reduce the risk of collision by Wedge-tailed Eagles with wind
turbines.
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Sites with very high densities of other birds flying at rotor height experienced
regular collisions. These could include seabird breeding colonies and feeding
concentrations, and wetlands (including coastal sites) with large waterfowl
concentrations, and significant migration flyways (mainly a northern
hemisphere phenomenon).
Australian Studies
Experience at wind farms in Australia is informative. Monitoring results in the
public domain include:

Codrington, Vic. (14 generators): 3 birds (2.5 years, weekly, monthly or sixweekly searches);

King Island, Tas. (3 generators): 1 bird (5 years, weekly – monthly searches);

Woolnorth, Tas. (6 generators): 8 birds, <1 year, daily to weekly searches);
(Source: Meredith, C [2003] Australian Wind Energy Association presentation,
Sydney, July 2003).
Allowing for observer efficiency and scavenger correction, the Australian results
correspond to a collision rate of between one and four birds per generator per
year.
The Australian wind farms that were monitored for bird mortality are mostly in
agricultural settings, although all are located on or close to the coast. Birds that
fatally collided with turbines were mostly farmland birds, except at Woolnorth,
where the list included three marine species and occasional, but repeated,
Wedge-tailed Eagle collisions.
Other Australian wind farms studied by Brett Lane & Associates (such as, Toora,
Starfish Hill, Emu Downs, Challicum Hills Wind farms) result in bird mortality rates
similar to those outlined in Table 11.
Bat collision rates at wind farms studies by Brett Lane and Associates Pty Ltd are
comparable or lower than their equivalent bird collision rate, with rates ranging
between one and three bats per turbine per year.
10.1.2.
Indirect Habitat Disturbance
The second potential impact of wind farms on birds and bats is through
displacement from an area around the wind turbines, effectively resulting in
habitat loss. Numerous studies have investigated this potential effect, with a
range of results. In many cases, no significant disturbance effect at all has been
detected, including studies at upland, coastal and offshore wind farms (Percival
2003) (see Table 12). European studies suggest that most displacement involves
migrating, resting and foraging birds.
Studies have reported displacement effects ranging from 75 metres to as far as
800 metres away from turbines and up to 300 metres for breeding birds (Percival
2003; Strickland 2004). Often studies have had confounding factors, such as
increased human disturbance, lack of habitat studies to determine birds’
preferences in relation to wind farm location, and lack of proper statistical
testing/experimental design.
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While birds appear to avoid flying near turbines, the presence of these structures
does not seem to deter birds from their foraging areas (Danish Wind Industry
Association 2001). Breeding birds appear to have a greater tolerance to turbines
than migrating birds. Local breeding populations of waterfowl, grouse, shorebirds,
gulls and passerines were not significantly affected by the construction of
turbines in a bog in the Orkney Islands (Meek et al. 1993). There was also little
effect on breeding birds at other wind farms in Great Britain, with many examples
of birds breeding in close proximity to wind turbines (Percival 1998).
Displacement effects on bats have not been investigated.
Table 12: Studies of the possible disturbance effects of wind farms on birds (after
Percival 2003).
Site
Size of
wind farm
Distance
affected
(metres)
S
Max 800
M
Max 300
Waterfowl
M
Max 500
Pink-footed Geese
Barnacle Geese
L
M
1–200
Max 600
Golden Plover, gulls
S
None
S
None
M
None
L
None
M
None
L
None
M
None
M
Up to 300
M
None
S
None
Habitat
Species present
Waterfowl, mainly
waders and gulls
Waterfowl, including
geese and swans
Ovenden Moor, NW
England
Nasudden, Gotland,
Sweden
Coastal
grassland
Coastal-on
dyke wall
Coastal-on
dyke wall
Farmland
Farmland
Coastal
grassland
Coastal
shoreline
Upland
moorland
Upland
moorland
Upland
moorland
Coastal
marsh
Various UK sites
Uplands
Tjaereborg, Denmark*
Urk, Netherlands
Oosterbierum,
Netherlands**
Vejlerne, Denmark
Westermarsch, Germany
Haverigg, Cumbria
Blyth, Northumberland
Bryn Tytli, Wales
Carno, Wales
Cormorants, waders,
gulls
Upland species,
raptors
Upland species
Golden Plover and
Curlew
Waterfowl inc. geese
and breeding waders
Lapwings, curlews,
skylarks and pipits
Coastal
Waterfowl
shoreline
Upland
Upland species
Novar
Moorland
Urgrunden
Offshore
Long-tailed Duck
* Breeding lapwing up to 300 metres.
** No effect on breeding waders.
L=large (50–200 turbines); M=medium (10–50); S=small (<10).
Zeebrugge, Belgium
10.1.3.
Direct Habitat Disturbance
Direct loss of habitat results from the construction of turbine pads, roads and
substations. Long-term habitat impacts result from the construction of relatively
permanent structures that remove habitat for the life of the project and short-term
impacts that occur while habitat has been disturbed temporarily during
construction of the wind farm.
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Examples of impacts can be found in studies from some American wind farms.
Temporary impacts from the construction of roads, turbine pads and substation
were 0.2 to 1.3 ha per turbine. Long-term impacts from permanent facilities were
0.3 to 0.5 ha per turbine or 0.2 to 0.35 ha per MW (Strickland 2004). A similar
scale of direct impacts on agricultural land is likely to occur at the proposed
Moorabool Wind Project but habitats are mostly exotic pasture and cropland of
limited value as bird or bat habitat.
10.1.4.
Mortality caused by wind mast guys and powerlines
Bird collisions with guy-wires that support wind monitoring masts are of concern
(Kingsley and Whittam 2001). Birds that fly fast in flocks at low altitude, such as
waterfowl and shorebirds, appear to be particularly susceptible to collisions with
wires (James and Haak 1979). In addition, to waterfowl, raptors are also victims
of wire strikes (Olsen and Olsen 1980; Brett Lane & Associates Pty Ltd, unpubl.
data).
Several recommendations have been made to reduce wire-induced bird mortality
(Kingsley and Whittam 2001):

Lines should be built underground if possible;

Line visibility should be increased by adding markers, and increasing the size
of wire;

Lines should not be built over water or other areas of high bird concentration;
and

Lines should be sited parallel to the prevailing wind direction (birds are most
likely to fly fastest and be less able to avoid collision downwind.
Other than the principal power lines, the turbines in the proposed Moorabool
Wind Project are connected to the substation by underground powerlines, thereby
significantly reducing this potential risk to birds.
It is understood that the proponent will ensure that key sensitive habitats for birds
will be avoided in the siting of any powerline associated with the Moorabool Wind
Project.
10.1.5.
Conclusions
The conclusions from bird investigations at the Moorabool Wind Project are
presented below.

The site supports bird species and relative abundances of bird species in line
with observations from similar farmland settings elsewhere in southern
Australia.

The site supports only a few birds of prey or waterbirds, groups considered
vulnerable to collision with operating wind turbines.
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The wind farm site lies within or close to the territory of at least two families of
Wedge-tailed Eagles, which used the area with low frequency during the bird
utilisation surveys (utilisation rate of 0.026 birds per hectare per hour).
Therefore, the risk of a collision by this species is considered to be low.

Siting and land management recommendation, if implemented will
significantly reduce the collision risk of these two families of Wedge-tailed
Eagles.

Studies of wind farms in many parts of the world indicate that the rate of bird
collisions is between 0.04 and 4 birds per turbine per year. Similar collision
rates have been observed at Australian wind farms.

The proposed Moorabool Wind Project is broadly comparable in terms of bird
habitat characteristics and setting to other wind farms in southern Australia
and a similar rate of mortality of common farmland birds is expected. This
level of mortality is not considered to be of consequence for the regional and
wider populations of the affected species, as they are widespread and
abundant throughout south eastern Australia.

Areas surrounding the wind farm support similar habitat to the proposed wind
farm and the level of bird usage and species present are likely to be
comparable. Therefore, indirect impacts from the proposed wind farm are
likely only to affect common species of farmland birds.

No threatened species of birds were observed on or near the proposed wind
farm site (see also the fauna assessment in section 5).

