coast statement of planning policy land: 200 and

Standing Advisory Committee for the draft Surf Coast Statement of Planning Policy Land: 200 and 220 Great Ocean Road, Jan Juc- Spring Creek:

Expert Witness Report Prepared for Standing Advisory Committee

Requested by Norton Rose Fulbright on behalf of Mack Property Developments Pty Ltd

5 March 2021

Biosis Pty Ltd

This document is and shall remain the property of Biosis Pty Ltd. The document may only be used for the purposes for which it was commissioned and in accordance with the Terms of the Engagement for the commission. Unauthorised use of this document in any form whatsoever is prohibited.

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Biosis Pty Ltd has completed this assessment in accordance with the relevant federal, state and local legislation and current industry best practice. The company accepts no liability for any damages or loss incurred as a result of reliance placed upon the report content or for any purpose other than that for which it was intended.

© Biosis 2021 - Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting - www.biosis.com.au i

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Document information

Report to: Standing Advisory Committee

Prepared by: Aaron Harvey

Biosis project no.: 34760

File name: 34760.SurfCoast.Expert.Witness.Report.20210305

Citation: Biosis 2021. Standing Advisory Committee for the draft Surf Coast Statement of Planning Policy Land: 200 and 220 Great Ocean Road, Jan Juc- Spring Creek: Expert Witness Report. Author: A Harvey, Biosis Pty Ltd, Melbourne. Project no. 34760.

© Biosis 2021 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting II

Contents 1 Name and address ....................................................................................................................................... 4

2 Qualifications and experience ................................................................................................................... 5

Qualifications and Training ............................................................................................................................ 5

Professional Affiliations and Memberships ................................................................................................ 5

Professional Experience ................................................................................................................................. 5

3 Area of expertise to make this report ...................................................................................................... 6

General expertise ............................................................................................................................................ 6

Site-specific expertise ...................................................................................................................................... 6

4 Other contributors to this report and their expertise ........................................................................... 7

5 Scope of this report ..................................................................................................................................... 8

6 Facts and assumptions ............................................................................................................................... 9

Study area ......................................................................................................................................................... 9

7 Documents and materials considered .................................................................................................. 10

Legislation and subordinate instruments ................................................................................................. 10

Government publications ............................................................................................................................ 10

Past reports ..................................................................................................................................................... 10

Other materials .............................................................................................................................................. 10

8 Summary of expert opinion .................................................................................................................... 11

Ecological values ............................................................................................................................................ 11

Grassy Woodland ............................................................................................................................... 11

Spring Creek PSP ............................................................................................................................................ 11

Distinctive Area and Landscape Declaration ............................................................................................ 12

Draft Surf Coast Statement of Planning Policy and Proposed Landscape Planning Controls ........................................................................................................................................................... 15

Protected Settlement boundary options for Spring Creek ......................................................... 18

9 Limitations and qualifications ................................................................................................................ 19

Limitations ....................................................................................................................................................... 19

Provisional opinions ...................................................................................................................................... 19

Questions ........................................................................................................................................................ 19

Inaccuracies .................................................................................................................................................... 19

10 Declaration ................................................................................................................................................ 20

Appendices ........................................................................................................................................................... 21

Appendix 1: Curriculum vitae ............................................................................................................................ 22

Appendix 2: Lands Victoria Aerial Archives ..................................................................................................... 25

© Biosis 2021 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting III

Appendix 3: Distribution of Bellarine Yellow Gum ......................................................................................... 28

© Biosis 2021 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 4

1 Name and address

Aaron Harvey Executive Director Biosis Pty Ltd 38 Bertie Street Port Melbourne VIC 3207


2 Qualifications and experience

Qualifications and Training

Bachelor of Science (Hons), Deakin University

Bachelor of Applied Science, Deakin University

Diploma Natural Resource Management, Swinburne University

Professional Affiliations and Memberships

Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand

Victorian Planning and Environmental Law Association

Professional Experience

I am the Executive Director at Biosis Pty Ltd (Biosis), a leading ecology and cultural heritage consulting firm with offices in Melbourne, Ballarat, Wangaratta and interstate. I have worked extensively in a wide range of environments throughout eastern Australia, conducting numerous flora and fauna surveys, preparing rehabilitation and revegetation plans and providing general ecological advice to Commonwealth, State and Local Government, private companies and land managers. I have particular experience in flora and fauna management, habitat hectares assessments and environmental impact studies, especially within Melbourne's growth areas.

