yellingbo nature conservation reserve management plan 2004

This Management Plan for Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve is approved for implementation.Its purpose is to direct all aspects of management of the reserve until the plan is reviewed.

The plan may be down-loaded from the Parks Victoria website ‘www.parkweb.vic.gov.au’. Copies ofthe plan may be obtained for $8.80 (inc. GST) from:

Parks Victoria Information CentreLevel 10535 Bourke StreetMELBOURNE VIC 3000

DSE Information Centre8 Nicholson StreetEAST MELBOURNE VIC 3002

Parks VictoriaWoori Yallock OfficeSymes RoadWOORI YALLOCK VIC 3139

For further information on this plan, please contact:

Chief Ranger, Central Highlands DistrictParks VictoriaPO Box 264WOORI YALLOCK VIC 3139

(03) 5964 7088

YELLINGBO NATURE CONSERVATION RESERVE

MANAGEMENT PLAN

January 2004

ii Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve

Published in January 2004 by Parks Victoria

Level 10, 535 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000

National Library of Australia

Cataloguing-in-Publication entry

Parks Victoria

Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve management plan

Bibliography

ISBN 0 7311 8307 X

1. Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve (Vic.). 2.National parks and reserves - Victoria – Management. I.Title.

333.78309945

Disclaimers

This plan is prepared without prejudice to any negotiated or litigated outcome of any native title determinationapplications covering land or waters within the plan’s area. It is acknowledged that any future outcomes ofnative title determination applications may necessitate amendment of this plan; and the implementation of thisplan may require further notifications under the procedures in Division 3 of Part 2 of the Native Title Act 1993(Cwlth).

The plan is also prepared without prejudice to any future negotiated outcomes between the Government/s andVictorian Aboriginal communities. It is acknowledged that such negotiated outcomes may necessitateamendment of this plan.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this plan is accurate. Parks Victoria does notguarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, lossor other consequence, which may arise from your relying on any information in the publication.

Cover: Sedge-rich Eucalyptus camphora Swamp Community, Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve

Printed on recycled paper to help save our natural environment

Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve iii

APPROVED MANAGEMENT PLAN

This approved Management Plan has beenprepared in accordance with the provisions ofthe Wildlife Act 1975 (Vic.), the Crown Land(Reserves) Act 1978 (Vic.) and therecommendations of the Helmeted HoneyeaterRecovery Plan 1999–2003 (Menkhorst et al.1999).

The plan provides the basis for the futuremanagement and protection of the reserve’ssignificant natural values. It was finalised

PROF LYNDSAY NEILSONSecretary to theDepartment of Sustainability and Environment

In accordance with Section 18 of the WildlifeAct 1975 (Vic.) this management plan isadopted for implementation.

Hon John Thwaites MPMinister for Environment

following consideration of submissions fromkey stakeholders including Friends of theHelmeted Honeyeater, Bird Observers Club ofAustralia, the inter-agency HelmetedHoneyeater Recovery Team, local governmentand adjacent landholders.

The plan has been endorsed by the Trust forNature in respect of the land that is owned bythe Trust and included in the planning area.

MARK STONEChief ExecutiveParks Victoria

iv Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve

SUMMARY

Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve willbe managed as an outstanding protected areafor habitat and species protection.

The reserve protects a diverse array of floraand fauna including around 285 native floraspecies and 230 native vertebrate species. Thereserve also protects areas of Sedge-richEucalyptus camphora Swamp Community,which is considered to be of nationalsignificance.

The reserve provides habitat for the last wildcolonies of the endangered HelmetedHoneyeater, Victoria’s rarest bird and itsavifaunal emblem. Once widely distributed inthe Westernport to mid-Yarra area, the knownwild population of the Honeyeater is nowaround 100 individuals, most of which residewithin the reserve. In accordance withrecommendations in the Helmeted HoneyeaterRecovery Plan 1999–2003 (Menkhorst et al.1999), management aims to protect andenhance habitat to allow this population tosurvive and expand.