Use of the proposed wind farm site by migratory species listed on the
Commonwealth EPBC Act is likely to be very low and significant impacts on
regional populations of these species are not expected to occur.
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11.
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
IMPACTS AND REGULATORY IMPLICATIONS
This section provides an outline of the regulatory issues related to the flora, fauna
and native vegetation present or potentially present in the study area. The
implications under national, state and local legislation and policies are discussed.
11.1. Planning Controls
Removal of native vegetation on allotments of 0.4 hectares or more requires a
planning permit under Clause 52.17 of all Victorian Planning Schemes. Before
issuing a planning permit, Responsible Authorities are required to refer to Clause
15.09 (Protection of Flora and Fauna) in the Planning Scheme. This refers in turn
to the Native Vegetation Management Framework, discussed in the following
section.
The Moorabool Shire’s Environmental Significance Overlay Schedule 1 seeks to
protect the quality and quantity of water produced within proclaimed water
catchments. If a project is to be carried out within a catchment, it must apply for a
planning permit which will show that any excavation will be maintained to prevent
erosion and siltation of any waterway or wetland. In addition, it will be necessary
to show that any removal, destruction or lopping of vegetation will not
compromise the quality of water in proclaimed catchment areas.
11.2. Native Vegetation Management Framework
This part of the report describes the Framework and its provisions that may apply
to any future development in the study area. The Framework is a state-wide
policy, separate from local planning overlays that may also require a permit for
the removal of trees or vegetation. In the latter case, different criteria and
controls may apply to those described below.
11.2.1.
How the Framework operates
Any proposal to remove native vegetation from the study area must demonstrate
that the three-step approach of ‘Net Gain’ outlined in the Framework has been
applied. This approach is hierarchical and includes the following principles:

Adverse impacts on native vegetation should be avoided, particularly removal
of vegetation;

Where impacts cannot be avoided, impacts should be minimised through
responsive planning and design, with input from relevant experts; and

Appropriate offsets need to be identified to compensate for native vegetation
removal. Removal and offset targets are measured using:
o Habitat Hectares (i.e. a unit that combines the quality and area on
native vegetation), and/or
o Tree size classes determined by the large tree DBHs of the relevant
EVCs.
A combination of project design and offsetting should aim to achieve a net gain in
the area and quality of native vegetation across Victoria.
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Responses to planning permit applications to remove native vegetation vary
depending on the conservation significance of the vegetation proposed for
removal. Conservation significance determines both the likelihood of approval
and, importantly, the scale of the required offset. This is summarised in Table 13.
Table 13: Likely response to applications for removal of intact native vegetation
Framework
conservation
significance
Likely response to application
for clearing
VERY HIGH
Clearing not permitted unless
exceptional circumstances
apply. Offset Management Plan
to be submitted with
application.
HIGH
Clearing generally not
permitted
MEDIUM
Clearing generally not
permitted
LOW
Clearing may be permitted but
only as part of an appropriate
sustainable use response
Likely offset requirements
Substantial Net Gain
At least 2 X calculated loss in habitat
hectares plus a large tree protection and
replacement offset if any large trees are
removed
Net Gain
At least 1.5 X calculated loss in habitat
hectares plus a large tree protection and
replacement offset if any large trees are
removed
Equivalent Gain
At least 1 X calculated loss in habitat
hectares plus a large tree protection and
replacement offset if any large trees are
removed
Equivalent Gain
At least 1 X calculated loss in habitat
hectares
Clause 66.02 of the planning scheme determines the role of the DSE in the
assessment of indigenous vegetation removal planning permit applications. If an
application is referred to the DSE then the Responsible Authority must follow that
department’s recommendation in relation to that permit application. The criteria
presented in Table 14 indicate when the DSE becomes a referral authority.
Table 14: Application referral criteria
Applications will be referred to the Department of Sustainability and Environment under the
following circumstances:
Scattered Trees
To remove more than 15 trees of DBH less than 40 centimetres
To remove more than 5 trees of DBH 40 centimetres or greater
(DBH = diameter at 1.3 metres above ground)
Remnant Patch Vegetation (may include trees)
To remove more than 0.5 hectares of vegetation in an EVC with Bioregional Conservation
Status of Endangered, Vulnerable or Rare.
To remove more than 1 hectare of vegetation in an EVC with Bioregional Conservation
Status of Depleted or Least Concern.
11.2.2.
Offset targets for removal from habitat zones
Offsets for the removal of native vegetation from habitat zones are directly related
to the habitat hectare value of the removed vegetation. These may include the
permanent protection (e.g. Section 173 agreement under the Planning and
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Environment Act 1987) for conservation purposes of other existing remnant
vegetation. Offsets may be located within the study area or offsite, and
maintained for up to 10 years. Offsite offsets may be identified on a case-by-case
basis by the proponent or through the DSE Bush Broker scheme. Financial
contribution to the local government may also be used to account for part, or all,
of the required offset. The cost of such an offset would require detailed
negotiations with the relevant municipality.
Offsets must be of a like-for-like nature as outlined in the Framework. Like-for-like
criteria that may be relevant to the current proposal are summarised in Table 15.
Table 15: Summary of like-for-like criteria that may relate to the current proposal
Conservation significance of vegetation to be removed
Like-for-like
criteria
Very high
High
Same EVC
OR very high
conservation
significance
vegetation within
the same
bioregion
Type of vegetation that may
be used for offsets
Same EVC
Minimum quality of the
existing vegetation proposed
as the basis of an offset
90% of the
quality in the
area being
lost
75% of the quality
in the area being
lost
Maximum proportion of the
offset target (in Habitat
Hectares) that may be
achieved
through
revegetation
10%
25%
Medium
Low
Any EVC in the same
bioregion
OR very high or high
conservation significance
vegetation in an adjacent
bioregion
50% of the quality in the
area being lost
50%
100%
Additional offset targets apply to removal of large and very large trees from
habitat zones (except from habitat zones of low conservation significance) apply
to any such approved removal under the Framework and the Corangamite
Catchment Management Authorities Native Vegetation Plan (CCMA 2005). These
offsets contain both a protection and recruitment component, whereby a
prescribed number of existing trees must be protected for conservation purposes,
and a prescribed number of new indigenous plants must be successfully recruited
through planting and/or assisted natural regeneration.
11.2.3.
Offset targets for removal of scattered trees
Any approved removal of scattered trees will attract an offset target comprising
protection and recruitment components. The scale of the offset is determined by
the size class and conservation significance of the trees proposed to be removed.
Alternatively, in the event that the protection of existing trees is considered not to
be feasible, a ‘recruit only’ offset for tree removal may apply, subject to
negotiation with the Responsible Authority.
Offset targets for approved removal of scattered trees are determined by the
Framework and the Corangamite Catchment Management Authorities Native
Vegetation Plan (CCMA 2005).
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11.2.4.
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Application of the Framework to project design
The relevance of the Framework to the proposed Moorabool Wind Project is briefly
considered here.
The three principles of the framework indicate that the design of the wind farm
layout should wherever possible attempt to avoid and minimise impacts on
remnant native vegetation and scattered trees. The following points are
applicable to the design of the layout:

Approximately 80% of the development footprint of a wind farm comprises the
access tracks and underground powerline works;

The location of turbines is often fixed or has limited flexibility given wind
resource, geotechnical or other constraints; and