From 2008 to 2013, I worked closely with the Growth Areas Authority ((GAA), now the Victorian Planning Authority) and the Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment ((DSE), now the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning) on the mapping of vegetation and fauna habitat across approximately 20,000 hectares on the peri-urban fringe of Melbourne. I was also involved in the Sub-regional Survey for the Golden Sun Moth and in revising the Southern Brown Bandicoot Sub-regional Species Strategy (SRSS) for the GAA and DSE respectively (DEPI 2014).

Since 2005, I have worked on a range of major projects across Victoria including large scale peri-urban and regional infrastructure developments, as well as a number of alpine resort projects.

Further details about my qualifications and experience can be found in Appendix 1.


3 Area of expertise to make this report

General expertise

I have worked extensively across eastern Australia for more than 15 years, conducting flora and fauna surveys and providing specialist advice on ecological management in a wide range of environments. Most of this work has been based in Victoria and much of it has been on Melbourne's peri-urban fringe.

Site-specific expertise

In 2016, Biosis was commissioned by Niche Planning Studio on behalf of Mack Property Developments to provide advice regarding the Spring Creek Native Vegetation Precinct Plan.

I was also engaged by Norton Rose Fulbright on behalf of Mack Property Developments to appear at the Planning Panel for the Surf Coast Planning Scheme Amendment C114. As part of that work I visited the site on the 20 October 2016.


4 Other contributors to this report and their expertise

I, Aaron Harvey, have researched and written this expert witness report with the assistance of colleagues from Biosis. During my preparation of this expert witness report, I sought advice from the following current colleagues at Biosis:

Mitchell Deaves, Environmental Planning Co-ordinator who proof read a draft of this report.


5 Scope of this report

I have been requested by Norton Rose Fulbright on behalf of Mack Property Developments (Mack), to advise on and prepare an expert witness report for the standing advisory committee for the draft Surf Coast Statement of Planning Policy Land: 200 and 220 Great Ocean Road, Jan Juc- Spring Creek.

In preparing my expert witness report I have considered, the following:

Reviewed the Draft Statement of Planning Policy (Draft SPP) and proposed Landscape Planning Controls (Proposed LPCs).

Mack’s submission and background materials provided by Norton Rose Fulbright.


6 Facts and assumptions

Study area

This expert witness statement focuses on 200 and 220 Great Ocean Road, Jan Juc- Spring Creek but also considers the broader Spring Creek Precinct Structure Plan (Spring Creek PSP) and the proposed draft Surf Coast Statement of Planning Policy as it relates to the study area.

The study area (site) includes two properties:

200 Great Ocean Road Jan Juc (16.52 hectares).

220 Great Ocean Road Jan Juc (16.41 hectares).

The site is located within the southern section of the Spring Creek Precinct Structure Plan (PSP) area. The site extends from the Great Ocean Road in the south, to Spring Creek in the north, 140 Duffields Road to the east and the Geelong Christian College to the west.

The site is within the:

Surf Coast Shire local government area

Corangamite Catchment Management Authority area

Otway Plain Bioregion.

The site is currently within the Urban Growth Zone (UGZ1).

Three overlays apply to sections of the site:

Vegetation Protection Overlay (VPO1) Schedule 1 – Significant Native Vegetation

Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO1) Schedule 1 – Wetland and associated dryland habitat protection

Land Subject to Inundation Overlay (LSIO1) Schedule 1.

The site includes areas of exotic pasture, gardens, an orchard, a vineyard, planted trees and shrubs, remnant woodland, scattered indigenous trees and constructed dams. The eastern parcel (200 Great Ocean Road) includes a dwelling with associated driveways and sheds. The western parcel (220 Great Ocean Road) contains several small sheds.


7 Documents and materials considered

The following is a list of the documents and materials that I have been instructed to consider or that I have otherwise used in preparing this report.

Legislation and subordinate instruments

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) (Cth).

Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) and Flora and Fauna Guarantee Amendment Act 2019 (Vic).

Surf Coast Shire Planning Scheme (Planning Scheme).