Also of note is the presence of the endangeredLeadbeater’s Possum, which is the only knownoccurrence of this possum in lowland forestareas. Other significant vertebrates include theSpotless Crake, Powerful Owl, Southern Emu-wren, Yellow-bellied Glider, Platypus,Mountain Galaxias, Southern Pigmy Perch andSwamp Skink.

An area of freehold land owned by the Trustfor Nature that is contiguous with the reserveis also included within the planning area.

Significant management directions for thereserve are summarised below:

• Implementation of comprehensivemanagement strategies to protect andenhance the habitat of the HelmetedHoneyeater, Leadbeater’s Possum andother significant faunal species.

• Implementation of strategies to arresterosion and restore degraded areas with aview to prevent eucalypt dieback, weedinvasion, stream erosion andsedimentation.

• Respect and recognition for Indigenousinterests and aspirations for the reserve inplanning and management, as appropriate.

• Encouragement of volunteers, particularlyFriends of the Helmeted Honeyeater andthe Bird Observers Club of Australia, tocontinue their involvement in managementof the reserve.

• Maintenance of the current low levels ofpassive visitor use to ensure natural valuesare not adversely affected.

• Encouragement of active recreationactivities at alternative locations to thereserve.

• Encouragement of co-operative workingrelationships with local landowners toassist in management of the reserve’snatural values.

Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve v

CONTENTS

SUMMARY iv

1 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Location and planning area 11.2 Creation of the reserve 11.3 Developing the management plan 1

2 BASIS 2

2.1 Regional context 22.2 Reserve values and significance 22.3 Legislation, LCC recommendations and guidelines 2

3 STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS 4

3.1 Reserve vision 43.2 Management directions 4

4 STRATEGIES FOR NATURAL VALUES CONSERVATION 6

4.1 Geological and landform features 64.2 Streams and catchments 64.3 Vegetation 74.4 Fauna 84.5 Fire management 94.6 Pest plants and animals, and diseases 104.7 Natural values research 11

5 STRATEGIES FOR CULTURAL VALUES CONSERVATION 12

5.1 Aboriginal cultural heritage 125.2 Post-settlement cultural heritage 12

6 STRATEGIES FOR COMMUNITY USE, AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT 13

6.1 Visitor use 136.2 Community partnerships 14

7 STRATEGIES FOR OTHER ISSUES 16

7.1 Management and support services infrastructure 167.2 Authorised uses 167.3 Boundaries and adjacent uses 16

8 IMPLEMENTATION 18

Contents

vi Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve

TABLE

1 Recreation activities management 14

REFERENCES 19

APPENDICES

1 Site of botanical significance 212 Threatened flora species recorded for the reserve 223 Threatened fauna species recorded for the reserve 234 Pest plants and pest animals of major concern 24

FIGURE

1 Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve End of plan

Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve 1

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Location and planning areaThe Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve islocated in the Upper Yarra Valley, near thetownships of Yellingbo and Macclesfield, 50km east of Melbourne (figure 1).

The reserve preserves wildlife habitat alongWoori Yallock, Cockatoo, Macclesfield andSheep Station Creeks and part of the lowerMcCrae Creek.

The planning area (figure 1) includes:

• Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve(460.5 ha);

• land adjoining Cockatoo Creek owned bythe Trust for Nature (178.0 ha).

The plan includes some suggestions for themanagement of other areas in the reserve’scatchment that would benefit the reserve.

1.2 Creation of the reserveIn 1965, following community concern overdeclining numbers of the HelmetedHoneyeater, certain areas, including sections ofpublic land water frontage along the WooriYallock, Cockatoo and Sheep Station Creeks,were reserved under the Land Act 1958 (Vic.)as sites for public purposes (conservation ofwildlife). Subsequently a large number ofcontiguous areas were acquired by the StateGovernment by land purchase or donation.Under Section 5(7) of the Crown Land(Reserves) Act 1978 (Vic.), most of these areasare deemed to be reserved for the propagationof wildlife or the preservation of wildlifehabitat.