The location of access tracks and underground power cables is more flexible.
Based on the foregoing points, most of the potential impact of a wind farm on
native vegetation is to be avoided through the appropriate siting of access tracks
and underground power cables.
In developing the proposed wind farm layout, the ‘avoid’ and ‘minimise’ principles
should be applied to the turbine locations, if possible, and to the access tracks
and other infrastructure as often as possible. In this way, the project will comply
with the state Native Vegetation Management Framework.
Finally, to demonstrate compliance, as the wind farm layout is designed, all
design decisions informed by the ‘avoid’ and ‘minimise’ principles should be
documented for inclusion in the final planning permit application for native
vegetation removal, if required.
Further guidance is provided below to inform wind farm layout design based on
the type and quality of native vegetation found on the site.
The areas that support native vegetation (see Figures 1, 2 and 3) are ranked in
Figures 12, 13 and 14 in terms of priorities for retention.
Table 16: Priorities for retention of sites identified in the study area
Priority
level* for
retention
1
2
3
4
5
Site Quality and
Significance
Areas Under
Covenant
High Quality
and
significance
Medium Quality
and High
significance
Low Quality and
High
significance
High Quality
and Medium
Significance
Criteria for priority level
Composed of Planted Trees and EVC 125- Plains
Grassy Wetland
High quality EVCs 132- Plains Grassland and 55Plains Grassy Woodland with high conservation
significance under the framework.
Medium quality EVCs 132 - Plains Grassland and
55 Plains Grassy Woodland with high
conservation significance under the framework.
Low quality EVCs 132 - Plains Grassland and 55
- Plains Grassy Woodland with high conservation
significance under the framework.
Composed of high quality mosaic of EVCs 47Valley Grassy Forest, 895- Escarpment
Shrubland, 851- Stream bank Shrubland and
641- Riparian Woodland
Approximate
area (ha)
85 Hectares
68 Hectares
41 Hectares
7 Hectares
218 Hectares
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Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Priority
level* for
retention
Site Quality and
Significance
6
Medium Quality
and
Significance
7
Low Quality and
Medium
Significance
8
Low Quality and
Significance
9
Un-assessable
areas
10
Areas not
classified
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Criteria for priority level
Composed of high quality mosaic of EVCs 47Valley Grassy Forest, 895- Escarpment
Shrubland, 851- Stream bank Shrubland and
641- Riparian Woodland
Composed of low quality vegetation without
distinct canopy. May originate from EVCs 132Plains Grassland and 55- Plains Grassy
Woodland Relieving grazing pressure may raise
the priority of retention level. .
Composed of low quality vegetation without
distinct canopy. May originate from EVCs 132Plains Grassland and 55- Plains Grassy
Woodland Relieving grazing pressure may raise
the priority of retention level.
Grazing pressure has reduced indigenous cover
to uncertain levels. As this will continue, the
condition and status of these areas is unlikely to
change in future.
No legal implications are likely as it is considered
unlikely that any patches of native vegetation
are present in these areas. However, removing
grazing stock from these areas may result in the
identification of additional patches of native
vegetation.
Approximate
area (ha)
43 Hectares
12 Hectares
72 Hectares
993 Hectares
n/a
* Level 1 is highest priority for retention; Level 8 is lowest level for retention. Note that
areas marked level 9 in Figures 12, 13 and 14 could not been assessed due to grazing
pressure and may have higher priority but as current grazing practices will continue for
the foreseeable future, retention is unlikely to be relevant.
11.2.5.
Wind Farm design response
To meet the requirements of the Framework, the layout of the proposed wind
farm, including generators, access roads and other infrastructure, has been
designed to avoid patches of native vegetation, wherever possible. This is
consistent with the three step approach (i.e. avoid, minimise and offset) as
required under the Native Vegetation Management Framework. Vegetation
mapping overlaid with the proposed footprint has enabled most potentially
affected areas of native vegetation to be avoided.
The extent of the Natural Temperate Grassland of the Victorian Volcanic Plain
ecological community in the study area is minimal. The proposed development
footprint avoids all areas of this EPBC Act listed community.
A further consideration is the potential for impacts on roadside vegetation where
access to the site is required for construction. Road verges often have remnant
grassland present. Once likely construction access requirements are understood,
affected roadsides should be surveyed for native vegetation and plans adjusted,
where possible, to meet the principles of the Framework. Where unavoidable
removal of native vegetation on roadsides is proposed, it may require a license
under the FFG Act (for removal of listed Western Basalt Plains Grassland
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threatened community) and offsetting, consistent with the requirements of the
Framework.
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0
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Figure 12 : Priority for retention - Bungeeltap Section
Priority level for retention
Project Title: Moorabool Wind Farm
1
3
5
7
9
2
4
6
8
Study Area
Client: West Wind Pty Ltd
Project No.: 8147
Experience
Knowledge
Solutions
Date: 31/08/2009
Created by: J. Sullivan / F. D'Elia
°
605 Nicholson Street
ph (03) 9387 5008 | fax (03) 9387 6115
PO Box 592, Carlton North
[email protected]
VIC 3054 Australia
www.ecologicalresearch.com.au
0
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Figure 13 : Priority for retention - Ballark Section (east)
Priority level for retention
Project Title: Moorabool Wind Farm
1
3
5
7
9
2
4
6
8
Study Area
Client: West Wind Pty Ltd
Project No.: 8147
Experience
Knowledge
Solutions
Date: 31/08/2009
Created by: J. Sullivan / F. D'Elia
°
605 Nicholson Street
ph (03) 9387 5008 | fax (03) 9387 6115
PO Box 592, Carlton North
[email protected]
VIC 3054 Australia
www.ecologicalresearch.com.au
0
0.5
Kilometers
2
1
Legend
Figure 14 : Priority for retention - Ballark Section (west)
Priority level for retention
Project Title: Moorabool Wind Farm
1
3
5
7
9
2
4
6
8
Study Area
Client: West Wind Pty Ltd
Project No.: 8147
Experience
Knowledge
Solutions
Date: 31/08/2009
Created by: J. Sullivan / F. D'Elia
°
605 Nicholson Street
ph (03) 9387 5008 | fax (03) 9387 6115
PO Box 592, Carlton North
[email protected]
VIC 3054 Australia
www.ecologicalresearch.com.au
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
11.3. EPBC Act
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 contains a
list of threatened species and ecological communities that are considered to be of
national conservation significance. Any impacts on these species considered
significant requires the approval of the Australian Minister for the Environment. If
there is a possibility of a significant impact on nationally threatened species or
communities or listed migratory species, a Referral under the EPBC Act should be
considered. The Minister will decide after 20 business days whether the project
will be a ‘controlled action’ under the EPBC Act, in which case it cannot be
undertaken without the approval of the Minister. This approval depends on a
further assessment and approval process (lasting between three and nine
months, depending on the level of assessment).
No flora species and one ecological community (Natural Temperate Grassland of
the Victorian Volcanic Plain) listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act
was observed during the current assessment. Ten flora species, Curly Sedge,
Trailing Hop-bush, Clover Glycine, Basalt Pepper-cress, Spiny Rice-flower, Maroon
Leek-orchid, Button Wrinklewort, Large-fruit Fireweed, Swamp Fireweed and
Swamp Everlasting, may occur in the study area because of the presence of
suitable grassland habitat. The proposed wind farm layout avoids all areas of
native vegetation and hence a targeted survey is not required for the species
mentioned above.
No fauna species listed as threatened under the EPBC Act were considered likely
to occur on the study area. Although the Growling Grass Frog may move along the
Moorabool River, such occurrence is of low probability as there were no recent
records from the region. The proposal will avoids any impacts on the river.
Furthermore, habitat exists for listed migratory species including Cattle Egret and
Eastern Great Egret. The proposed turbines are situated on high ground away
from wetlands or creeks, and therefore targeted surveys for these species are not
required and no significant impacts are expected.
11.4. FFG Act
The Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 lists threatened flora and
fauna species to provide for their protection and management. The FFG Act has
limited direct application to private land. However, Clause 15.09 of the Planning
Scheme makes reference to this Act. The local planning authority is likely to
consider impacts on FFG Act-listed species and communities when deciding on
planning permit applications.
The removal of threatened species or communities, or protected flora under the
FFG Act from public land requires a licence under the Act. This licence is obtained
from the Department of Sustainability and Environment. This may be required if
such species are affected on roadsides where wind farm access points are
located. However, avoidance of roadside native vegetation (see Figures 1 to 3)
will reduce the likelihood of impacts on such species and, subject to field-based
confirmation that none will be affected, a licence under this Act may not be
required.
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Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
No flora species and one ecological community (Western Basalt Plains Grassland)
listed as threatened under the FFG Act were observed during the current
assessment. Eleven flora species, Winter Sun-orchid, Swamp Everlasting, Largefruit Fireweed, Button Wrinklewort, Scented Bush-pea, Curly Sedge, Australian
Anchor Plant, Clover Glycine, Basalt Pepper-cress, Spiny Rice-flower and Maroon
Leek-orchid, may occur in the study area because of the presence of suitable
grassland habitat. The proposed wind farm layout avoids all areas of native
vegetation and hence a targeted survey for the above species is not required.
No fauna species listed as threatened under the FFG Act, apart from that
discussed above under the EPBC Act, are considered likely to occur regularly in
the study area because of the apparent lack of suitable habitat. However, the
egrets may occasionally occur along the Moorabool River and the Powerful Owl
may occur within the remnant woodland to the south-west. The latter species
would very rarely use the wind farm site as it lacks suitable habitat. Although one
record of the Brolga was found in the AVW, this species does not regularly inhabit
the site or the wider region due to a lack of extensive wetland habitat.
11.5. EE Act
Under the Environment Effects Act 1978, proponents are required to prepare a
Referral to the state minister for Planning, which will determine if an Environment
Effects Statement (EES) is required for the project. Criteria related to flora and
fauna are:

Potential clearing of 10 ha or more of native vegetation from an area with
endangered EVC, or vegetation that is or is likely to be, of very high
conservation significance according to Victoria’s Native Vegetation
Management Framework, except where authorised under an approved Forest
Management Plan or Fire Protection Plan;
Potential long-term loss of a significant proportion (1 to 5% depending upon
conservation status of species concerned) of known remaining habitat or
population of a threatened species in Victoria;
Potential long-term change to a wetland’s ecological character, where that
wetland is Ramsar listed, or listed in ‘A Directory of Important Wetlands in
Australia’;
Potential major effects upon the biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems over the
long term;
Potential significant effects on matters listed under the Flora and Fauna
Guarantee Act 1988.
One or a combination of these criteria may trigger a requirement for a Referral to
the Victorian Minister for Planning who will determine if an EES is required. Based
on preliminary layouts and, in anticipating of a limited impact on remnant native
vegetation, referral under the EE Act is unlikely to be required based on likely flora
and fauna impacts.
11.6. DSE threatened species advisory lists
Rare and threatened species advisory lists administered by the Department of
Sustainability and Environment include flora and fauna species known to be rare
Page | 81
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
or threatened throughout the state. Although the advisory list has no statutory
status, the Responsible Authority will consider impacts on any species on the list
when assessing a planning application.
One flora species, Yarra Gum, listed as rare on the Advisory List of Rare and
Threatened Plants in Victoria (DSE 2005) was recorded from within a northern
property (Mullane’s) in the Bungeeltap Section of the study area. This species
occurred sparsely amongst large open areas of degraded pasture. It is
recommended that efforts are made to avoid scattered Yarra Gums scattered
sparsely across Mullane’s property.
Seventy-one additional listed flora species could possibly exist in the study area.
The proposed wind farm layout avoids all areas of native vegetation and hence a
targeted survey for the above species is not required.
No fauna species from the Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in
Victoria (DSE 2007b) are considered likely to exist in the study area on a regular
basis. Threatened waterbirds, such as, Hardhead, Latham’s Snipe and Azure
Kingfisher, may occasionally visit the Moorabool River. It is anticipated that these
species would not occur regularly but probably as occasional individuals or small
groups of transients in the case of the waterbirds. Since their regional
populations are unlikely to be affected significantly by proposed development of
the study area, there are no implications arising from the Advisory List of
Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria.
11.7. Moorabool Shire Roadside Vegetation Plan
The Moorabool roadside vegetation management plan seeks to maintain and
improve the quality of roadside vegetation over time. It classifies roadsides into
three categories:

High conservation value - relatively pristine condition, rare, vulnerable or
significant flora or fauna species present. Section of vegetation not locally
common or of cultural/historical/geological importance.

Medium conservation value - semi-natural indigenous vegetation, modified
vegetation with extensive regeneration or a wide reserve with patches of
remnant vegetation which could be enhanced for wildlife.

Low vegetation quality - substantially modified, predominantly exotic weeds or
pasture grasses and weeds, some indigenous vegetation (usually Blackwoods,
Black Wattles, Eucalypts and native grasses as isolated specimens or clumps).
High conservation value roadsides need to be maintained, medium value
roadsides need to be managed so that values improve over time, low value
roadsides should be managed to limit cost to the community through the control
of weed invasion and fire risk. A planning permit is required for any new works on
a roadside involving the removal or trimming of vegetation (MSC 2001). It is
recommended that the planning permit application for the proposed wind farm
address this requirement. Avoiding roadside vegetation removal through the
careful selection of road access points for the project may remove the need to
apply for such a permit.
Page | 82
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
12.
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The following section outlines recommendations and mitigations measures to
address ecological constraints and issues identified on the site.
12.1. Conclusions
The assessment found one flora species, Yarra Gum, listed as rare under DSE’s
Advisory list in the northern part of the study area. One ecological community,
Natural Temperate Grassland of the Victorian Volcanic Plain, listed as Critically
Endangered under the EPBC Act was observed during the current assessment.
Ten flora species, Curly Sedge, Trailing Hop-bush, Clover Glycine, Basalt Peppercress, Spiny Rice-flower, Maroon Leek-orchid, Button Wrinklewort, Large-fruit
Fireweed, Swamp Fireweed and Swamp Everlasting, may occur in the study area
because of the presence of suitable grassland habitat. The proposed wind farm
layout avoids all areas of native vegetation and hence targeted surveys for these
species are not required.
The fauna survey failed to find any rare or threatened species and found that
fauna habitat in the proposed footprint was of low quality. The higher quality
habitats likely to support rare and threatened fauna species occur in the study
area well away from the proposed footprint. Provided that access tracks and other
wind farm infrastructure are located to avoid impacts on remnant woodland and
aquatic habitats, then significant impacts on local native fauna populations,
including any threatened species that may be present are not expected to occur.
12.2. Mitigation Recommendations
Consideration should be given to including the mitigation measures described
below in a construction and operational environmental management plan for the
project:

Avoid disturbing any intact native vegetation where possible, primarily in the
northern part of the study area;

Avoid any removal of large, hollow-bearing indigenous trees where possible;

If native vegetation is to be removed under permit the proponent should
develop an offset proposal in accordance with the Framework to compensate
for losses;

Any tree pruning required should be undertaken by an experience arborist to
prevent disease or unnecessary damage to the tree or disturbance to
understorey vegetation during tree trimming;

Stockpiling of soil should occur outside areas of native vegetation, preferably
in areas of introduced pasture, to minimise disturbance;

Weed control, by an experienced bush regenerator, should be carried out
along disturbed areas after construction to control any weed outbreaks in
areas of native vegetation;

All development should be sited at least 100 metres away from the adjacent
National Park;
Page | 83
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)

All machinery should enter and exit works sites along defined routes that do
not impact on native vegetation or cause soil disturbance and weed spread;

All machinery bought on site should be weed and pathogen free. This is
important for environmental and agricultural protection. Soil borne pathogens
can be easily transported by machinery;

All machinery wash down, lay down and personnel rest areas should be
defined and located in disturbed areas; and

The use of local indigenous plant species, of local genetic provenance, should
be considered in the landscaping of any development on the site. Locally
indigenous species generally have low water-use requirements, high survival
rates and provide habitat to local fauna species. The site provides a large
reservoir for seed collection within vegetated areas.

Access tracks and other wind farm infrastructure should be located away from
remnant woodland and aquatic habitats to avoid any impacts on local and
threatened native fauna populations.

Turbines should be located away from the edges of forested areas and
escarpments. Most eagle movements occurred within a zone up to 300m
from the edges of escarpments, as well as between the Moorabool River and
tributary south of Egans Road in the northern section. Consideration should
be given to avoiding these areas of higher eagle use to reduce collision risk for
this species.

