Biodiversity Plan 2019-2022 - Banyule City Council
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Biodiversity Plan
2019-2022
1
‘Avoid waste generation.
Conserve water.
Protect green space.
Protect wildlife’
Feedback from community member
2 BANYULE BIODIVERSITY PLAN 2019-2022
Contents
Introduction 4
Planet and Biodiversity 5
Biodiversity and Council’s role 6
What we do… 6
The community and what we’ve heard… 7
In your words! 7
Policy and situational context 8
Implementation 8
Minimising threats to Biodiversity 9
Climate change action 9
Knowledge and capacity building 10
Liaise with neighbouring land managers 10
Limit storm water damage 10
Engagement and education 11
Schools Wildlife Corridors Program 11
‘Buy 1 get 1 free’ Indigenous Plant Voucher System 11
Spring Outdoors Program 12
Gardens for Wildlife program 12
Nature Play Program 12
Manage land for biodiversity 13
Priority Bushland Management plans 13
Biodiversity in Banyule – Current Status 14
Control of pest plants and animals 15
Wildlife corridors 15
Green infrastructure in urban areas 16
Partnerships – a coordinated approach 16
Facilitation of ‘friends’ groups 16
Schools Wildlife Corridors Program 16
Banyule and Nillumbik Teacher Environment network (TEN) 16
Spring Outdoors program 17
Action Plans 18
Pest Plants 18
Pest Fauna 20
Urbanisation 22
Knowledge and Capacity 24
Climate Change 25
1
Planet &Biodiversity
Banyule Council recognises the intrinsic value of
the natural environment and aims to conduct its
activities in a manner which ensures its diversity,
protection and enhancement.
Council’s Planet Policy and Strategy outlines five
key directions to help achieve this outcome:
The Biodiversity Plan focuses on the “protect
and enhance our natural environment” key
direction while supporting all other key
directions.
Biodiversity simply refers to the diversity of
living things and should be protected, as all
forms of life rely on healthy, functioning natural
systems. Protecting and enhancing biodiversity
is an important component in achieving our
Council Plan’s vision of ‘a green, sustainable
and vibrant place for a healthy, connected and
inclusive community.’
The overall strategic context is shown below
and on page 3.
Protect
and enhance
our natural
environment
Conserve Lead
water and in planning for,
improve and responding
stormwater to, climate
management change
Be
Avoid waste environmental
generation stewards
2 BANYULE BIODIVERSITY PLAN 2019-2022
Banyule City Council – Council Plan 2017-2021
Planet Plan
Key Directions:
• Protect and enhance our natural environment
• Conserve water and improve stormwater quality and impact
• Deliver appropriate action on climate change
• Avoid waste generation
• Act as environmental stewards
Stewardship Greenhouse Biodiversity Waste Water
Biodiversity Plan
Key Direction:
• Protect and enhance our natural environment
Key Focus Areas:
• Climate change
• Habitat destruction
• Fragmentation of bushland
• Impact of pest plants and animals environmentally
sustainable way.
Key Steps:
• Minimise threats to biodiversity
• Engagement and education around biodiversity
• Manage land for biodiversity
• Partnerships – a coordinated approach to
biodiversity protection
3
Introduction
Biodiversity can be defined simply as the diversity of living things. It can be measured on a
genetic level (diversity of genes within a species); on a species level (number of different
species); and at an ecosystem level (number of functioning habitat types of different
successional stages and ecological vegetation classes). All three levels of biodiversity are
intertwined and must be protected, as human civilisation depends on healthy natural
systems for survival. Council recognises that the critical threats to biodiversity
include climate change, habitat destruction, fragmentation and the impact of
weeds and feral animals.
Biodiversity is an important component in achieving our cared for. The two main goals of this plan are for Victorians
Council Plan vision of a green, sustainable and vibrant to value nature and that Victoria’s natural environment is
place for a healthy, connected and inclusive community. The healthy. The actions outlined in Banyule’s Biodiversity Plan
Banyule Biodiversity Plan 2019-2022 aims to strengthen will support the achievement of these key state government
the capacity of people to protect, enhance and restore goals. Four approaches will be prioritised to ensure these
biodiversity. This Biodiversity Plan provides an overview of goals are achieved:
Banyule’s biodiversity assets and lists actions and indicators
• Minimise threats to biodiversity – address threatening
to justify, direct and monitor our management of biodiversity
processes that impact on biodiversity.
within the municipality. It supports the objectives in
Banyule’s Council Plan 2017-2022, in particular the Planet: • Engagement and education – provide programs and
Environmental Sustainability objective: resources to ensure the community has the knowledge,
attitude and skills to protect and enhance biodiversity in
Conduct Council activities in a sustainable manner, and
Banyule.
practice sound stewardship of the natural environment
to ensure its protection, diversity and enhancement. • Manage land for biodiversity – manage council land for
biodiversity, based on sound ecological principles.
The Biodiversity Plan gives effect to the Council Plan
Planet key direction to protect and enhance our natural • Partnerships – a coordinated approach – establish
environment and also supports other key directions such as community and program partners to improve capacity
encourage environmental stewardship. Banyule’s Biodiversity to protect and enhance biodiversity on both public and
Plan sits within the context of our policy and strategy private land.
documents alongside the other plan level documents. It aligns
Council’s key biodiversity activities and programs are listed
with the Victorian Government’s Biodiversity Plan, Protecting
below. These and others are covered in detail within this plan.
Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2037, supporting its
vision that Victoria’s biodiversity is healthy, valued and actively
Minimise threats to Engagement and Manage land for Partnerships –
biodiversity education biodiversity a coordinated approach
Take action on climate Schools Wildlife Control pest plants and Friends of groups
change Corridors and Nature Play animals
programs
Control pest plants and ‘Buy 1 Get 1 Free’ Pilot green infrastructure Educational institutions
animals indigenous plant vouchers projects
Connect fragmented Spring Outdoors program Revegetate with Local nurseries
patches of habitat indigenous species
Limit stormwater damage Gardens for Wildlife Priority bushland Other councils and
management plans agencies
4 BANYULE BIODIVERSITY PLAN 2019-2022
Planet and biodiversity
Banyule Council recognises the intrinsic value of the natural • Lead in planning for, and responding to, climate change;
environment and aims to conduct its activities in a manner
• Avoid waste generation; and
which ensures its diversity, protection and enhancement.