In 1994 the Land Conservation Council (LCC)recommended that most of these areas andcertain strips of public purposes reserve andcontiguous Crown land (section 2.5) asYellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve. Since1994, the State Government has acquiredseveral small areas for addition to the reserve.

1.3 Developing the managementplan

Parks Victoria has prepared this ManagementPlan in accordance with the provisions of theWildlife Act 1975 (Vic.), Crown Land

(Reserves) Act and the recommendations ofthe Helmeted Honeyeater Recovery Plan 1999– 2003 (Menkhorst et al. 1999). The RecoveryPlan was prepared for the former Departmentof Conservation and Natural Resources (nowDepartment of Sustainability andEnvironment) to ensure the long-term survivalof the Helmeted Honeyeater. TheManagement Plan has been developed inconsultation with the Recovery Team and keystakeholders.

2 Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve

2 BASIS

2.1 Regional contextThe Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve islocated in the Upper Yarra Valley, which isrecognised for its special landscape,conservation and tourism values.

In the planning schemes for the Shires ofCardinia and Yarra Ranges, the reserve iszoned ‘Public Open Space’. The adjacentprivate land is mainly zoned ‘GeneralFarming’, with a minimum lot size of 25 ha.The typical uses of land in the vicinity of thereserve include intensive poultry and pigfarming, market gardening, cattle grazing,horse studs and hobby farms. Overlays in theplanning schemes protect sites of zoologicaland botanical significance on private land inthe area.

Public land water frontage along the WooriYallock, Cockatoo, McCrae and ShepherdCreeks provide potential future habitat linksbetween the reserve, Bunyip State Park,Sassafras Creek Nature Conservation Reserveand areas of remnant vegetation on privateland. Adjoining landholders hold licences overmuch of this public land water frontage.

2.2 Reserve values and significanceYellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve makesa valuable contribution to Victoria’s Parks andReserves system, which aims to protect viable,representative samples of the State’s naturalenvironments occurring on public land.

Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve hasbeen assigned the International Union for theConservation of Nature (IUCN) Category 1A(Strict Nature Reserve) for Protected Areas.Category 1A protected areas are managedprimarily for science.

The reserve is listed on the Register of theNational Estate in recognition of the area’soutstanding natural values and its importanceas part of our natural heritage.

The significant features of the reserve aresummarised below.

• Site of national zoological significance forconservation of the Helmeted Honeyeater(Lichenostomus melanops cassidix) and

Leadbeater’s Possum (Gymnobelideusleadbeateri).

• Eleven vegetation communities includingthe nationally significant Sedge-richEucalyptus camphora Swamp Community.

• A high diversity of native flora and faunaincluding a number of threatened species.

• Only known naturally occurringpopulation of the endangered HelmetedHoneyeater.

• Opportunities for bird watching and natureobservation.

• Opportunities for school and communityeducation and interpretation programsfocussed around, ecosystem andendangered species conservation,particularly habitat rehabilitation.

2.3 Legislation, LCCrecommendations andguidelines

Under Section 14(b) of the Wildlife Act, mostareas of the reserve are placed under thecontrol and management of the Secretary to theDepartment of Sustainability and Environment.In accordance with Section 15(1) theabovementioned areas are known as StateWildlife Reserves. Section 16 outlines howsuch areas are to be managed. The CrownLand (Reserves) Act is relevant to themanagement of certain areas of the reserve.

In 1977, the LCC recommended that an area of160 ha be permanently reserved for wildlifeconservation purposes (LCC 1977). In its1994 review of the Melbourne Area District 2(LCC 1994), the LCC recommended the arearecommended in 1997 and most areaspurchased for addition to the reserve since1977, and the strips of public purposes reserveand contiguous Crown land extending forapproximately 1.5 km upstream along WooriYallock Creek and a short distancedownstream as Yellingbo Nature ConservationReserve. It was recommended that the areas beused for conservation of habitat, education andscientific study, and passive recreation such asnature study and picnicking by small numbersof people, where this is consistent with

Basis


environmental aims. The LCC alsorecommended that protection and preservationof the Helmeted Honeyeater and its habitat,where they exist, be a primary goal ofmanagement. The Government accepted theserecommendations in 1997.