Reducing the attraction of the site to individual birds and attempting to reduce
the number of movements by eagles where turbines are situated should be
achieved through on-going kangaroo and stock carcass removal and effective
rabbit control in areas where turbines are located.
Page | 84
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
13.
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
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Cadwallader, P.L. and Backhouse, G.N. 1983, A Guide to the Freshwater Fish of
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Corrick, MG 1996, 'Pultenaea', in NG Walsh & TJ Entwisle (eds), Flora of Victoria Volume 3: Dicotyledons Winteraceae to Myrtaceae, Inkata Press,
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Danish Wind Industry Association 2001, Birds and Wind Turbines. URL:
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DEWHA 2008, EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool. www.environment.gov.au.
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DNRE 1997, Victoria’s Biodiversity – Our Living Wealth. Department of Natural
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DNRE 2002, Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management – a Framework for Action,
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DSE 2004, Native Vegetation: sustaining a living landscape, Vegetation Quality
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method (Version 1.3). Department of Sustainability and Environment, East
Melbourne, Victoria.
DSE 2005, Advisory List of Rare or Threatened Plants in Victoria. Department of
Sustainability and Environment, East Melbourne, Victoria.
DSE 2007a, Native Vegetation: Guide for assessment of Referred Planning Permit
Applications. Department of Sustainability and Environment, East
Melbourne, Victoria.
DSE 2007b, Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna. Department of
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DSE 2008a, Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Benchmarks by Bioregion.
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Emison, WB, Beardsell, CM, Norman, FI Loyn, RH, & Bennett, SC 1987, Atlas of
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Entwisle, TJ 1996, 'Thymelaceae', in NG Walsh & TJ Entwisle (eds), Flora of
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Erickson, W.P., Johnson, G.D.; Strickland, M.D.; Young, D.P. Jr; Sernka, K.J., and
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Monocotyledons, Inkata Press, Melbourne, pp. 840-854.
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Appendix 1: Flora species recorded incidentally in the study area and threatened species (with the potential) to occur in the search region
Origin
*
*
*
Common Name
Austral Bracken
Austral Tobacco
Austral Trefoil
Australian Anchor Plant
Bacchus Marsh Varnish Wattle
Basalt Peppercress
Beech Nyctalis
Bidgee-widgee
Black Roly-poly
Blackberry
Blackwood
Branching Groundsel
Brisbane Range Grevillea
Brittle Greenhood
Brown-top Bent
Buloke
Button Wrinklewort
Candlebark
Cape Weed
Chocolate Lily
Clover Glycine
Scientific Name
Family Name
Pteridium esculentum
Nicotiana suaveolens
Lotus australis var. australis
Discaria pubescens
Acacia verniciflua (Bacchus Marsh variant)
Lepidium hyssopifolium
Nyctalis mirabilis
Acaena novae-zelandiae
Sclerolaena muricata var. muricata
Rubus fruticosus spp. agg.
Acacia melanoxylon
Senecio cunninghamii var. cunninghamii
Grevillea steiglitziana
Pterostylis truncata
Agrostis capillaris
Allocasuarina luehmannii
Rutidosis leptorhynchoides
Eucalyptus rubida
Arctotheca calendula
Arthropodium strictum s.l.
Glycine latrobeana
Page | 88
Dennstaedtiaceae
Solanaceae
Fabaceae
Rhamnaceae
Mimosaceae
Brassicaceae
Tricholomataceae
Rosaceae
Chenopodiaceae
Rosaceae
Mimosaceae
Asteraceae
Proteaceae
Orchidaceae
Poaceae
Casuarinaceae
Asteraceae
Myrtaceae
Asteraceae
Anthericaceae
Fabaceae
Conservation status
FFG
EPBC
DSE
Recorded
x
f
f
E
r
k
r
v
e
r
x
k
x
x
r
r
e
f
x
f
f
E
e
x
x
x
f
V
v
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Origin
*
*
*
Common Name
Clustered Poranthera
Common Extinguisher-moss
Common Reed
Common Tussock-grass
Common Woodruff
Crimson Sun-orchid
Curly Sedge
Dandelion
Dense Mint-bush
Emerald-lip Greenhood
Fertile Finger-orchid
Flatweed
Forked Rice-flower
Fragrant Saltbush
Fringed Midge-orchid
Glistening Sun-orchid
Golden Bush-pea
Golden Grevillea
Goldfield Boronia
Gorse
Green-top Sedge
Grey Box
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Scientific Name
Family Name
Poranthera corymbosa
Encalypta vulgaris
Phragmites australis
Poa labillardierei
Asperula conferta
Thelymitra X macmillanii
Carex tasmanica
Taraxacum sp. 1
Prostanthera decussata
Pterostylis smaragdyna
Caladenia prolata
Hypochoeris radicata
Pimelea hewardiana
Rhagodia parabolica
Corunastylis ciliata
Thelymitra lucida
Pultenaea gunnii subsp. tuberculata
Grevillea chrysophaea
Boronia anemonifolia subsp. aurifodina
Ulex europaeus
Carex chlorantha
Eucalyptus microcarpa
Page | 89
Euphorbiaceae
Encalyptaceae
Poaceae
Poaceae
Rubiaceae
Orchidaceae
Cyperaceae
Asteraceae
Lamiaceae
Orchidaceae
Orchidaceae
Asteraceae
Thymelaeaceae
Chenopodiaceae
Orchidaceae
Orchidaceae
Fabaceae
Proteaceae
Rutaceae
Fabaceae
Cyperaceae
Myrtaceae
Conservation status
FFG
EPBC
DSE
Recorded
r
r
x
x
x
f
V
v
v
x
r
r
k
x
r
r
k
e
r
r
r
x
k
x
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Origin
*
*
*
Common Name
Hairy Beard-heath
Hoary Bush-pea
Kangaroo Grass
Large-headed Fireweed
Manna Gum
Mauve-tuft Sun-orchid
Melbourne Yellow-gum
Mentone Greenhood
Messmate Stringybark
Naked Beard-orchid
Naked Sun-orchid
Narrow-leaf Peppermint
Native Peppercress
Onion Grass
Ornate Pink-fingers
Pale Sundew
Pale Swamp Everlasting
Paterson's Curse
Promontory Leek-orchid
Radiata Pine
Rayless Daisy-bush
Red-sheath Tussock-grass
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Scientific Name
Family Name
Leucopogon microphyllus var. pilibundus
Pultenaea daltonii
Themeda triandra
Senecio macrocarpus
Eucalyptus viminalis
Thelymitra malvina
Eucalyptus leucoxylon subsp. connata
Pterostylis X toveyana
Eucalyptus obliqua
Calochilus imberbis
Thelymitra circumsepta
Eucalyptus radiata
Lepidium pseudohyssopifolium
Romulea rosea
Caladenia ornata
Drosera peltata
Helichrysum aff. rutidolepis (Lowland Swamps)
Echium plantagineum
Prasophyllum aff. frenchii (Wilsons Promontory)
Pinus radiata
Olearia tubuliflora
Poa amplexicaulis
Page | 90
Epacridaceae
Fabaceae
Poaceae
Asteraceae
Myrtaceae
Orchidaceae
Myrtaceae
Orchidaceae
Myrtaceae
Orchidaceae
Orchidaceae
Myrtaceae
Brassicaceae
Iridaceae
Orchidaceae
Droseraceae
Asteraceae
Boraginaceae