• Be environmental stewards.
Council’s Planet Policy and Strategy outlines five key
directions to help achieve this outcome: This Biodiversity Plan focuses on the key direction, to protect
and enhance our natural environment while supporting all
• Protect and enhance our natural environment;
other key directions.
• Conserve water and improve stormwater management;
5
Biodiversity and Council’s role
Biodiversity is defined simply as the diversity of living things. • Partnerships – a coordinated approach – establish
community and program partners to improve outcomes
Council’s work addresses these asset needs, adopting a lead
role in providing direction and expertise: • Minimise threats to biodiversity – undertake actions
to minimise threats to biodiversity
• Engagement and education – increase awareness,
support community action, provide resources and training Key activities and programs undertaken in this space are
detailed below.
• Manage land for biodiversity – manage biodiversity
assets based on scientific and ecological evidence
What we do…
Engagement Manage land for Partnerships – Minimise threats
and education biodiversity a coordinated approach to biodiversity
Provide community Develop management Leverage partnerships Take action to limit the
members with the skills plans for bushland reserves with external stakeholders effects of pest plant and
and understanding to based on sound scientific to build new networks animal species, including
protect and enhance and ecological evidence. and increase program domestic cats.
biodiversity. outcomes, impact and
effectiveness.
Connect residents to their Pilot green infrastructure Attend regional forums to Address fragmentation
local parks, open spaces projects in urban settings ensure a catchment wide of habitat by connecting
and bushland reserves. including green facades approach to managing isolated patches through
and rooftop gardens. threatening processes. revegetation.
Increase awareness Bushland Management Engage ecologists to Take action to mitigate
of Banyule’s unique Unit monitor and collect assist with management of the threats to biodiversity
biodiverse assets through data on biodiversity to threatened species. posed by climate change.
promotion and education. improve management
practices.
6 BANYULE BIODIVERSITY PLAN 2019-2022
The community and what we’ve heard…
We have learned through various community consultation many comments about increasing the planting of native
activities about the community’s appreciation for the flora, including understorey plants for small bird habitat.
environment and natural spaces within Banyule. Much of One suggestion was to develop a social enterprise around
the feedback noted that Council played a meaningful role in indigenous bush food plants to lower food miles, build
community education on sustainability and climate change community connections and protect food security.
issues. There was support for Council to provide services
Connected to the love of trees and greenery were an
and incentives for residents to make environmentally-aware
appreciation for the natural habitat and wildlife of Banyule.
lifestyle changes and choices. The community strongly values
Feedback even paid homage to Banyule’s birdsong. Many
the natural environment, identifying it as a major reason for
people wanted Council to conserve natural habitat for
attraction to Banyule and wanting it to be protected for
wildlife, including wildlife corridors and parklands. Some
future generations.
called for harsher penalties for those who litter or cut down
With the abundance of green open space in Banyule, it protected trees without permits, and local laws to ensure cat
is not surprising a significant percentage of people’s first owners keep cats inside so birds were not killed.
response to the question posed at various Council events
Two actions to protect Banyule’s canopy trees was suggested
and consultations in 2017, ‘What do you love about where
by the Montmorency Community group. One was a
you live?’ was the greenery and trees. Some even said the
community effort to remove ivy from canopy trees.
greenery was the reason they moved to the area. There
was a strong desire expressed by residents for Council to The other action was to monitor the movements of sugar
conserve and to continue to improve the green spaces gliders in the area as they are indicators of healthy habitat.
of Banyule. Concerns about the impact of the North East Both these actions are currently underway.
Link were raised. Council will continue to work with the
The importance of education for young people about our
North East Link Project to advocate for the best biodiversity
local biodiversity rated several mentions. It was felt that
outcomes possible.
increasing opportunities for people to connect with, learn
Some people mentioned the importance of planting about and enjoy nature were very positive outcomes for the
trees and shrubs that could reduce problems with pollen community.
allergies and provide streets with more shade. There were
In your words!
‘Banyule has done very well planting street trees the
last two years…..but please, plant more trees. We
need more shade in Rosanna.’
‘Please, please more trees, anywhere, any size and any
type (of course natives are best in general).’
‘The creek, wildlife and wildlife corridors are fantastic.’
‘Preservation of the environment. We have
community groups that plant natives – more would
be great.’
‘Put up more nesting boxes. We need to protect bird
life. The Council could educate the community on
how to make their gardens native bird friendly and
encourage people to install nesting boxes.’
‘I would love to see council facilitate bush playgroups,
bush school programs and kindergartens and see
Banyule leading the way in this growing movement.’
7
Policy and situational context
The Biodiversity Plan gives effect to the Council Plan • Victorians to value nature; and
Planet key direction to protect and enhance our natural
• Victoria’s natural environment is healthy.
environment and also supports other key directions such as
encourage environmental stewardship. The actions outlined in Banyule’s Biodiversity Plan will
contribute to the achievement of these key state government
Banyule’s Biodiversity Plan sits within the context of our
goals.
policy and strategy documents alongside the other plan
level documents. It aligns with the Victorian Government’s Council’s current approach and delivery of biodiversity
Biodiversity Plan: Protecting Victoria’s Environment – programs is provided in the following pages across our four
Biodiversity 2037, supporting its vision that Victoria’s action areas.
biodiversity is healthy, valued and actively cared for. The two
main goals of this plan are for:
Implementation
The Biodiversity Plan establishes a four-year framework
to guide environmental action across Council.
The action plans detailed on pages 18 - 25 will be
embedded within the working requirements of relevant
departments and will be reported on annually.
The vast majority of actions will be implemented
using existing resources, as part of general staff
responsibilities or through reccurring budgets. Some
actions will be subject to the securing of additional
funds.