As the organisation charged with managementof the Parks and Reserves System, ParksVictoria manages the whole of YellingboNature Conservation Reserve (section 1.2) inaccordance with the LCC recommendations.Under an informal agreement with the Trustfor Nature, Parks Victoria also managesfreehold land along Cockatoo Creek owned bythe Trust as if it were part of the reserve(section 7.3).

Presently, there are no specific regulations forthe Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve.

Management aims for the reserve consistentwith the legislation and the LCCrecommendations are as follows.

Resource conservation

• Preserve, protect and enhance the naturalenvironment, with special emphasis onconservation of threatened species andcommunities.

• Conserve features of archaeological,historical and cultural significance.

• Provide for and encourage scientificresearch, surveys and monitoring that willcontribute to a better understanding of theecosystems and their management.

• Provide for appreciation, understandingand enjoyment of the reserve’s natural andcultural values where this does notadversely affect conservation values.

• Encourage school and communityeducation programs that improveunderstanding of the natural values of thereserve.

Reserve protection

• Protect soils and stream environmentsfrom degradation.

• Protect human life, the reserve andadjacent lands from injury by fire.

• Eradicate or otherwise control introducedplants, animals and diseases.

Other

• Liaise with local, State and interstategovernment authorities, the communityand other interested organisations to assistin the management of the reserve, and toimprove management of the natural valuesof the reserve’s catchment.

The planning area is managed in accordancewith Parks Victoria’s operational policies,LCC recommendations, and other relevantplans and guidelines including:

• The Flora and Fauna Guarantee ActionStatement for the Helmeted Honeyeater(Baker-Gabb 1992) and the HelmetedHoneyeater Recovery Plan 1999–2003(Menkhorst et al. 1999).

• East Port Phillip Fire Protection Plan(Draft) (NRE 1999);

• Flora and Fauna Guarantee ActionStatement for Leadbeater’s Possum(Macfarlane et al. 1995) and Leadbeater’sPossum Recovery Plan (Macfarlane et al.1998).


3 STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS

3.1 Reserve visionFuture visitors to the Yellingbo NatureConservation Reserve find a significant refugefor a stable Helmeted Honeyeater population inthe wild of around 300 individuals in at leastfive separate but interconnected colonies,esteemed as the source of the populationswhose range expanded and secured the species.Breeding populations of the endangeredLeadbeater’s Possum and Powerful Owl andother significant species are secure in thereserve. The remnant areas of nationallysignificant Eucalyptus camphora SwampCommunity are also thriving.

The reserve is linked to nearby areas ofremnant bushland and other conservationreserves by established habitat corridors alongstreams, enhancing the value of the reserve ashabitat.

Ongoing research and active management havearrested the impact on the reserve of threatssuch as dieback, erosion and pest plantinvasion. The reserve is recognised as anintegrated management model for theconservation of endangered species andprotection of relatively small and fragmentedareas of bushland.

The Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater andother community groups continue to conduct avariety of programs which play an active partin care and management of the reserve,including education programs with schools andcommunity groups.

3.2 Management directionsMajor management directions for the reserveare outlined below.

Resource conservation

• The reserve will be managed forconservation of the Helmeted Honeyeaterconsistent with the Helmeted HoneyeaterRecovery Plan and advice from theHelmeted Honeyeater Recovery Team.

• Habitat for significant species includingLeadbeater’s Possum and Powerful Owlwill be protected and enhanced.

• Significant remnant vegetation,particularly the nationally significantEucalyptus camphora Swamp Community,will be protected.

• Previously cleared areas of the reserve willbe progressively restored and revegetatedto extend habitat for significant species.

• Opportunities for the addition of strategicparcels of land that will further consolidatethe reserve’s boundaries and buffer criticalhabitat will be investigated.

• The habitat of Helmeted Honeyeater willbe protected from wildfire.