Orchidaceae
Pinaceae
Asteraceae
Poaceae
Conservation status
FFG
EPBC
DSE
Recorded
r
r
x
f
V
e
x
v
v
v
x
r
v
x
k
x
V
v
x
v
x
k
x
r
r
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Origin
*
*
Common Name
River Red-gum
Rough Wattle
Rush
Rye Grass
Satin Daisy-bush
Scented Bush-pea
Scented Sundew
Screw Moss
Sedge
Serrated Tussock
Sharp Greenhood
Shiny Leionema
Slender Bitter-cress
Slender Pink-fingers
Slender Ruddyhood
Slender Tick-trefoil
Small-flower Grevillea
Snow Gum
Snowy Mint-bush
Southern Bristle-sedge
Southern Plume-orchid
Southern Swainson-pea
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Scientific Name
Family Name
Eucalyptus camaldulensis
Acacia aspera subsp. parviceps
Juncus spp.
Lolium spp.
Olearia minor
Pultenaea graveolens
Drosera whittakeri subsp. aberrans
Tortula rubella
Carex spp.
Nassella trichotoma
Pterostylis X ingens
Leionema lamprophyllum subsp. obovatum
Cardamine tenuifolia
Caladenia vulgaris
Pterostylis aciculiformis
Desmodium varians
Grevillea micrantha
Eucalyptus pauciflora
Prostanthera nivea var. nivea
Chorizandra australis
Pterostylis tasmanica
Swainsona behriana
Page | 91
Myrtaceae
Mimosaceae
Juncaceae
Poaceae
Asteraceae
Fabaceae
Droseraceae
Pottiaceae
Cyperaceae
Poaceae
Orchidaceae
Rutaceae
Brassicaceae
Orchidaceae
Orchidaceae
Fabaceae
Proteaceae
Myrtaceae
Lamiaceae
Cyperaceae
Orchidaceae
Fabaceae
Conservation status
FFG
EPBC
DSE
Recorded
x
r
x
x
f
r
v
x
k
x
x
r
r
k
r
k
k
r
x
r
k
k
r
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Origin
*
*
Common Name
Spear Grass
Spiny Rice-flower
Spiny Rush
Spiral Sun-orchid
Spotted Hyacinth-orchid
Sun Orchid
Swamp Everlasting
Swamp Fireweed
Swamp Gum
Sweet Briar
Sweet Bursaria
Tall Club-sedge
Tangled Pseudanthus
Trailing Hop-bush
Tussock Grass
Velvet Daisy-bush
Violet Westringia
Wallaby Grass
Wattle Mat-rush
Wattle Mat-rush
Weeping Grass
Wetland Blown-grass
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Scientific Name
Family Name
Austrostipa spp.
Pimelea spinescens subsp. spinescens
Juncus acutus subsp. acutus
Thelymitra matthewsii
Dipodium pardalinum
Thelymitra spp.
Xerochrysum palustre
Senecio psilocarpus
Eucalyptus ovata
Rosa rubiginosa
Bursaria spinosa
Bolboschoenus fluviatilis
Pseudanthus orbicularis
Dodonaea procumbens
Poa spp.
Olearia pannosa subsp. cardiophylla
Westringia glabra
Austrodanthonia spp.
Lomandra filiformis
Lomandra filiformis
Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides
Lachnagrostis filiformis var. 2
Page | 92
Poaceae
Thymelaeaceae
Juncaceae
Orchidaceae
Orchidaceae
Orchidaceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Myrtaceae
Rosaceae
Pittosporaceae
Cyperaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Sapindaceae
Poaceae
Asteraceae
Lamiaceae
Poaceae
Xanthorrhoeaceae
Xanthorrhoeaceae
Poaceae
Poaceae
Conservation status
FFG
EPBC
DSE
Recorded
x
f
C
e
x
f
V
v
r
x
f
V
V
v
v
x
x
x
V
k
r
v
x
f
v
r
x
x
x
x
k
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Origin
Common Name
Winter Sun-orchid
Wiry Bossiaea
Wombat Bush-pea
Yarra Gum
Yarra Gum
Yellow Burr-daisy
Yellow Star
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Scientific Name
Family Name
Thelymitra hiemalis
Bossiaea cordigera
Pultenaea reflexifolia
Eucalyptus yarraensis
Eucalyptus yarraensis
Calotis lappulacea
Hypoxis vaginata var. brevistigmata
Orchidaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Myrtaceae
Myrtaceae
Asteraceae
Hypoxidaceae
Conservation status
FFG
EPBC
DSE
f
e
r
r
r
r
r
k
Recorded
x
* = introduced species; # = native species occurring outside of natural range; FFG (f) = Listed as threatened under FFG Act; EPBC = Status under
EPBC Act; DSE = Status in DSE Advisory List; C = critically endangered; E, e = endangered; V, v = vulnerable; R, r = rare; k = insufficiently known
Page | 93
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Appendix 2: Vertebrate terrestrial fauna species that occur or are likely to occur in the study area
Origin
Common Name
Australasian Grebe
Australasian Pipit
Australian Magpie
Australian Owlet-nightjar
Australian Pelican
Australian Raven
Australian Shelduck
Australian White Ibis
Australian Wood Duck
Azure Kingfisher
Bassian Thrush
Black Swan
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
Black-shouldered Kite
Blue-billed Duck
Brolga
Brown Falcon
Brown Goshawk
Brown Thornbill
Brown Treecreeper (south-eastern ssp.)
Scientific Name
Birds
Tachybaptus novaehollandiae
Anthus novaeseelandiae
Gymnorhina tibicen
Aegotheles cristatus
Pelecanus conspicillatus
Corvus coronoides
Tadorna tadornoides
Threskiornis molucca
Chenonetta jubata
Alcedo azurea
Zoothera lunulata
Cygnus atratus
Coracina novaehollandiae
Elanus axillaris
Oxyura australis
Grus rubicunda
Falco berigora
Accipiter fasciatus
Acanthiza pusilla
Climacteris picumnus victoriae
Page | 94
Recorded
Conservation Status
EPBC
FFG
DSE
x
x
x
x
x
NT
x
L
L
EN
VU
x
x
x
NT
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Origin
*
*
*
Common Name
Brown-headed Honeyeater
Buff-rumped Thornbill
Chestnut Teal
Chestnut-rumped Heathwren
Clamorous Reed Warbler
Collared Sparrowhawk
Common Blackbird
Common Bronzewing
Common Starling
Crescent Honeyeater
Crested Pigeon
Crested Shrike-tit
Crimson Rosella
Diamond Firetail
Dusky Moorhen
Dusky Woodswallow
Eastern Great Egret
Eastern Rosella
Eastern Spinebill
Eastern Yellow Robin
Eurasian Coot
Eurasian Tree Sparrow
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Scientific Name
Melithreptus brevirostris
Acanthiza reguloides
Anas castanea
Calamanthus pyrrhopygius
Acrocephalus stentoreus
Accipiter cirrhocephalus
Turdus merula
Phaps chalcoptera
Sturnus vulgaris
Phylidonyris pyrrhoptera
Ocyphags lophotes
Falcunculus frontatus
Platycercus elegans elegans
Stagonopleura guttata
Gallinula tenebrosa
Artamus cyanopterus
Ardea modesta
Platycercus eximius
Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris
Eopsaltria australis
Fulica atra
Passer montanus
Page | 95
Recorded
Conservation Status
EPBC
FFG
DSE
L
VU
L
VU
L
VU
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Origin
*
*
*
Common Name
European Goldfinch
European Skylark
Fan-tailed Cuckoo
Flame Robin
Fuscous Honeyeater
Galah
Golden Whistler
Great Cormorant
Great Crested Grebe
Grey Currawong
Grey Fantail
Grey Shrike-thrush
Grey Teal
Hardhead
Hoary-headed Grebe
House Sparrow
Jacky Winter
Latham's Snipe
Laughing Kookaburra
Little Black Cormorant
Little Corella
Little Eagle
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Scientific Name
Carduelis carduelis
Alauda arvensis
Cacomantis flabelliformis
Petroica phoenicea
Lichenostomus fuscus
Eolophus roseicapilla
Pachycephala pectoralis
Phalacrocorax carbo
Podiceps cristatus
Strepera versicolor
Rhipidura albiscarpa
Colluricincla harmonica