8 BANYULE BIODIVERSITY PLAN 2019-2022Minimising threats to biodiversity
Council recognises that once genes, species and ecosystems Bushfires have been a long standing feature of our Australian
are lost, we cannot create new ones, so we must protect ecosystems but are not acceptable in urban areas where
what we have got. Taking action to reduce threats to property damage or loss of life may result. Without frequent
biodiversity is the main mechanism for protecting biodiversity. ‘cool burn’ fires to which bushland areas are adapted, there
Limiting these threats will result in healthier ecosystems, can be a build-up of fuel, more intense, difficult to control
which in turn, will provide ecosystem services that sustain ‘hot burning’ fires and a loss of species that are not adapted
life – shade, clean air, water and soil, and pest and disease to this intensity.
control.
The Bushland Management Unit manages this threat
The main threats to biodiversity in Banyule are: with low intensity, ecological burns to reduce fuel loads,
control weeds and regenerate species that have evolved
• Climate change
to germinate when stimulated by the chemicals present in
• Competition from weeds bushfire smoke.
• Predation by and competition from pest animals Another advantage of greening Banyule is to reduce future
heat island effects in urban areas. Increasing the amount
• Habitat fragmentation through urbanisation
of canopy cover can create local microclimates and keep
• Human created waste and rubbish temperatures lower than they would otherwise be. Green
infrastructure, such as roof top gardens, can also play a role in
reducing these heat loads, and cooling costs, while improving
Key Council strategies for minimising biodiversity outcomes.
threats to biodiversity include:
• Climate change action
• Knowledge and capacity building
• Liaising with neighbouring land managers
• Limiting stormwater damage
Climate change action
OBJECTIVES:
• To lessen the effects of extreme
weather events
Climate Change facts
• To manage the risk of bushfires
Did you know?
• To reduce the impact of the heat
Atmospheric carbon dioxide has risen from 280 ppm
island effect in pre industrial times to 407.18 in March 2017.
As outlined in the Notice of Motion adopted by Council Atmospheric carbon dioxide has reached its highest
on Monday 10 December 2018, Banyule recognises the level for 650,000 years (IPCC) - 2007 report
imminent threat to people and the environment that climate for NASA.
change presents. Climate change is leading to more extreme This increase in atmospheric carbon will result in a
weather events, such as the major flood in Rosanna in temperature rise around 0.5 – 1.2 C by 2030.
2016, an increased risk of bushfires, and a rapid altering of
environmental conditions to which local species are adapted. The CSIRO predicts a reduction in rainfall in
The threat to these species is that they cannot evolve fast southern Australia of up to around 15% by 2030.
enough to cope with these predicted changes, leading to
Credit: Peter Hannam
their extinction.
9Minimising threats to biodiversity
Knowledge and capacity building Limit storm water damage
OBJECTIVES: OBJECTIVES:
• Raise awareness of threats • To manage and reuse stormwater
to biodiversity
• To decrease the impact of severe
• Build capacity of residents to take storms
appropriate actions
• To maintain habitat values of water
• Engage residents to take action bodies
to minimise these threats
Climate change is already creating more extreme weather
To address the threats to biodiversity, Council has a range events such as storms. More severe storms mean increased
of tools to raise awareness of environmental issues, develop run off in Banyule, increased erosion and the reduction of the
capacity building, and demonstrate skills required to take habitat value of creeks and rivers. To address this, Council is
action. For example, to address weed control, Council has committed to:
produced a weeds brochure that is available to residents to • Capturing storm water run-off and reusing it for irrigation
assist them to identify invasive weeds in their gardens for at the three stormwater harvesting project sites
removal. A video demonstrating weed removal techniques
also assists residents to take action. • Including water-sensitive urban design in drainage plans, for
example Were Street rain garden in Montmorency
• Retaining water in the landscape in the form of wetlands,
Liaise with neighbouring land managers for example the re-watering of Banyule Billabong
OBJECTIVES:
• To facilitate a catchment wide approach
• To increase the range and effectiveness
of land management programs
Council liaises with neighbouring land managers to minimise
threats to biodiversity. Banyule shares boundaries with
Nillumbik, Manningham and Darebin councils as well as large
areas of land managed by Melbourne Water, Parks Victoria
and private landowners. An example of how Banyule liaises
with these agencies is Council’s involvement in the North
East Pest Animal Management Network. The Bushland
Management Coordinator attends meetings to look for the
best ways to work together to control highly mobile species
such as foxes and Indian Mynas. Coordinated, catchment-
wide actions based on strong scientific models and sound
data achieves better results for all involved.
10 BANYULE BIODIVERSITY PLAN 2019-2022Engagement and education
Council aims to engage the community in a variety Banyule’s Environment Team partners with schools and
of programs which will improve their knowledge and other local agencies to deliver the program. The Bushland
appreciation of local biodiversity. These activities are designed Management Unit prepares the area and supplies the
to connect people to their local bushland areas, parks and appropriate indigenous plants for revegetation.
reserves in an engaging, educational and social way, so that
they are more likely to contribute to the conservation
of these natural areas. Adults and children are provided
with hands on skills and experiences in the natural world, Gardens for Wildlife - Protecting
increasing their knowledge base and skills. For example,
Banyule’s Bushland Management Unit run several nesting box and enhancing biodiversity
building workshops for residents each year, where residents
learn about the habits of local wildlife species. As part of a focus on raising greater awareness and
Council’s notable biodiversity engagement and education understanding of biodiversity by Council, a suite
programs include: of short videos have been produced. The Gardens
for Wildlife video is one example. It provides an
• Schools Wildlife Corridors Program overview of the program and what Council is
• ‘Buy 1, get 1 free’ Indigenous plant voucher system trying to achieve. Short interviews with Victorian
Indigenous Nurseries Co-Operative (VINC) staff
• Spring Outdoors Program
and residents explains how the program works.
• Gardens for Wildlife Program Viewers gain an understanding of the program which
starts with an introductory workshop at VINC, a
• Nature Play program
garden site assessment with each participant, and a
Detail on these programs are provided below: garden report to assist participants with the habitat
restoration of their gardens.
Schools Wildlife Corridors Program
Council runs the Schools Wildlife Corridors Program each
year. This is a three-step program targeting local primary
schools, and includes a biodiversity audit, a community
revegetation day in one of Banyule’s bushland reserves,
and a school action day. The program features Indigenous
cultural activities delivered by Wurundjeri Elders, a peer
learning approach where secondary students mentor
primary students, and the delivery of a range of hands-on
environmental activities including revegetation and water
quality testing.