• Pest plants and animals will be controlledor eradicated through a program based onidentification of key sites, target speciesand methods of control.

• Research and survey in the reserve thatenhances knowledge of habitatrequirements for significant species orthreatening processes affecting habitat willbe encouraged.

• Aboriginal places, objects andarchaeological relics will be protected.

Community use, awareness and involvement

• The Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeaterand other groups will assist with reservemanagement and conduct guided tours ofthe reserve.

• The Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeaterwill be supported, where appropriate, intheir revegetation and school andcommunity awareness programs.

• A working relationship with the relevantIndigenous communities will bedeveloped.

• Appropriate support will be given toprograms, and liaison will be maintainedwith local government and other publicauthorities, community groups andlandowners to improve catchmentmanagement and foster the development ofvegetation corridors to areas of remnantbushland.

Strategic directions


• The current low level of passive visitor usein the reserve will be encouraged providednatural values are not adversely affected.

• The provision for active recreationactivities at alternative locations to thereserve will be encouraged.

• Cooperation will be fostered with locallandowners in programs of benefit to thereserve and surrounding land, especiallyprograms for pest plant and animal control,remnant vegetation retention andrevegetation.


4 STRATEGIES FOR NATURAL VALUES CONSERVATION

4.1 Geological and landformfeatures

The physiography of the Yellingbo areaconsists of rolling hills of around 300 melevation dissected with moderately slopingriver valleys. This physiography forms part ofthe Nillumbik Surface, which extends fromDandenong to Noojee. The Silurian andLower Devonian siltstones typical of thislandform are overlain in river valleys byQuaternary alluvial deposits of gravel, sandand silt (LCC 1991).

The soils derived from these rock types includea sandy clay to a silty clay loam in the riparianzone, with depths of soil greater than 2 m. Thedrier foothill slopes above the riparian zonehave soils that generally consist of silty clayloam to silty clay soils.

The Cockatoo Swamp, formed by a naturalconstriction in the Cockatoo Creek valley, isan interesting geomorphological feature of thereserve.

Aim• Protect geological and geomorphological

values.

Management strategy• Identify and protect sites of geological and

geomorphological significance.

4.2 Streams and catchmentsYellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve is alinear reserve established along WooriYallock, Cockatoo, Shepherd, Macclesfieldand Sheep Station Creeks. The health of thereserve and these streams and their catchmentsare closely linked.

The streams form part of the Woori YallockCreek sub-catchment of the Yarra River. Thesub-catchment supports a significant amount ofagricultural activity including grazing andhorticulture. Expansion of these activitiestogether with sub-divisions and loss of nativevegetation through clearing is placing pressureon natural resources of the catchment.Resultant high nutrient and turbidity levels inthe waterways are contributing to an overall

decline in quality of the riparian zone. TheYarra Catchment Action Plan Working Draft(NRE 1997) proposes a Local Action Programfor the Woori Yallock Creek sub-catchment.This program seeks to involve communitygroups, local government and othergovernment agencies in identifying andaddressing a range of catchment managementissues including enhancing the habitat ofHelmeted Honeyeater.

Melbourne Water has prepared a WaterwayActivity Plan for the Woori Yallock Creeksub-catchment, which identifies priorityinstream and riparian works with the aim ofimproving stream condition and water quality.

Limited surveys of aquatic fauna have foundrelatively low numbers of individuals and alow variety of species. Of note is an absenceof species that indicate clean water, whichsuggests pollutants are present.

Levee banks were constructed in the 1950salong the northern section of Cockatoo Swampand the swamp was drained for agriculture.Cockatoo Creek subsequently formed channelsin the floodplain at this location and activelyeroded upstream around 1.5 km (Craigie et al.1998). Remedial works were undertaken in1999.

Sediments from this in-stream erosion,together with sediments from agricultural areasupstream of the reserve, are being deposited inthe downstream end of the swamp and appearsto be causing severe dieback of a large area ofEucalyptus camphora Swamp Community,which was habitat for Helmeted Honeyeater(Craigie et al. 1998). Massive weed invasionis also occurring in the area of deposition (Carr1998) (section 4.6).