Planning and Environment Act 1987 (PE Act) (Vic).

Government publications

DELWP 2017. Guidelines for the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation, Department of Environment, Land, Water, and Planning. East Melbourne, Victoria. https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0021/91146/Guidelines-for-the-removal,-destruction-or-lopping-of-native-vegetation,-2017.pdf.

DELWP 2019. Distinctive Areas and Landscapes: Assessment of Surf Coast against the declaration requirements of the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

DELWP 2020a. Surf Coast Distinctive Area and Landscape Draft Statement of Planning Policy.

DELWP 2020b. Surf Coast Distinctive Area and Landscape Draft Surf Coast Statement of Planning Policy: Proposed Landscape Planning Controls.

DEPI 2014. Advisory List of Rare or Threatened Plants in Victoria – 2014. Victorian Government

Surf Coast Shire 2014. Biodiversity Mapping Project, 2014. Surf Coast Shire, Department of Environment and Primary Industries and Corangamite Catchment Management Authority.

Surf Coast Shire 2016a. Spring Creek Precinct Structure Plan (PSP).

Surf Coast Shire 2016b. Spring Creek Native Vegetation Precinct Plan (NVPP).

Past reports

Harvey A. (2016). Expert Evidence Report: Amendment C114 to the Surf Coast Planning Scheme 200 and 220 Great Ocean Road, Jan Juc. Prepared for Planning Panels Victoria.

Other materials

Insight Planning Consultants 2021. Submission to Distinctive Areas and Landscapes Program: Draft Surf Coast Statement of Planning Policy and proposed Landscape Planning Controls.

Scott, Claire. 2021. Expert Witness Statement of Claire Scott in the matter of Distinctive Areas and Landscapes Standing Advisory Committee Surf Coast Draft Statement of Planning Policy.


8 Summary of expert opinion

Ecological values

The site is located within a matrix of agricultural land that is predominantly cleared and dominated by introduced pastures. Within the Spring Creek PSP there are four Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs) (Surf Coast Shire 2016b):

1. Grassy Woodland 2. Swampy Riparian Woodland 3. Heathy Woodland 4. Coastal Alkaline Scrub

200-220 Great Ocean Road contains areas of Grassy Woodland and a range of scattered trees and planted vegetation. There is also an area of Swampy Riparian Woodland mapped in the northern section of the site (Surf Coast Shire 2016b).

Whilst I concur with the mapping of the Grassy Woodland, the area of Swampy Riparian Woodland mapped near Spring Creek in 200 Great Ocean Road, appears to be planted vegetation rather than remnant vegetation. Examination of aerial photography from 1962, 1971 and 1988 (Lands Victoria Aerial Archives 2015, Appendix 2) confirms that this area has been planted, and is not remnant vegetation.

Grassy Woodland

The Grassy Woodland (EVC 175) patch (5.1 hectares) within the site supports an overstorey dominated by Bellarine Yellow-gum Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. bellarinensis and Manna Gum Eucalyptus viminalis. Bellarine Yellow-gum is considered endangered within Victoria according to the Advisory list of rare or threatened plants in Victoria – 2014 (DEPI 2014). It is also listed as threatened under the FFG Act (Action Statement No. 180).

Bellarine Yellow-gum is limited to the Geelong region, including the Bellarine Peninsula, Mt Duneed to the south of Geelong, extending west along the coast to near Bells Beach. There are isolated occurrences further west near Wurdiboluc and Bannockburn (see Appendix 2).

Grassy Woodland dominated by Bellarine Yellow-gum is not listed as a threatened community under the FFG Act or the EPBC Act. The Grassy Woodland patch on the site is covered by VPO1 – Significant Native Vegetation.

Spring Creek PSP

On balance the Spring Creek PSP (Surf Coast Shire 2016a) and the NVPP (Surf Coast Shire 2016b) represent an appropriate outcome when you consider the native vegetation regulations at the time.

The Biodiversity Assessment Guidelines (DEPI 2013), Clause 52.17 Native Vegetation and Clause 52.16 Native Vegetation Precinct Plan of the Planning Scheme set out Victoria's policy for permitted clearing of native vegetation.

The policy is achieved through the following approach:

Avoid the removal of native vegetation that makes a significant contribution to Victoria's biodiversity.