‘Buy 1 Get 1 free’ Indigenous Plant
OBJECTIVES: Voucher System
The popular ‘Buy 1, Get 1 Free” indigenous plant voucher
• Increase awareness of biodiversity system encourages Banyule residents to create habitat
in Banyule in their own gardens by planting local indigenous species.
Indigenous plants are used to the local soil and climatic
• Connect children to their local conditions, attract indigenous birds, animals and insects and
provide food and shelter for a range of species.
environment and community
Planting these indigenous plants on private land contributes
to the natural wildlife corridors established along local
• Address fragmentation of habitat waterways, enhancing and connecting fragmented patches of
by creating wildlife corridors across habitat, enabling wildlife to move through urban areas.
Banyule Residents receive the voucher along with a plant list relevant
to the particular indigenous plant community that covers
• Educate students about biodiversity their property. This helps them in plant selection when
and their local environment redeeming their voucher from one of the two participating
local nurseries.
11Engagement and education
Spring Outdoors Program specialist garden guide, who suggests ways to improve their
gardens and leaves them with a garden plan. Residents are
The Spring Outdoors Program is another program designed given vouchers for 20 indigenous plants and start their on-
to connect residents with their natural environment and ground actions. A celebration day, held in partnership with
appreciate biodiversity in their local area. Run in partnership a local Friends of group, rounds out the program. An online
with Manningham and Nillumbik Councils, the extensive community of practice is formed on the Gardens for Wildlife
program of events encourages people to shake off their Facebook page, where participants can share photos of their
winter hibernation and get active in the outdoors, improving gardens, tips and hints and seek advice.
their health, wellbeing and knowledge of biodiversity. Some
of the key events in the annual Spring Outdoors Program
include the Breakfast with the Birds event, Malahang Festival Nature Play Program
and a Hollows for Habitat nesting box building workshop. In response to recent research on nature deficit disorder and
the rise of anxiety and depression in young children, Banyule
Gardens for Wildlife Program has committed to run a yearly program of seven nature
play events. The program is linked to the seven seasons
A recent addition to Banyule’s suite of biodiversity activities of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people, the traditional
is the Gardens for Wildlife program. A pilot program custodians of Banyule, with one event held in each of the
was delivered in autumn 2018 with excellent results. The seven seasons in one of Banyule’s bushland reserves or parks.
program aims to encourage residents to learn more about Young children and their parents are encouraged to attend
their local biodiversity through developing gardens with and take part in a range of activities that engage them in
habitat value for local birds, animals and insects. Residents the natural world. Activities include nature walks with the
are recruited through an online process using the Facebook Bushland Management staff, bark painting using ochre, water
platform, with a maximum of 25 residents per intake. Run bug investigations, building cubbies and weaving with local
in partnership with Victorian Indigenous Nurseries Co- grass species. Banyule’s Leisure, Arts and Culture, Bushland
Operative (VINC) at Fairfield, the program begins with a Management, Environment and Early Childhood teams
workshop at VINC nursery, where residents learn about site collaborate to deliver these events.
preparation, indigenous plant species, soil and garden design.
They are then signed up for a garden assessment with a
12 BANYULE BIODIVERSITY PLAN 2019-2022Manage land for biodiversity
Council is committed to managing land for biodiversity.
Protection of biodiversity requires active management to
maintain genetic diversity and to maintain the integrity and
functionality of wetlands, waterways and wildlife corridors.
Council continually reviews programs within these areas to
ensure tangible outcomes are being achieved.
Council’s key programs in this area include:
• Priority bushland management plans
• Control of pest plants and animals
• Wildlife Corridors Program
• Green infrastructure in urban areas
Calocephalus citreus- Lemon Beauty-heads
Priority Bushland Management Plans Case Study
OBJECTIVES:
The Banyule Northern Grasslands encompass
approximately 6 hectares of Plains Grassy Woodland.
• Control of invasive weed species The grassland is located along the Darebin Creek
in Heidelberg West, approximately 13 kilometres
• Promotion of regrowth of indigenous from Melbourne CBD. These grasslands form part
of the Darebin Creek Trail Park and part of a wildlife
species corridor between the Darebin Creek and the Yarra
River. Cattle have previously been grazed in the area
• Record lists of flora and fauna and earthworks have occurred to batten the side of
the creek and install water drainage. The grassland is
bordered by factories to the east, La Trobe University
• Monitor ecosystem health grasslands to the north, Darebin Creek trail to
the south and the Darebin Creek to the west. The
surrounding area has been cleared for development
Each year, Banyule engages an ecologist to write bushland and the vegetation in these areas has been modified
management plans for different sites around Banyule. greatly, with the introduction of non-indigenous
Over the last four years, these plans have been developed species. The closest area of remnant grassland
for Greensborough’s Andrew Yandell Habitat Reserve, is located approximately 8 kilometres away in
the Banyule Northern Grassland Reserve at Heidelberg Bundoora Parklands. Less than 1 per cent of Victoria’s
West, the Montmorency bushland reserves and in 2018, remnant indigenous grasslands remain today, so this
the Plenty River bushland reserves including Partington’s area is carefully managed by the Banyule Council
Flat, Anthony Beale Reserve and Fricker’s Hill Reserve. Bushland Management Unit to ensure this unique
The ecologist advises the Bushland Management Unit on vegetation community is conserved for the future.
the best ways to manage this land for biodiversity. Flora Grasslands are important habitat for skinks, birds
and fauna surveys are carried out at different times of the of prey, insects and small marsupials. Grassland
year and threatened flora species are mapped using the species that occur in this area include Kangaroo
GIS system, to ensure the Bushland staff are aware of the Grass (Themeda triandra), Matted Flax Lily (Dianella
location of these plants. They can then take appropriate amoena), Blue Devil (Eryngium ovinum) and Slender
care of them to conserve the species for the future. Tick Trefoil (Desmodium varians).
Themeda triandra - Kangaroo Grass Rytidosperma - sp. Wallaby Grass Eryngium ovinum - Blue Devil
13Manage land for biodiversity
Biodiversity in Banyule – current status
Case Study
To retain and improve biodiversity, we include all Banyule retains less than 10 per cent of its original
areas of Banyule in our planning, and also advocate vegetation cover (Beardsall, 2000).
to the Victorian Government regarding land Indigenous canopy cover contributes to Banyule’s
it manages. liveability by:
Banyule: • Helping to identify the municipality and enhance a
Covers an area of 890 hectares; sense of place.