Aim• Restore stream flows that represent natural

water flow regimes to protect and enhancestream conservation values.

Management strategies• Support preparation and implementation

of a Local Action Program for the WooriYallock Creek sub-catchment.

Strategies for natural values conservation


• Support the implementation of theWaterway Activity Plan by MelbourneWater for the Woori Yallock Creek sub-catchment.

• Undertake works to arrest erosion andrestore degraded areas in CockatooSwamp.

• Encourage further research and establishmonitoring programs into hydrology andthe aspects of catchment management thataffect the reserve.

4.3 VegetationSurveys have identified over 285 native floraspecies in the reserve. Of these around 55 areregionally significant (McMahon et al. 1991).Three species are classified as threatened inVictoria (appendix 2). Around 125 introducedvascular plants have been found in the reserve(section 4.6).

Eleven vegetation communities have beenidentified (McMahon et al. 1991) including theSedge-rich Eucalyptus camphora SwampCommunity. The community is considered tobe of national significance and is listed as athreatened community under the Flora andFauna Guarantee Act 1998 (Vic.) (appendix1).

Studies have identified a number of serious,long-term threats facing the vegetationcommunities in the reserve including diebackand insect attack (McMahon et al. 1991),changed hydrology and sedimentation (Craigieet al. 1998), and eutrophication and weedinvasion (Carr 1998). The linear nature of thereserve makes it particularly susceptible to‘edge-effect’ disturbances including weedinvasion, wind throw, clearing, dieback, andalso influx of herbicides and fertilisers.

While the reserve still contains substantialareas of relatively undisturbed and healthyvegetation, these threatening processes appearto be causing an overall decline in the health ofthe reserve’s vegetation communities. Anestimated 25–30% of the eucalypt overstoreyis suffering from dieback caused by factorsincluding psyllid infestation and Bell Minerpressures (McMahon et al. 1991). Since 1991a 20 ha area of Sedge-rich Eucalyptuscamphora Swamp Community in the CockatooSwamp has suffered apparently irreversibledieback and conversion to a weed-dominated

community (Craigie et al. 1998; Carr 1998).This area was previously important HelmetedHoneyeater habitat.

The priority for management of the reserve’svegetation has been the protection ofremaining Helmeted Honeyeater habitat andrevegetation of acquired areas to extend habitat(section 4.4). A habitat restoration strategy,prepared in 1992, has been guiding this work(McMahon and Carr 1992). This strategy haslargely been implemented and now needs to berevised to provide a framework for futureworks.

Sections of adjoining private land that arebeing revegetated will complement reservemanagement (section 4.2).

Aims• Maintain, protect and enhance the

structural and floristic diversity of thevegetation.

• Increase knowledge of the causes,distribution and management of dieback.

• Restore degraded vegetation and, whereappropriate, enhance and extend HelmetedHoneyeater habitat.

Management strategies• Develop a vegetation management strategy

for the reserve based on requirements ofthe reserve’s threatened flora and faunaand an assessment of works completedunder the previous habitat restorationstrategy. Ensure:

• vegetation management accords withthe provisions of the HelmetedHoneyeater Recovery Plan and advicefrom the Helmeted HoneyeaterRecovery Team;

• ongoing monitoring;

• accurate and timely identification andassessment of threats facing thereserve’s values;

• identification of priority actions tomaintain and restore the reserve’svalues including threatened specieshabitat.

• Ensure all species records are included onthe Parks Victoria Environmental



Information System (EIS), which is linkedto the DSE flora database.

4.4 FaunaAround 230 native vertebrate species havebeen recorded in the reserve including 11considered threatened in Victoria (appendix 3).

Birds

The reserve supports 170 native species.Seventy-three native species have beenrecorded nesting in the reserve.Approximately 60 species are resident all year.