Minimise impacts on Victoria's biodiversity from the removal of native vegetation.


Where native vegetation is permitted to be removed, ensure than an offset is provided in a manner that makes a contribution to Victoria's biodiversity that is equivalent to the contribution made by the native vegetation to be removed.

For the Spring Creek PSP this has been achieved through the development of the NVPP, which specifies which vegetation can be removed (red) and which should be retained (green) (Figure 1). The NVPP also specifies offset requirements for vegetation to be removed. Under the NVPP, a large proportion (34%) of the vegetation to be retained is located within the subject site. More broadly the PSP approach ensures that landscape change (at least on a PSP level) is managed through the NVPP which considers all native vegetation within the PSP and identifies:

Native vegetation which may be removed without a planning permit.

Native vegetation which cannot be removed without a planning permit.

It is my opinion that offset requirements as part of the PSP and for the subject site can be satisfied by a combination of on-site offsets and purchase of offsets through the Victorian Native Vegetation Credit Register.

It should be noted that whilst we are currently operating under new native vegetation regulations: Victoria’s Guidelines for the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation (DELWP 2017) the three step hierarchy of avoid, minimise and offset is still the primary approach for achieving the objectives of the policy.

Distinctive Area and Landscape Declaration

The Spring Creek area as part of the Surf Coast was declared a “distinctive area and landscape” (DAL) under the PE Act in September 2019.

In the DAL Assessment of Surf Coast against the declaration requirements of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (DELWP 2019) it outlines that for an area to be declared it needs to have a majority of the following attributes:

a) Outstanding environmental significance; b) Significant geographical features, including natural landforms; c) Heritage and cultural significance; d) Natural resources or productive land of significance; e) Strategic infrastructure or built form of significance; an attribute prescribed for the purposes of this section.

As it relates to my area of expertise, attribute (a) is most relevant.

Significance is defined across a number of scales: local, regional, state or national and for the purposes of the DAL assessment it is considered the attributes should be of state or national significance to warrant elevated planning protection at the state level (DELWP August 2019).

In addition to meeting the distinctiveness requirements the Minister for Planning must be satisfied that the area also meets the threat requirements whether that threat arises from:

a) Land use conflicts; or b) Multiple land use changes over time; or c) Any other land use threat prescribed for the purposes of this section.

As the Distinctiveness and Threat criteria relate to the Surf Coast, and more specifically to the Spring Creek PSP and the subject site, the significant environmental features are Bellarine Yellow Gum and Spring Creek.


Figure 1. Native vegetation to be retained (green) and removed (red) (Surf Coast Shire 2016b).


The description by DELWP (2019) of Bellarine Yellow Gum Remnant Vegetation states that Bellarine Yellow Gums are a threatened species under the FFG Act, which is accurate and implies state level significance. However, DELWP (2019 p. 13) incorrectly state that it is listed under the EPBC Act. Bellarine Yellow Gum has no status under the EPBC Act.

The threats to Bellarine Yellow Gum Remnant Vegetation are identified by DELWP (2019) as:

Clearing for residential development, infrastructure and agricultural activities.

Lack of, and expected difficulty in, securing offsets for the Bellarine Yellow Gum.

86% of the sites where the Bellarine Yellow Gum occurs have no recruitment prospects due to inappropriate disturbance regimes, weed invasion, stock grazing and soil compaction.

Bushfire risk and lack of regeneration opportunities.

I acknowledge the status of Bellarine Yellow Gum and by inference the vegetation that it occurs within to be worthy of state level consideration. However the list of threats that it currently faces will not be significantly mitigated by the DAL process, conversely a well implemented PSP that permanently protects the best areas of Bellarine Yellow Gum and provides resources to manage these areas represents a positive opportunity for this species. The current state of the site is testament to this with the existing Bellarine Yellow Gums subject to grazing and other pressures which are contributing to the decline of conditions on the site. Through the PSP most of the Bellarine Yellow Gums on the site will be protected in a conservation reserve which will provide the necessary security and management to see the condition of this area and the trees improve.

Spring Creek (DELWP 2091) is described as:

Important estuary and saltmarsh habitat. It forms a critical part of the broader ecosystem connecting to the hinterland and towards the coast. It connects to White Beach and the Point Danger Marine Sanctuary.