Anas gracilis
Aythya australis
Poliocephalus poliocephalus
Passer domesticus
Microeca fascinans
Gallinago hardwickii
Dacelo novaeguineae
Phalacrocorax sulcirostris
Cacatua sanguinea
Hieraaetus morphnoides
Page | 96
Recorded
Conservation Status
EPBC
FFG
DSE
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
VU
x
NT
x
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Origin
Common Name
Little Egret
Little Pied Cormorant
Little Raven
Little Wattlebird
Long-billed Corella
Magpie Goose
Magpie-lark
Masked Lapwing
Mistletoebird
Musk Duck
Musk Lorikeet
Nankeen Kestrel
New Holland Honeyeater
Noisy Miner
Olive-backed Oriole
Pacific Black Duck
Painted Button-quail
Pallid Cuckoo
Pied Cormorant
Pied Currawong
Pink Robin
Powerful Owl
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Scientific Name
Egretta garzetta
Microcarbo melanoleucos
Corvus mellori
Anthochaera chrysoptera
Cacatua tenuirostris
Anseranas semipalmata
Grallina cyanoleuca
Vanellus miles
Dicaeum hirundinaceum
Biziura lobata
Glossopsitta concinna
Falco cenchroides
Phylidonyris novaehollandiae
Manorina melanocephala
Oriolus sagittatus
Anas superciliosa
Turnix varia
Cuculus pallidus
Phalacrocorax varius
Strepera graculina
Petroica rodinogaster
Ninox strenua
Page | 97
Recorded
Conservation Status
EPBC
FFG
L
DSE
EN
x
x
x
x
x
VU
x
x
x
NT
L
VU
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Origin
Common Name
Purple Swamphen
Red Wattlebird
Red-browed Finch
Red-capped Robin
Red-rumped Parrot
Restless Flycatcher
Royal Spoonbill
Rufous Whistler
Satin Flycatcher
Scarlet Robin
Shining Bronze-Cuckoo
Silvereye
Singing Honeyeater
Southern Boobook
Southern Whiteface
Speckled Warbler
Spotted Pardalote
Spotted Quail-thrush
Straw-necked Ibis
Striated Pardalote
Striated Thornbill
Stubble Quail
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Scientific Name
Porphyrio porphyrio
Anthochaera carunculata
Neochmia temporalis
Petroica goodenovii
Psephotus haematonotus
Myiagra inquieta
Platalea regia
Pachycephala rufiventris
Myiagra cyanoleuca
Petroica boodang
Chrysococcyx lucidus
Zosterops lateralis
Lichenostomus virescens
Ninox novaeseelandiae
Aphelocephala leucopsis
Pyrrholaemus sagittatus
Pardalotus punctatus
Cinclosoma punctatum
Threskiornis spinicollis
Pardalotus striatus
Acanthiza lineata
Coturnix pectoralis
Page | 98
Recorded
Conservation Status
EPBC
FFG
DSE
x
x
x
x
VU
x
x
L
VU
NT
x
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Origin
Common Name
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
Superb Fairy-wren
Swamp Harrier
Tawny-crowned Honeyeater
Tree Martin
Varied Sittella
Wedge-tailed Eagle
Weebill
Welcome Swallow
White-bellied Sea-Eagle
White-browed Scrubwren
White-eared Honeyeater
White-faced Heron
White-fronted Chat
White-naped Honeyeater
White-necked Heron
White-plumed Honeyeater
White-throated Nightjar
White-throated Treecreeper
White-winged Chough
White-winged Triller
Willie Wagtail
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Scientific Name
Cacatua galerita
Malurus cyaneus
Circus approximans
Phylidonyris melanops
Hirundo nigricans
Daphoenositta chrysoptera
Aquila audax
Smicrornis brevirostris
Hirundo neoxena
Haliaeetus leucogaster
Sericornis frontalis
Lichenostomus leucotis
Egretta novaehollandiae
Epthianura albifrons
Melithreptus lunatus
Ardea pacifica
Lichenostomus penicillatus
Eurostopodus mystacalis
Cormobates leucophaeus
Corcorax melanorhamphos
Lalage sueurii
Rhipidura leucophrys
Page | 99
Recorded
Conservation Status
EPBC
FFG
DSE
L
VU
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Origin
Common Name
Yellow Thornbill
Yellow-billed Spoonbill
Yellow-faced Honeyeater
Yellow-rumped Thornbill
Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo
Yellow-tufted Honeyeater
Zebra Finch
*
*
*
*
Agile Antechinus
Black Rat
Black Wallaby
Brush-tailed Phascogale
Bush Rat
Chocolate Wattled Bat
Common Brushtail Possum
Common Dunnart
Common Ringtail Possum
Eastern Grey Kangaroo
European Hare
European Rabbit
Gould's Wattled Bat
House Mouse
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Scientific Name
Acanthiza nana
Platalea flavipes
Lichenostomus chrysops
Acanthiza chrysorrhoa
Calyptorhynchus funereus
Lichenostomus melanops
Taeniopygia guttata
Mammals
Antechinus agilis
Rattus rattus
Wallabia bicolor
Phascogale tapoatafa
Rattus fuscipes
Chalinolobus morio
Trichosurus vulpecula
Sminthopsis murina
Pseudocheirus peregrinus
Macropus giganteus
Lepus europeaus
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Chalinolobus gouldii
Mus musculus
Page | 100
Recorded
Conservation Status
EPBC
FFG
DSE
L
VU
x
x
x
x
VU
x
x
x
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Origin
*
Common Name
Koala
Large Forest Bat
Lesser Long-eared Bat
Little Forest Bat
Platypus
Red Fox
Short-beaked Echidna
Sugar Glider
White-striped Freetail Bat
Blotched Blue-tongued Lizard
Bougainville's Skink
Common Blue-tongued Lizard
Eastern Brown Snake
Eastern Small-eyed Snake
Eastern Three-lined Skink
Garden Skink
Lowland Copperhead
Mountain Dragon
Tiger Snake
Tree Dragon
Tussock Skink
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Scientific Name
Phascolarctos cinereus
Vespadelus darlingtoni
Nyctophilus geoffroyi
Vespadelus vulturnus
Ornithorhynchus anatinus
Vulpes vulpes
Tachyglossus aculeatus
Petaurus breviceps
Tadarida australis
Reptiles
Tiliqua nigrolutea
Lerista bougainvillii
Tiliqua scincoides
Pseudonaja textilis
Rhinoplocephalus nigrescens
Bassiana duperreyi
Lampropholis guichenoti
Austrelaps superbus
Rankinia diemensis
Notechis scutatus
Amphibolurus muricatus
Pseudemoia pagenstecheri
Page | 101
Recorded
x
Conservation Status
EPBC
FFG
DSE
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Origin
Common Name
White's Skink
Brown Toadlet
Common Froglet
Growling Grass Frog
Southern Brown Tree Frog
Southern Bullfrog
Spotted Marsh Frog
Striped Marsh Frog
Whistling Tree Frog
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Scientific Name
Egernia whitii
Amphibians
Pseudophryne bibronii
Crinia signifera
Litoria raniformis
Litoria ewingii
Limnodynastes dumerilii
Limnodynastes tasmaniensis
Limnodynastes peronii
Litoria verreauxii verreauxii
Recorded
Conservation Status
EPBC
VU
FFG
DSE
L
EN
L
EN
DSE – Status from DSE Advisory List; EPBC – Status under EPBC Act; FFG – Status under FFG Act; CR – Critically endangered; EN – Endangered; VU– Vulnerable; NT
– Lower risk near threatened; DD = data deficient; L – Listed on FFG Act; * = introduced species; X = recorded
Page | 102
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Appendix 3: Fauna conservation significance criteria
National fauna conservation significance applies to an area that supports one or
more of the attributes described below.

