EPBC Referrals

When Wyndham City Council proposed to build a footbridge over the Werribee River they engaged Practical Ecology to conduct a detailed flora and fauna survey of the site.

Practical Ecology’s flora and fauna experts determined that, according to the EPBC ‘Protected Matters Search Tool’, there were 22 possible threatened species occurring within a 5km radius of the site. Although a comprehensive ecological assessment found none of these species onsite, potential habitat for one species, the growling grass frog, was identified. Further review of fauna records uncovered that growling grass frogs had been found within a kilometre of the site. On this basis it was decided an EPBC referral was required.

Practical Ecology’s referral included the results of our flora and fauna studies as well as proposed measures to avoid or reduce impacts on the growling grass frog. These included a sensitive bridge design, fencing to restrict human and dog access to the river, retaining dense vegetation along the banks and minimising illumination on the water.

Because of these mitigation measures the EPBC referral concluded that the bridge was unlikely to have a significant effect on the frog as potential impacts were being avoided.

Yarra Valley Water (YVW) proposed to install a sewer tunnel through a tract of grassland adjoining the Merri Creek. Five shafts would be required to be dug in the grassland to bore the tunnel. YVW contracted Practical Ecology to assess the ecological values of the area.

Practical Ecology identified native vegetation and potential habitat areas, providing YVW with the information they needed to best position the shafts. Practical Ecology then undertook more detailed flora and fauna surveys, including monitoring for the golden sun moth, searches for growling grass frogs and spotlighting for nocturnal animals. Flora surveys, including quadrats, identified areas of native grass and confirmed there were no EPBC species on site.

The EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool indicated there were potentially twelve threatened fauna species within a kilometre of the location. Although these were not confirmed during our fauna surveys, the proximity of the creek, a wetland and areas of suitable habitat, meant that one particular shaft site might support the growling grass frog and striped legless lizard. Practical Ecology therefore recommended – and subsequently completed - an EPBC referral. Our studies showed the other proposed shaft sites did not require referrals.

Our previous survey work meant that Practical Ecology was able to quickly provide a professional and comprehensive referral, resulting in state and federal approval for the work.