The estuary is bordered by the Spring Creek Reserve which contains unique and rare Moonah Woodlands and Bellarine Yellow Gums.

The threats to Spring Creek (DELWP 2019) are:

Degraded estuarine vegetation from land clearing.

Artificial estuary openings for flood mitigation to urban areas impacts the ecological processes of the estuary system.

Degraded water quality from stormwater runoff of urban and agricultural areas.

Livestock access upstream of the estuary impacting natural values and water quality.

The importance of Spring Creek in the broader landscape is certainly warranted, however my opinion would be that the proposed Future Urban Structure for the Spring Creek PSP, the Requirements and Guidelines within the PSP and the ESO provides for:

Protection of Spring Creek through the designation of a waterway and drainage reserve.

A suitable buffer through the designation of open space adjacent to the waterway and drainage reserve as well as the north south link between Bellarine Yellow Gums on the subject site and Spring Creek.

The Guidelines (G37) within the PSP (Surf Coast 2016a) provide further detail on how this will be achieved by specifying that:


The environmental qualities of waterway and drainage reserves should be enhanced through appropriate restoration and rehabilitation works including revegetation, weed removal, pest animal control, and erosion and sediment control, amongst others.

The combination of the reserve and open space including the north south link plus the guidelines for management will mitigate the threats outlined for Spring Creek by:

Protecting remnant vegetation and enhancing the vegetative buffer to the waterway thereby improving water quality.

Removing livestock access.

Spring Creek is also covered by ESO1.

Draft Surf Coast Statement of Planning Policy and Proposed Landscape Planning Controls

The Surf Coast Distinctive Area and Landscape Draft Statement of Planning Policy (DELWP 2020a) sets out a vision for how people will describe the area in 50 years that identifies the ‘environment and biodiversity’ as :

“Native vegetation is restored and regenerated to contribute to the area’s unique ecosystems and biodiversity, providing habitat for endangered and threatened species and ensuring the area’s distinctive places (such as Point Addis Marine National Park, Karaaf Wetlands, Breamlea Flora and Fauna Reserve and other coastal reserves) flourish. The declared area’s natural beauty and abundant wildlife are celebrated.”

The Draft SPP goes on to outline policy domains including ‘environment and biodiversity’ and as it relates to matters for the site and the PSP:

‘Areas of remnant native vegetation west of Jan Juc and around Bellbrae add to the area’s beauty, and they provide biolinks to other areas of vegetation and habitat for native animals. Biolinks are important thoroughfares for native animals, and they increase the area’s biodiversity. The Bellarine yellow gum, which is unique to the area around Torquay–Jan Juc and the Bellarine Peninsula, is a treasured species and must be protected. Urban expansion, native vegetation removal and climate change threaten the declared area’s environment, ecology and biodiversity.’

The primary driver behind the importance of this appears to be Map 7: Biodiversity values which appears to use data from NatureKit (https://maps2.biodiversity.vic.gov.au/Html5viewer/index.html?viewer=NatureKit) a DELWP tool that maps and reports on Victoria’s biodiversity values and investment prospects. Map 7 appears to use the Strategic Biodiversity Values (SBV) layer as a surrogate for biodiversity. The SBV layer ranks all locations across Victoria for their ability to represent threatened vertebrate fauna, vascular flora, and the full range of Victoria’s native vegetation on a scale of 0 to 100. It combines information on important areas for threatened flora and fauna, levels of depletion, connectivity, vegetation types and condition to provide a view of relative biodiversity importance of all parts of the Victorian landscape, enabling comparison of locations across Victoria.

For the subject site the presence of Grassy Woodland and Bellarine Yellow Gum will be generating a higher score. However, the proposed DAL does not provide additional protection to the Grassy Woodland and Bellarine Yellow Gum as they are already identified for protection through the Future Urban Structure as a conservation reserve. The PSP (Surf Coast Shire 2016a) outlines a vision for Spring Creek inter alia:

‘Local parks and reserves will be situated along the natural waterway and drainage corridors and will offer diverse recreational opportunities as part of an integrated open space network. Significant biodiversity assets, including stands of Bellarine Yellow Gums, are planned for protection within conservation and open space reserves. Shared paths for walking and cycling will be incorporated into the open space network.