Has 606.4 hectares of Council-owned and managed open • Contributing to the community’s positive feelings
space and 285 hectares of state government owned and about living in the area.
managed open space; • Providing greater recognition of and planning control
Includes more than 30 sites designated as bushland over large remnant trees of age, size and habitat or
reserves - staff trained to care for biodiversity values landscape value through Banyule’s Significant Tree
manage these; Register.
Has 22 biosites (sites of regional, state or national • Protecting remnant bushland areas supporting a
environmental significance), managed as bushland diverse range of middle and understorey plants,
reserves where they are council owned; including many flowering herbs, lilies and terrestrial
Flora: orchids.
• Banyule has 401 indigenous vascular plant species, • Banyule Council commissioned a study to locate
some common and some found only in isolated vegetation sub communities in 1999. It identified 34
patches (recorded through surveys between 1995 and vegetation sub communities. This data is used to select
2000, Beardsall, 2000). species for revegetation projects.
• 170 species are likely to have been present in Banyule Fauna:
but have not been recorded here. Indigenous vertebrate animal species recorded in Banyule
• Many non-vascular plants and other non-vascular life include:
forms such as fungi and lichens that have not been • 214 birds
surveyed but which add value to the ecosystems in • 20 mammals
which they are found through their interactions with
plants, animals, water and soils. • 23 reptiles
Remnant vegetation: • 12 frogs
• Remnant flora describes stands of vegetation that • 9 freshwater fish
have persisted on site continuously since before Many of these species will utilise habitat outside Banyule.
European settlement. These means connected wildlife corridors with a good
cover of indigenous trees are critical for their survival.
14 BANYULE BIODIVERSITY PLAN 2019-2022Control of pest plants and animals Keeping cats inside at night can have a hugely positive effect
on local fauna species, as cats are instinctive hunters and prey
OBJECTIVES: on native birds, lizards and small marsupials, killing millions
of small native birds and animals across Australia each year.
(Australian Wildlife Conservancy)
• Control environmental weeds on
Council land to prevent their spread
Wildlife corridors
• Control pest animals on Council land to
OBJECTIVES:
prevent negative impacts on biodiversity
• Create habitat for native wildlife
• Prevent the proliferation of feral cats
• Support genetic flow
Flora that is not indigenous to Banyule may be a weed
species. • Connect fragmented patches of habitat
These weeds are categorised on the basis of their
invasiveness and method of spread. There are:
Many areas of natural habitat occur within Banyule and on
• 240 plant species established in Banyule
adjacent land, providing important refuges for indigenous
• 25 noxious weed species as defined by the Catchment plants and animals. Clearing for agriculture and urbanisation
and Land Protection Act of 1994 (CaLP Act) has meant that these natural wildlife corridors have been
• 58 regional priority weeds fragmented over time, meaning species range is restricted
and genetic flow reduced. The Bushland Management Unit
Council works hard to control weeds on Council land. The work to create and maintain natural wildlife corridors
Bushland Management Unit use a variety of techniques to along the Yarra and Plenty Rivers and the Darebin Creek
manage weeds, including spraying with herbicide and hand throughout the municipality. This connects fragmented
weeding in sensitive areas. Wash and blow down procedures patches of habitat and gives indigenous plants and animals
are being improved to prevent the spread of weeds from greater chances of survival.
site to site, with a wash down bay to be installed at the parks
depot and blow down procedures implemented as part of There are opportunities to incorporate community
the working routine of teams in 2019 - 2022. generated data to look at the strengthening of the vegetation
protection overlays in Banyule.
The Environment Team works closely with Local Laws on
weed infestations on private land, with a weed letter sent to
the resident requesting removal and outlining consequences.
Pest animals can have a highly damaging effect on the
biodiversity of Banyule, so Council takes action to control
them on Council land. The North East Regional Organisation
of Councils (NEROC) report lists 31 introduced vertebrate
pest species active in the Banyule area. They predate on local
plants and animals, compete with indigenous animals for food
and breeding sites, spread weeds and can spread diseases to
local animals and humans.
The main pest animals in Banyule are foxes, rabbits, birds
(such as Indian Mynas) and feral and domestic cats. Rabbits
and foxes are targeted with baiting programs on Council
land. Some residents participated in the Indian Myna
community trapping trial in 2017 with mixed results. Council
conducts a cat de-sexing program to ensure cats cannot
breed and increase feral cat numbers.
15Partnerships –
a coordinated approach
Green infrastructure in urban areas Facilitation of ‘friends of’ groups
OBJECTIVES: OBJECTIVES:
• To encourage biodiversity in urban • To build knowledge, skills and capacity
spaces in the community
• To address the urban heat island • To complement the work of the
effect Bushland Management Unit
In the coming four years, Banyule will pilot green Council recognises the huge amount of volunteer hours
infrastructure projects on Council buildings. Green provided by local friends of groups in the rehabilitation and
infrastructure involves the use of plants to shade the built maintenance of our local parks and reserves. The Bushland
environment, creating micro climates that reflect sunlight, Management Unit supports friends groups in specific
cool buildings down and combat the heat island effect. projects, for example, helping the Friends of Darebin Creek
These projects will take the form of green facades and create habitat by running a nesting box building workshop
rooftop gardens. The projects will increase the amount of each February. These activities not only support community
biodiversity in urban areas by creating habitat for small birds conservation efforts, contribute to wildlife corridors and
and insects in places where there was none. Biodiversity complement the Bushland Team’s works program, but
protection and enhancement cannot be achieved without provide Council and other organisations such as Melbourne
collaborating with partners. Council recognises that interest Water with vital information and help improve the biodiverse
and expertise within the community, particularly within our quality of a site.
environment and ‘friends of ’ groups, neighbouring councils
and other agencies. By partnering with these groups, Council
is able to have a wider impact and achieve its goals more
readily. As a result, many of our programs are delivered Schools Wildlife Corridors Program
in partnership with organisations including Nillumbik and
OBJECTIVES:
Manningham councils, ‘friends of ’ groups, Darebin Creek
Management Committee and agencies such as Yarra Valley
Water, Melbourne Water and Department of Environment, • Connect school students with their local
Land, Water and Planning. environment
Key programs that demonstrate a coordinated approach
include: • Build a resilient, connected community
• Facilitation of ‘friends of’ groups
• Schools Wildlife Corridors Program • Contribute to enhancing Banyule’s
• Banyule and Nillumbik Teacher Environment Network network of wildlife corridors and
biodiversity
• Spring Outdoors Program
The Schools Wildlife Corridors Program is another example
of partnerships delivering better outcomes for Council.