Many bird species have declined in the regiondue to loss of suitable habitat. These includeBaillon’s Crake (Porzana pusilla), LittleGrassbird (Megalurus gramineus), ClamorousReed Warbler (Acrocephalus stentoreus),Southern Emu-wren (Stipiturus malachurus)and the little-known Lewin’s Rail (Ralluspectoralis).

The Helmeted Honeyeater

The most significant bird found in the reserveis the Helmeted Honeyeater (Lichenostomusmelanops cassidix), a sub-species of Yellow-tufted Honeyeater. Yellingbo supports the lastknown wild population of this sub-species,which is one of the State’s faunal emblems.Within its territories, Helmeted Honeyeaterrequires a healthy canopy of Swamp Gum,Mountain Swamp Gum or Manna Gum and thefood sources provided by these species.

The sub-species uses dense shrubbery fornesting such as thickets of Prickly CurrantBush and Prickly Tea-tree and, in theCockatoo Swamp, dense thickets of WoollyTea-tree and Scented Paperbark. Dense reedbeds are also occasionally utilised for nesting.

The Helmeted Honeyeater feeds oncarbohydrates (in the form of manna,honeydew, lerp and nectar) and arthropodssuch as insects and spiders. Its specialty is tomonopolise and defend areas with rich year-round supplies of manna and honeydew asprovided by healthy stands of MountainSwamp Gum, Manna Gum and Swamp Gum.

The Helmeted Honeyeater population is underongoing pressure arising from several factorsincluding competition from aggressivecolonies of Bell Miners invading HelmetedHoneyeater territories, a shortage of high

quality breeding areas in close proximity toexisting colonies and rapidly spreadingdieback at one major colony site (Menkhorst etal. 1999).

The Helmeted Honeyeater populations in thereserve are managed according to theprovisions of the Helmeted HoneyeaterRecovery Plan and the advice of the HelmetedHoneyeater Recovery Team. The Bell Minerpopulation in the reserve is controlled as ameasure to reduce competition pressure uponthe Helmeted Honeyeater.

DSE is currently reviewing the HelmetedHoneyeater Recovery Plan. The HelmetedHoneyeater Recovery Team, which ismultidisciplinary team that includes officersfrom the Department of Sustainability andEnvironment, Parks Victoria, HealesvilleSanctuary, tertiary education institutions, BirdsAustralia, Bird Observers Club of Australia,and Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater,oversees implementation of the HelmetedHoneyeater Recovery Plan. Management ofthe bird involves monitoring the population,refining revegetation techniques, releasingbirds reared in captivity to create newpopulations in separate catchments to those atYellingbo, controlling Bell Miner populations,purchasing land to provide further habitat, andeducating the community to create newpopulations in a separate catchment to those atYellingbo.

Other fauna

The reserve contains a variety of locallysignificant mammal species including Platypus(Ornithorhynchus anatinus), Short-beakedEchidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus), Yellow-bellied Glider (Petaurus australis), Water Rat(Hydromys chrysogaster), Swamp Rat (Rattuslutreolus) and Black Wallaby (Wallabiabicolor).

The occurrence of the endangered Leadbeater'sPossum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri) in thereserve is highly significant. This is anunusual lowland population of a species whichis normally restricted to high altitude (>500 m)ash forests and some Snow Gum forests(Smales 1994). Research has shown theLeadbeater’s Possum denning in nest boxesthat have been placed along Cockatoo andMacclesfield Creeks (Harley 2003). The highpsyllid infestation, which provides a ready



supply of carbohydrate-rich lerps andhoneydew, may be of dietary significance toLeadbeater’s Possum (Thomas 1989). Tea-treethickets in the reserve may support a numberof nocturnal arthropod species large enough tomeet the protein requirements of the possum.

Two species of bandicoot – Southern BrownBandicoot (Isoodon obesulus) and Long-nosedBandicoot (Perameles nasuta) – have beenrecorded in the reserve. Further research onthese and other species is required so thatappropriate management actions can beidentified. Three native fish species of noteare found in the reserve: River Blackfish(Gadopsis marmoratus), Southern PigmyPerch (Nannoperca australis) and MountainGalaxias (Galaxias olidus). These native fishare threatened by predation from introducedspecies such as Brown Trout, stream barriers(e.g. weirs) which restrict fish passage andpollution.