A population of one or more species listed as nationally threatened by Maxwell
et al. (1996), Lee (1995), Duncan et al. (1999), Garnett and Crowley (2000),
Cogger et al. (1993), Tyler (1997) or Wager and Jackson (1993), or listed on
the schedules of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation
Act 1999.

A nationally threatened ecological community listed on the schedules of the
EPBC Act.
State fauna conservation significance applies to an area when it supports one or
more of the following attributes.

A population of at least one fauna species threatened in Victoria, as listed by
DSE (2007b), or on the schedules to the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee
Act 1988.

An ecological community considered threatened in Victoria through its listing
on the schedules of the FFG Act.
Regional fauna conservation significance applies to an area that supports one or
more of the attributes described below.

A population of a species considered depleted in a particular bioregion based
on an authoritative regional analysis, such as the Regional Native Vegetation
Plan, Environment Conservation Council Report or Comprehensive Regional
Assessment documents.
Local fauna conservation significance applies to all ‘other’ native fauna that do
not meet the above criteria.
As it is not always possible to confirm the presence of some fauna species, due to
seasonal or behavioural difficulties in detection, the foregoing significance levels
can be qualified by the word “potential” where habitat attributes are considered
suitable for a species of a particular level of conservation significance.
Page | 103
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Appendix 4: Observations of Wedge-tailed Eagles at proposed Moorabool Wind Project during Wedge-tailed Eagle survey.
Date
Point/Roam
Time Start
Time Finish
No. of
Birds
25/03/2009
P4 (>500m)
12:45
12:46
1
Circling 80m high then soared over pines.
Open grazed farmland
P4
12:55
12:56
1
Gliding 30m high behind pines south of
observation point 4. Flew west past pines.
Open grazed farmland
P5
14:00
2
One pair feeding on carcass. Flew 5m high to
perch on dead branch then flew north and
soars up to 200m high
P6
15:00
2
15:09
Habitat
Open paddock near scattered
trees.
Other adult repeats flight behaviour and
follows other north of wind farm site.
14:25
P6 (>500m)
Flight behaviour
Soaring over valley 100m high, other adult
400m high.
One adult flew within 500m while other flew
west and out of sight
Page | 104
Forest escarpment and open
farmland. Scattered trees and
pine plantation
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Date
Point/Roam
Time Start
No. of
Birds
Flight behaviour
Habitat
Sheep paddock and forest
escarpment
R
14:25
14:35
2
Both flying 20m high low over sheep and
stirring magpies. Both flew over escarpment
and one perched in tree on edge. Soared over
valley then perched again in same tree.
P8 (>500m)
14:50
16:00
1
Circling and soaring 3km south of point.
P9
16:00
4
Two pairs circling and soaring, one pair 100m
high, other pair 300m high.
2
Another pair fly 300m high near P9. Soaring
up wind thermal.
Farmland and windbreak
One juvenile perched in tree on open
farmland. Other juvenile and adult on ground.
Adult flew with live rabbit over to treed area.
Both juveniles follow and all on ground. Adult
flies up and circles over area and into
plunging/diving flight. Perches on tree in area
on edge of forest. Both juveniles continue to
feed on rabbit on ground.
Open farmland valley with
sheep. Edge of woodland
forest and west of farm
buildings
P9 (>500m)
26/03/2009
Time Finish
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
P9
14:30
10:20
10:44
1 adult
2 young
Page | 105
Woodland and farmland
Escarpment and windbreak
(planted pines)
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Date
27/03/2009
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Point/Roam
Time Start
Time Finish
No. of
Birds
P10
(>500m)
10:55
11:00
1
One adult soaring and circling 400m high
north of point. Descends below ridge and out
of sight.
Farmland and Pines
R
12:08
12:13
1
Circling in same position 300m high soaring
up thermal to 40m high
Crop
P3
13:45
13:56
1
Diving into wind in an westerly direction
14:02
14:06
1
Soaring up thermal the glided across
escarpment south-west
P4
14:25
14:27
2
Diving off escarpment edge and below ridge
out of sight
P5 (>500m)
15:25
15:35
3
Circling approx 400-500m high over farmland
Farmland and planted trees
2
Circling and soaring up thermal 50 to 200 to
400m high then soars down. Together circle
then one adult soars NE past trees and out of
sight. Other circles high at 300 to 400m then
disappears out of sight.
Escarpment and windbreaks
and open farmland
P6 (>500m)
10:20
10:35
Flight behaviour
Page | 106
Habitat
Edge of escarpment
Escarpment
Open farmland with stock,
escarpment
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Date
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Point/Roam
Time Start
Time Finish
No. of
Birds
P8 (>500m)
10:43
10:48
3
Soaring over woodland area 300m high.
Another two adults circling up to 400m high
1
One immature circling over farmland valley
with sheep from 50m to 100m high. Flew over
road and observation point. Soars north east
up to 200m high, descends to 100m before
circling up thermal to 300m in same position.
3
Both juveniles and one adult perched in tree
on forest edge. One young flew 20m SW to
perch on another tree, other two follow. All
three then flew off and soared around
woodland area and circled over woodland
area.
Woodland edge and
escarpment
2
Soaring, 1 adult 200m high, 1 adult 400m
high. One bird diving in steep angle then
soaring north and circling. Other adult circling
and soaring at least 400m high.
Forested area over
escarpment
P8
P9
P1 (>500m)
10:46
11:15
12:56
11:02
11:30
13:10
Flight behaviour
Page | 107
Habitat
Treed area and open
farmland
Open farmland valley with
stock.
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Date
30/03/2009
Point/Roam
Time Start
Time Finish
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
No. of
Birds
Flight behaviour
Habitat
Escarpment
Escarpment
P7 (>500m)
13:25
13:33
2
Diving flight into winds, flying west 200m high
down to 100m below ridge out of sight.
Soared from opposite direction back east from
west behind ridge again.
P2 (>500m)
14:15
14:20
1
Soaring in distance circling up to 300m high
P4
10:34
10:40
1
Soaring and circling 100m then diving up and
down then soars below ridge
10:39
10:42
1
Soaring 100m near other adult.
R
12:04
12:06
1
Soaring approx. 150m over escarpment
P9
12:40
12:54
3
One adult, two juvenile perched in same tree
as previously observed. Two fly over to
another tree to perch.
Escarpment south of
woodland.
1
One adult dives and soars near other three
birds in tree. Soars up from 200m to 300m
high.
Escarpment south of
woodland.
12:58
Page | 108
Edge of escarpment then over
farmland
Edge of escarpment
Over forest escarpment
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Date
Point/Roam
No. of
Birds
Flight behaviour
Habitat
2
One pair adult circles nearby family territory.
One of the family members (adult) dives up
and down to defend territory while the pair fly
out of sight. The other 3 members of family
still perched in tree.
Escarpment south of
woodland.
13:06
One juvenile soars over area about 50m high.
Escarpment south of
woodland.
13:10
13:16
2
Two adults are seen circling in distance
approx. 100m high. Most likely same pair as
previous. Other three family members soaring
in area and one perched in tree.
Edge of ridge
13:19
13:29
1
Soaring from 100 to 400m high then
descends down gliding and out of sight behind
pine trees. 1 km SW of point
Open farmland and pines
1
One adult soared over trees at 50m high then
circled over ridge up high 150m, descended
soaring height and from forest to open
farmland. Soars out of sight SW of point
Over valley, escarpment, open
farmland and pines
Time Start
13:03
P10
(>500m)
P7
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
15:10
Time Finish
13:05
15:21
Page | 109
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Date
31/03/2009
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Point/Roam
Time Start
Time Finish
No. of
Birds
P7 (>500m)
15:18
15:20
2
One pair circling high up thermal south of
point up to 300m high
Escarpment, edge of pine
plantation
Flight behaviour
Habitat
Escarpment
P4
11:59
12:08
2
One pair of adults circling south 150m high.
One flew 80m closer to other adult. Both soar
in circle over escarpment edge north of pine
plantation. One diving flight. Flew behind trees
and out of sight
R
13:39
13:49
1
Diving flight 50m high, then circles and soars
over edge of ridge over farmland to woodland
Open farmland to edge of
escarpment
Open farmland
P8
14:07
14:13
1
One immature circled over valley (50m) of
sheep and open farmland, then soared up
thermal and circles over farmland and glided
NE of point then circles up to 400m and out of
sight
P10
(>500m)
14:30
14:40
1
Circled over trees approx. 80m high, soared
over pines and road to open farmland up to
100m and disappeared out of sight.
Page | 110
Open farmland and pine trees
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Date
Point/Roam
Time Start
P9
14:53
Time Finish
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
No. of
Birds
Flight behaviour
Habitat
1
One adult soared over usual position circling
over trees. Started from perched to soaring up
to 300m high.
Woodland edge and
escarpment, adjacent farm
buildings
Forest Woodland
Open farmland and ridge
15:00
15:03
1
Soared from circling to diving NW over forest.
Glided in distance to other eagle already
circling. One eagle diving flight, both soared
out of sight
15:15
15:30
2
Same pair re-appeared soaring SE diving up
and down and soaring low (50m) the soared
west over escarpment to open farmland
Page | 111
Moorabool Wind Project: Flora and Fauna Assessment
Report No. 8147 (3.5)
Appendix 5: Observations of Wedge-tailed Eagles at proposed Moorabool Wind Project during Bird Utilisation survey.
Date
Point
Time Start
Time Finish
No. of Birds
Flight behaviour
Habitat
16/03/2009
1
15:30
15:33
2 Adults
Active flight and soaring
From fields to escarpment
18/03/2009
2
12:40
12:45
2 Adults
Soaring and diving behaviour
Escarpment and woodland
19/03/2009
3
11:10
11:14
1 Adult
Soaring and directional flight at 120m
Woodland and escarpment
19/03/2009
4
13:00
13:02
1 Adult
Perched on tree
Escarpment
19/03/2009
5
16:00
16:15
1 Adult
Soaring and active flight
Escarpment and woodland
21/03/2009
6
14:20
14:22
1 Immature
Perched on tree
Escarpment
21/03/2009
7
15:00
15:10
1 Immature
Soaring and circling over 200m high
Woodland and escarpment
26/03/2009
8
10:50
11:00
2 Adults
Soaring and circling at 200m high
Escarpment and Plantation
26/03/2009
9
12:55
13:42
4 Adult, 2
Immature
Soaring and circling, directional flight
and aggressive behaviour
Escarpment and woodland
Page | 112

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