The program is run in partnership with the Wurundjeri
Tribal Council, Darebin Creek Management Committee, the
Bushland and Environment teams and local schools.
Each of these agencies work together to deliver hands on,
environmental education activities to local Banyule schools,
raising awareness of local Banyule biodiversity, connecting
students to their local environment and to helping them to
take practical action to protect and enhance biodiversity.
16 BANYULE BIODIVERSITY PLAN 2019-2022Banyule and Nillumbik Teacher Spring Outdoors Program
Environment Network (TEN) OBJECTIVES:
OBJECTIVES:
• To connect residents with their local
• Increase capacity of teachers to provide environment
quality environmental education
• To raise awareness of Banyule’s unique
• Increase skills and knowledge of biodiversity
teachers in the environmental education
area • To encourage residents to take action
to protect and enhance biodiversity
The Banyule – Nillumbik TEN celebrated its tenth • To gather data about the health of the
anniversary in 2017 and continues to provide teachers in
the two council areas with inspiration, ideas and educational local environment
resources to assist them to run environmental education
programs with their students. There are two meetings a term
held at either Edendale Farm in Eltham or at local schools, to Each year, Banyule Council partners with neighbouring
better showcase school environmental programs in action. councils Manningham and Nillumbik to present the Spring
Guest speakers are engaged, resources demonstrated and Outdoors Program. This program is designed to get
participants get the opportunity to network. people outside, connecting with nature and improving their
knowledge of local biodiversity in the warmer spring weather.
Another aspect of the network is the annual Kids Teaching The suite of activities in the three month program ranges
Kids Day held at Edendale Farm each year in September. The from smaller boutique events such as backyard bee keeping
event is a peer learning event where students deliver creative to larger festivals such as Heidelberg West’s Malahang Festival.
presentations on the environmental theme chosen for that The flagship of Banyule’s contribution to the calendar of
particular year. events is Breakfast with the Birds, which is held at Banyule
Flats. More than 100 people attend and are guided by Birdlife
Melbourne guides on a bird watching walk, then return for
breakfast and a bird count. The data gathered at the count is
used to gauge the health of the ecosystems along Banyule Flats.
Nesting box building in
Chelsworth Park
Each year as part the Spring Outdoors Program,
a nesting box building workshop is held at
Chelsworth Park in Ivanhoe. The aim of the session
is to create habitat for local wildlife and raise
awareness among local residents about the
importance of wildlife corridors in urban areas.
Residents are encouraged to take their newly
created nesting boxes home and put them in trees in
their backyards. A range of nesting boxes are created
for species such as microbats, possums, sugar gliders
and a variety of birds.
17Action Plan - Pest Plants
Corresponding Ref. Theme Objectives Actions KPIs Cost* Budget Responsible
City Plan Key ** Department
Direction
Protect and BP - Pest To ensure Develop and implement Continue vegetation $ E Environmental
enhance PP1 Plants Council environmental and fauna surveys Sustainability
our natural prioritise management plans for through parks and
environment protection natural habitat areas and reserves. Vegetation
of high value key reserves. Where no assessment works and
biodiversity specific management plans comprehensive species
hotspots by exist, follow established lists compiled for
managing industry standards. selected sites.
weeds
effectively.
BP - Pest To ensure all Program developed to Program developed $$ R Parks, Bushland,
PP2 Plants priority weeds support the eradication and implemented. Environmental
(CALP and of priority CaLP and Reduction in CaLP and Sustainability
WONS) are WONS on all council WONS weeds through
effectively reserves. Program to all council reserves.
managed. be implemented. Weed
Management Strategy
and updated weed list to
support this action.
BP - Pest To reduce Establish a data set to Baseline data set $ E Parks
PP3 Plants weed cover identify areas of high weed established to measure Presentation,
and spread infestation. against. Bushland
and to
promote
biodiversity.
BP - Pest To reduce Remove/reduce weeds on Cover of weeds $ E Parks
PP4 Plants weed cover Council land prioritising and existing weed Presentation,
and spread weeds that pose the infestations and Sport Fields,
and to greatest threat due to negative impacts Bushland
promote their effect on biodiversity reduced. Use before
biodiversity. and their capacity to and after photopoint
spread. monitoring to measure
success. Refer to PP3
baseline Data capture.
BP - Pest To reduce Utilise the updated WMS Fewer incidences of $ E Environmental
PP5 Plants spread of and Weedlist to undertake spread from private Sustainability
weed species education of residents to land, measured by a
from land reduce cover and spread reduction in weed
adjacent to of weed species. CRMs.
parks and
gardens.
BP - Pest To reduce Develop Naturestrip Decrease in weed $ E Environmental
PP7 Plants weed cover and Planting Guidelines species on nature strips Sustainability,
and spread to guide preferred plant and increase of suitable Bushland Parks
and to selection along nature indigenous alternatives. Presentation,
promote strips and roadsides. Open Space
biodiversity. Planning
BP - Pest To reduce Develop information pack Identify large peri urban $ E Environmental
PP8 Plants weed cover for Peri Urban dwellers blocks and distribute Sustainability
and spread about how to manage info packs to owners.
and to their larger blocks for pest Reduction of weed
promote plants. CRMs in these areas
biodiversity. and record number of
Info packs distributed
to owners.
Cost* $ = 0-10k
$$ = 10-100k
$$$ = > 100k
Budget** E = Existing
R = Additional Funding Required
18 BANYULE BIODIVERSITY PLAN 2019-2022Corresponding Ref. Theme Objectives Actions KPIs Cost* Budget Responsible
City Plan Key ** Department
Direction
BP - Pest To reduce Instigate machinery blow Machinery inspection $ E Parks
PP9 Plants weed cover down procedures for program implemented. Presentation
and spread mowing crews to prevent Staff adhering to best
and to spread of weeds, e.g. practice.
promote Chilean Needle Grass.
biodiversity.