Landscaping along the precinct’s edge will serve the dual purpose of protecting native vegetation and softening views from external roads.’

Under the proposed Significant Landscape Overlay Schedule 8 (SLO8): Surf Coast Western Hinterland (DELWP 2020b) the statement of nature and key elements of the landscape notes that inter alia:

“It is an important biodiversity corridor, supporting a variety of grassy woodland species (such as the Bellarine yellow gum and Manna gum) and offering a variety of habitats for fauna.”

The Future Urban Structure for the Spring Creek PSP (Figure 1) maintains the biodiversity corridor through the:

Protection of Spring Creek as a waterway and drainage reserve.

Designation of open space adjacent to the waterway and drainage reserve.

The delineation of an ‘open space’ north south link between the Bellarine Yellow Gums on the subject site and Spring Creek.

Furthermore under the decision guidelines of SLO8 it is noted inter alia that:

“The effect of removing remnant vegetation on the landscape character and significance of the area”.

It is my opinion that the PSP strikes an appropriate balance between providing development opportunities within a discrete and identified area, whilst retaining a significant amount of native vegetation in situ especially along Spring Creek and within the subject site (see Figure 1). With diligent project management and implementation in accordance with the Future Urban Structure the PSP could provide a superior outcome to the current situation of so called hobby farms or the proposed Options 1 and/or 2 under the Draft SPP.

The PSP includes significant retention of native vegetation, as per Figure 1 and the specific requirements as follows:

R23 Native vegetation must be retained as described in the NVPP.

R24 Planting of conservation reserves and waterways must be with indigenous species of local provenance that support the enhancement of the relevant Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC).

R25 Buffer zones on each side of Spring Creek must achieve a minimum width of 75 metres measured form the 1 in 10 year flood level.

In addition to the requirements in the PSP, the guidelines further support the retention of native vegetation and trees (G33 and G34) as well as the protection and enhancement of waterways and conservation reserves through minimum buffers subject to site specific environmental values and topography (G36) and through the enhancement of these areas with appropriate restoration and rehabilitation works (G37).

The implementation of these requirements and guidelines as part of the PSP and amendment C114 is aligned with several of ‘the firm parameters’ listed by Scott (2021) regarding the Spring Creek Future Residential Area and its inclusion within the protected settlement boundary (Option 1). Specifically the following:

Native (and preferably indigenous) vegetation requirements;

Protection of the creek corridor and riparian vegetation, and other remnant vegetation, especially the Bellarine Yellow Gum;

Provision of increased indigenous vegetation in reserves adjacent to Duffields Road and Grossmans Road to minimise the visibility of development;


Provision of increased indigenous vegetation in reserves adjacent to the Great Ocean Road to completely obscure development from view;

Figure 2. Spring Creek PSP Future Urban Structure Plan (Surf Coast Shire 2016a).


With regard to biolinks and fauna habitat the development of the Spring Creek PSP area and the site will impact upon wildlife currently using the site for habitat and movement, including kangaroos and possums. Development of the precinct will change the availability of habitats and the suitability of the site for fauna species.

The area of open pasture will be reduced, and this will reduce foraging resources for Eastern Grey Kangaroos within the precinct and surrounding areas. Removal of native vegetation is also likely to impact upon local populations of arboreal mammals and birds in the short term, but many of these species will continue to occupy the area, and are likely to utilise new vegetation including residential gardens, roadside plantings, public open space, conservation reserves and drainage buffers.

Protected Settlement boundary options for Spring Creek

DELWP (2020a) identifies two options for the protection of the distinctive attributes found in the Spring Creek area.

Option 1: Low density ecologically sustainable development (current settlement boundary retained)

Option 2: Green break area (excluded from settlement boundary)

In considering the existing environmental values within the site and the Spring Creek PSP I am not in favour of either option.

Option 1 whilst sounding appropriate in terms of trying to balance the needs for development with the environment it is not something that I have seen successfully developed and implemented elsewhere. Whilst there are several developments that have tried to achieve this so called balance, the competing requirements to manage individual lifestyle needs and wants with lower residential densities and biodiversity values is fraught. The result is often poor outcomes whereby individual housing needs are competing with the natural values that they were intended to better protect. The Spring Creek PSP already outlines how the environmental values on the subject site and the broader PSP area can be incorporated into a Future Urban Structure whilst still maintaining the required residential densities and thus focusing development rather than spreading it out.

Option 2 has the potential to entrench the current situation which has resulted in the continual decline of the condition of the Bellarine Yellow Gums and remnant vegetation as well as the pressures that Spring Creek faces with degraded water quality and livestock access continuing to impinge on the natural values of Spring Creek.

The draft SPP, proposed landscape planning controls and the protected Settlement boundary options aim to provide a framework for the protection of biodiversity and other distinctive attributes over the next 50 years. The ability for this to be achieved within Spring Creek is compromised by the existing modified landscape and a lack of resources which makes it unlikely that the objective of conserving and improving the environment and biodiversity values of the area can be achieved.


9 Limitations and qualifications

Limitations

There are no limitations to my opinion.

Provisional opinions

In relation to the ecological values of 200 and 220 Great Ocean Road, Jan Juc I have not provided any provisional opinions that have not been fully researched.

Questions

In relation to the ecological values of 200 and 220 Great Ocean Road, Jan Juc and the Spring Creek PSP, I have no questions that fall outside my area of expertise.

Inaccuracies

To the best of my knowledge, this report is complete and accurate.


10 Declaration

I have made all the inquiries that I believe are desirable and appropriate and no matters of significance which I regard as relevant have to my knowledge been withheld from the Panel.

Aaron Harvey

5 March 2021


Appendices


Appendix 1: Curriculum vitae

© Biosis 2019 - Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting - www.biosis.com.au

Curriculum vitae

Aaron Harvey

Position

Executive Director

Qualifications

BSc (Hons), BAppSc, DipNRM

Professional experience

Aaron has specialist skills in negotiation which are particularly well regarded by clients and regulators. His success as Project Director on large scale multi-disciplinary teams demonstrates Biosis’ ability to bring together large teams with specialists skills, in environmental approvals, ecology and cultural heritage, who can work closely with clients and Commonwealth and State governments.

Objective, competitive and motivated to contribute to the greater good, Aaron’s role as Director-Consulting Services is to challenge our people to be their professional best and to deliver best practise consulting to our broad range of clients.

Key project experience

Project Director Runway Development Program for the third runway at Melbourne Airport. Biosis was commissioned by Australia Pacific Airports Melbourne (APAM) to undertake large scale and detailed ecological and cultural heritage studies to inform the Major Development Plan for the proposed third runway and associated infrastructure at Melbourne Airport. Works included detailed flora and fauna studies including targeted surveys for threatened species and preparation of a Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) and historical heritage assessment for the proposed development of the new runway.

Aaron has over 20 years’ experience, having worked extensively in a wide range of environments throughout south-eastern Australia conducting environmental impact assessments, flora and fauna surveys, preparing rehabilitation and revegetation plans and providing general ecological and cultural heritage advice to Commonwealth and State government, private companies and land managers.

For over 10 years Aaron has worked closely with the Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) and developers on the Melbourne Strategic Assessment including the mapping of vegetation and fauna habitat across more than 10,000 hectares in the Melbourne region. He was also the Project Director responsible for the delivery of Sub-regional Species Strategies for Growling Grass Frog and Southern Brown Bandicoot.

Curriculum vitae

Aaron Harvey

© Biosis 2019 - Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting - www.biosis.com.au

Project Director Victorian Desalination Project. Biosis completed the ecological and cultural heritage studies for the Environmental Effects Statement (EES) for Major Projects Victoria and the Victorian State Government for the Victorian Desalination Project which included the desalination plant site, water transfer pipeline and associated infrastructure including powerline easement. Works included detailed flora and fauna studies including targeted surveys for threatened species and preparation of Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMPs) for the plant and pipeline.

Project Director Esso's Hastings to Longford Gas Pipeline replacement project. Biosis was commissioned by Worley Parsons and Esso to assess the ecological values of a 197km pipeline. This work included detailed vegetation and targeted threatened fauna assessments as well as offsets calculations and strategy development for the entire pipeline.