BP - Pest To reduce Ensure wash down Machinery inspection $$ R Parks
PP10 Plants weed cover procedures occur at Ops program implemented. Presentation
and spread Depot by returning crews Staff adhering to best
and to regularly. Investigate wash practice.
promote down bay for Parks.
biodiversity.
BP - Pest To reduce Advocate internally to Attend planning team $ E Environmental
PP11 Plants weed cover influence landscape plans meetings quarterly to Sustainability
and spread on private land to increase advocate for use of
and to percentage of indigenous indigenous plants in
promote plants used. Establish landscape plans.
biodiversity. Nature Strip Guidelines &
landscape guidelines.
BP - Pest To reduce Encourage residents to Increase in indigenous $ E Environmental
PP12 Plants weed cover use indigenous trees as trees as replacement Sustainability,
and spread replacement plantings on choices and increase in Subdivisions,
and to tree removal applications vouchers distributed. Arborist
promote and consider issuing Services &
biodiversity. plant vouchers in certain Investigations
circumstances.
BP - Pest To reduce Work with Municipal Laws Reduction of weeds - $ E Environmental
PP13 Plants weed cover to enforce noxious weed photo point monitoring Sustainability,
and spread removal on private land shows weeds removed, Municipal Laws
and to where possible. reduction in weed
promote CRMs.
biodiversity.
BP - Pest To reduce Review and improve Update current weed $$ R Environmental
PP14 Plants weed cover 2006 weed management management strategy Sustainability, All
and spread strategy. Provide updated document to include Parks teams
and to weed list for residents. emerging problem
promote weeds.
biodiversity.
Cost* $ = 0-10k
$$ = 10-100k
$$$ = > 100k
Budget** E = Existing
R = Additional Funding Required
19Action Plan - Pest Fauna
Corresponding Ref. Theme Objectives Actions KPIs Cost* Budget Responsible
City Plan Key ** Department
Direction
Protect and BP - Pest To reduce Identify all pest animals Monitoring show a $ E Bushland
enhance PF1 Fauna threat to flora within prioritised reduction in density
our natural and fauna by biodiversity sites and of pest numbers or
environment pest animals. determine best pest reduced area of land
management strategies damaged by pest
where there is a animals.
reasonable cost benefit
expected.
BP - Pest To reduce For species that freely Monitoring shows a $ E Bushland
PF2 Fauna threat to flora move across large areas reduction in density
and fauna by such as rabbits, participate or reduced area of
pest animals. in any regional control land damaged by pest
programs where a animals. (determined by
reasonable cost benefit is NE Pest Management
expected (e.g. North East Strategy).
Pest Animal Management
Network).
BP - Pest To prevent Reduce the environmental Decrease in domestic $ E Municipal laws
PF3 Fauna the threat impact of domestic cats and semi owned cat
and impact wandering at night - intake into the pound.
of domestic promote responsible
cats on native pet ownership and
fauna. participation in Banyule's
cat de-sexing program.
BP - Pest To improve Provide education and Community knowledge $ E Municipal laws
PF5 Fauna residents' information to residents to increased, indicated by
understanding facilitate a reduction in the increased participation
of the impact number of feral animals. in cat de-sexing
of domestic program.
pets on
indigenous
fauna.
BP Pest To reduce Set up a community Amount of traps $ E Environmental
-PF6 Fauna the impact of trap booking scheme at loaned out, Sustainability
Indian Mynas DCMC to follow up the reduction of Indian
on native bird Indian Myna trapping trial. Mynas surveyed in
populations. participating residents'
backyards.
BP - Pest To increase Implement Gardens for G4W becomes an $ E Environmental
PF7 Fauna reach of Wildlife Program for ongoing aspect of the Sustainability
wildlife residents. Wildlife Corridors
corridors. Program for residents.
Cost* $ = 0-10k
$$ = 10-100k
$$$ = > 100k
Budget** E = Existing
R = Additional Funding Required
20 BANYULE BIODIVERSITY PLAN 2019-2022Action Plan - Urbanisation
Corresponding Ref. Theme Objectives Actions KPIs Cost* Budget Responsible
City Plan Key ** Department
Direction
Protect and BP - Urbanisation Protect Undertake planning scheme More vegetation $ E Environmental
enhance U1 and indigenous amendment to update the is protected, Sustainability,
our natural Biodiversity vegetation Significant tree Resgister. Significant Tree
environment and habitat Register records a
remnants. gradual increase.
BP - Urbanisation Protect Update the Significant Tree Increase in $ E Environmental
U2 and significant Register by seeking new awareness and Sustainability
Biodiversity trees and nominations to ensure knowledge exists
keep register trees are being adequately about Banyule's
updated. recognised and protected. significant trees
leading to an
increase in trees on
the list.
BP - Urbanisation Reduce heat Urban Forest Strategic Plan Investigate $$ E Tree Care
U3 and island effect to identify best practice and assess
Biodiversity and increase management options. 20,000 street
canopy cover scape planting
where possible opportunities.
in urban areas.
BP - Urbanisation Protect wildlife Ensure customer service Reduced loss of $ E Environmental
U4 and and natural are aware of key points species and habitat. Sustainability,
Biodiversity habitat. of contact when residents Customer
report injured wildlife. service
Provide fact sheet and
update spiel for customer
service.
BP - Urbanisation Prevent Update existing GIS wildlife Increase of $ E Environmental
U5 and fragmentation corridors map. Ensure Parks indigenous Sustainability,
Biodiversity and connect and Gardens staff refer to plantings across Parks,
isolated areas the map in their planning. wildlife corridors, Bushland
of bushland. increase in genetic
strength of
targeted species.
BP - Urbanisation Align nest box Identify and work with Increased numbers $ E Environmental
U6 and placement key internal and external of nesting boxes. Sustainability,
Biodiversity with wildlife stakeholders along the Bushland
corridors. wildlife corridors to install
nesting boxes.