Project Director Outer Eynesbury Development. Biosis was commissioned to assess the ecological and cultural heritage values of 6,000 hectares on the peri-urban fringe of Melbourne. This work included vegetation assessments, targeted flora and fauna surveys as well as detailed offset calculations and scenario testing for various development footprints associated with the proposed future use of this land.


Appendix 2: Lands Victoria Aerial Archives

Plate 1. 1962 aerial of 200 and 220 Great Ocean Road, Jan Juc (Lands Victoria Aerial Archives 2015).


Appendix 3: Distribution of Bellarine Yellow Gum

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Pioneer Rd

Bridge Rd

Fellmongers Rd

Wallington Rd

Boun

dary

Rd

Porta

rlingto

n Rd

Bell St

Brea

mlea

Rd

BarwonHeads Rd

Great Ocean Rd

Copp

ards

Rd

BarraboolRd

High St

Leather St

Shan

non A

v

Grossmans Rd

Burdo

o Dr

Coch

rane

s Rd

Yarra

St

Moola

p Sta

tion

Rd

Golf

Links

Rd

Curle

wis R

d

Wilso

ns RdRoslyn Rd

Duffi el ds Rd

West Fyans St

Tuck

erSt

Mt Pleasant Rd

Moruya Dr

Barrabool Rd CorioSt

Shell Rd

Thor

nhill

Rd

Portarlington Rd

Robe

rts Rd

Barwon Heads RdHo

rsesh

oe Be

nd Rd

Angle

sea R

d

Townsend Rd

The Parade

Bones Rd

Heyers Rd

Princes Tce

Surf Beach Rd

Henry St

Lomond TceFyans St

St Albans Rd

Scen

ic Rd

Barwon Tce

Wa ll

in gto

n -Oc

ean G

rove

Rd

Blackgate Rd

High St

Wood St

Bells Beach Rd

Rossa

ckDr

Mckillop St

Bells

Bvde

Sunset Strp

Fisch

erSt

Orton St

Hoyla

ke Av

Jetty

Rd

Pigdo

nsRd

Tuck

field

St

Hitch

cock

Av

Grub

b Rd

Barw

arre

Rd

Hendy Main Rd

Thirteenth Beach Rd

Pear

l St

Coombes Rd

Reserve Rd

Ghaz

eepo

re Rd

Mess

mat

e Rd

Lower Duneed RdAr

dech

e Lan

e

Bluestone School Rd

Merr a

warp

Rd

Point HenryRd

Black

rock R

d

Geelong Ring Rd

Settl

emen

tRd

Waurn Ponds Dr

Princes HwyGe

elong

Rd

Bellarine Hwy

Surf

Coas

t Hwy

GREATERGEELONG CITY

SURF COASTSHIRE

Jan Juc

Torquay

Barwon Heads

OceanGrove

Collendina

Bellbrae

Breamlea

FreshwaterCreek

Waurn Ponds

Mount Duneed

Connewarre

Leopold

Curlewis

Wallington

Newcomb

Belmont

Highton

Moolap Drysdale

Marshall

Ceres

Grovedale

!

!

!

!

!

BallaratArarat

Melbourne

Geelong

Matter: 23602,Date: 05 March 2021,Checked by: A JH, Drawn by: LDM, Last edited by: smitchellLocation:P:\34700s\34760\Mapping\23602_BellarineYellowGumDist.mxd

Scale: 1:86,370 @ A3Coordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55

Biosis Pty LtdBallarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart, Melbourne,

Newcastle, Sydney, Wangaratta & Wollongong

±

Distribution of BellarineYellow-gum

0 1 2 3 4

Kilometers

LegendStudy area

$+Eucalyptus leucoxylon bellarinensis (VBA)

GFEucalyptus leucoxylon bellarinensis (FIS)

Acknowledgements: State Government of Victoria - VicMap

!

!

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Bell St

Darian Rd

Great Ocean Rd

Grossmans Rd

Duffie

lds Rd

Bones Rd

Princes Tce

Boston Rd

Zeally Bay Rd

TheE

splan

ade

Bells Beach

Rd

Bristol Rd

Bells

Bvde

Sunset Strp

Fische

r St

Hoyla

keAv

Coombes Rd

Messm

ate Rd

Pride

St

Geelo

ng Rd

Surf

Coas

tHwy

Jan Juc

Torquay