BP - Urbanisation Show Prepare maps indicating the Data collected $ E Environmental
U7 and changes and current extent of vegetation to show increase Sustainability,
Biodiversity improvements within Banyule to identify or decrease of GIS, Tree Care
in vegetation changes compared with the vegetation cover.
cover over former distribution patterns Data shared
time. and cover. with planning
department to
help evaluate
if vegetation
protection
measures in the
planning scheme
are working or not.
Cost* $ = 0-10k
$$ = 10-100k
$$$ = > 100k
Budget** E = Existing
R = Additional Funding Required
21Action Plan - Urbanisation
Corresponding Ref. Theme Objectives Actions KPIs Cost* Budget Responsible
City Plan Key ** Department
Direction
BP - Urbanisation Liaise and Develop cooperative Specific projects $ E Bushland,
U8 and cooperate programs with other can be identified Environmental
Biodiversity with other land managers in the across agencies as a Sustainability
land managers reestablishment of case study to show
to extend wildlife corridors through improvements over
and establish revegetation and pest time.
wildlife species control - e.g.
corridors in Melbourne Water and
and outside of Parks Vic.
Banyule.
BP - Urbanisation Protect Refer to EPBC and Ensure current $ E Bushland,
U9 and populations FFG Action Plans from mapping Environmental
Biodiversity of rare and DELWP website to data reflects Sustainability
threatened manage and monitor rare improvements
species. and threatened species across current
populations. populations of rare
and threatened
species within
Banyule.
BP - Urbanisation Support Provide information, grant Biodiversity $ E Bushland,
U11 and community opportunities, promotion is improved Environmental
Biodiversity environmental and on ground assistance through increased Sustainability
volunteers where possible. community
and Friends of knowledge,
groups. awareness, capacity
and effort.
BP - Urbanisation Increase Provide incentives to Biodiversity is $ E Environmental
U12 and indigenous use indigenous plants to supported through Sustainability
Biodiversity plantings on individuals, community increased cover
private land groups and schools by of local plants on
and connect promoting the availability of non-Council land.
wildlife indigenous plants from local
corridors. nurseries via the voucher
system.
BP - Urbanisation To reduce the Identify suitable locations Increase and $$ R Development
U13 and erosion of for the construction of maintain water and drainage,
Biodiversity stream banks, water sensitive urban design sensitive urban Environmental
decrease loss features to reduce the flow design (WSUD) Operations,
of streambank of run off from Council features e.g. rain Parks
habitat and owned sites and seek gardens, tree pits.
increase water funding for appropriate
in wetlands. works.
BP - Urbanisation Reduce leaf Ensure that street tree Stormwater quality $$ E Tree Care,
U14 and and nutrient planting is sympathetic to improved with Environmental
Biodiversity flow into the surrounding landscape less autumn leaf Operations
waterways. with regards to species, contamination.
while seeking to reduce
impact to water ways.
BP - Urbanisation Reduce Advocate for the Stabilisation of $ E Development
U15 and damaging flows introduction of new volume and and drainage,
Biodiversity of stormwater. planning controls that rate of flow Statutory
require appropriate into stormwater Planning,
water sensitive urban systems. Operations
design and minimisation
of hard surfaces in new
developments.
Cost* $ = 0-10k
$$ = 10-100k
$$$ = > 100k
Budget** E = Existing
R = Additional Funding Required
22 BANYULE BIODIVERSITY PLAN 2019-2022Corresponding Ref. Theme Objectives Actions KPIs Cost* Budget Responsible
City Plan Key ** Department
Direction
BP - Urbanisation Consider Data to be analysed and VPO1 $ E Environment,
U16 and incorporating considered for use by strengthened with Planning,
Biodiversity data from Planning Department. added data layer. Bushland
the Banyule
Sugar Glider
Community
Project
Council
biodiversity
and Planning
decision-
making.
Cost* $ = 0-10k
$$ = 10-100k
$$$ = > 100k
Budget** E = Existing
R = Additional Funding Required
23Action Plan - Knowledge and Capacity
Corresponding Ref. Theme Objectives Actions KPIs Cost* Budget Responsible
City Plan Key ** Department
Direction
Protect and BP - Knowledge Ensure Prepare and make Videos uploaded on $ E Environmental
enhance KCB and information available information the web, publications Sustainability
our natural 1 Capacity is readily brochures, and readily available at
environment Building available to other publications customer service
community on protecting and centres.
members. enhancing biodiversity
and reducing threats to
biodiversity, such as fact
sheets and videos.
BP - Knowledge Ensure school Promote curriculum School engagement $ E Environmental
KCB and program linked school programs numbers maintained or Sustainability
2 Capacity activities are to increase awareness improved.
Building linked to the of the requirements
Australian for protecting and
curriculum enhancing biodiversity.
to increase
uptake by
schools and
improve
delivery
of key
biodiversity
and water
quality
messages.
BP - Knowledge Establish Ensure information Land management $ E Parks, Bushland,
KCB and a working about biodiversity practices adapt with Environment
3 Capacity group of key is communicated new information. Sustainability
Building stakeholders between internal
to guide staff eg weed spread
best practice between sites.
management
of biodiversity
management
and
protection.
BP - Knowledge Finance a Seek funding Resources are $$ R Parks, Bushland,
KCB and coordinated, and partnership increased, improvement Environmental
4 Capacity partnership opportunities to in capacity to improve Sustainability
Building approach to increase the resources conservation works.
biodiversity we have available to
protection. protect and enhance
biodiversity.
BP - Knowledge Ensure Establish evaluation Framework established $ E Environmental
KCB and continual framework to enable and education Sustainability
5 Capacity improvement monitoring and programs are effective
Building and evaluation of Banyule's as shown by evaluation
determine education programs. results.
effectiveness
of delivery
methods.
BP - Knowledge Contribute Provide data about on Data leads to more $ E Bushland,
KCB and to the ground works. accurate reporting. Environmental
6 Capacity State of the Sustainability
Building Environment
reporting in
Banyule.
Cost* $ = 0-10k
$$ = 10-100k
$$$ = > 100k
Budget** E = Existing
R = Additional Funding Required
24 BANYULE BIODIVERSITY PLAN 2019-2022You can also read