Nine species of amphibians and 16 species ofreptiles have been recorded in the reserve(Smales 1981). Of note is the Swamp Skink(Egernia coventryi), which is listed asvulnerable in Victoria (DSE 2003c).

The abundance of fallen timber in the reserveprovides habitat for other reptiles such asBlack Rock Skink (Egernia saxatilisintermedia), Southern Water Skink(Eulamprus tympanum) and McCoy’s Skink(Nannoscincus maccoyi). In the past somefallen timber has been removed as a source offirewood.

A variety of invertebrate species have beenrecorded in the reserve. In addition to theseintrinsic values, some invertebrate species areimportant as food sources for Leadbeater’sPossum and Helmeted Honeyeater.

Aims• Protect and conserve native fauna,

particularly threatened and locallysignificant species.

• Maintain and enhance habitat forsignificant species.

Management strategies• Assist DSE with management of the

Helmeted Honeyeater according to theHelmeted Honeyeater Recovery Plan andadvice from the Recovery Team.

• Ensure vegetation is managed to promoteand enhance habitat for the HelmetedHoneyeater and other significant faunalspecies (section 4.3).

• Continue the program of Bell Minerremoval in accordance with advice fromthe Helmeted Honeyeater Recovery Team,and assess associated changes in psyllidpopulation levels and vegetation health.

• Incorporate the recommendations fromcurrent research on Leadbeater’s Possuminto future management strategies for thespecies.

• Encourage surveys of the mammal(including bandicoot), reptile, amphibian,fish and invertebrate fauna of the reserve.

• Prohibit firewood collection and leavefallen timber as habitat for reptiles andother vertebrates and invertebrates.

• Maintain and enhance native fish habitatby ensuring streams within the reserve arenot de-snagged and in-stream barrierssuch as weirs are removed or are designedto permit free movement of fish species.

4.5 Fire managementThe range of vegetation types and the variedtopography suggests the reserve’s natural fireregime may have involved a complex burningmosaic. The use of fire by Aboriginals mayalso have influenced vegetation patterns. Theburning pattern changed significantly withEuropean settlement.

Prior to the 1960s the swamp was burntregularly to improve grazing. However mostof the reserve has not been burnt since itsestablishment in 1965.

With no burning for more than 30 years, thefloristic diversity of some vegetationcommunities may be declining (Quin B. pers.comm. 2002). Fire may be advantageous forregeneration of these communities, howeverpotential adverse effects such as weed invasionand changed ecological patterns need to beconsidered before re-introducing fire into thereserve.

Severe wildfire is a major threat to the survivalof threatened species within the reserve. Fireprotection needs to include measures to protecthabitat of threatened species, particularly that



of Helmeted Honeyeater. In the absence of acontrolled burning regime, fire protection isbased around maintenance of vehicle accesstracks, slashing of firebreaks and liaison withthe Country Fire Authority (CFA) about firemanagement on private land.

The reserve falls within DSE’s East PortPhillip Fire Protection Area. The draft EastPort Phillip Fire Protection Plan (NRE 1999) iscurrently being reviewed by DSE.

Aims• Protect human life, threatened species, the

reserve and adjacent land and propertyfrom injury by fire.

• Minimise the adverse effects of wildfireand fire suppression methods on thereserve.

• Maintain where possible fire regimesappropriate to the conservation of nativeflora and fauna.

Management strategies• Protect the reserve from wildfire in

accordance with the East Port Phillip FireProtection Plan (Draft) (NRE 1999) andthe Code of Practice for Fire Managementon Public Land (CNR 1995).

• Develop a fire protection plan for thereserve, consistent with the East PortPhillip Fire Protection Plan (Draft) (NRE1999) and approved by the DSE FireManagement Officer, which includes site-specific measures to protect HelmetedHoneyeater, Leadbeater's Possum andother significant environmental valuesfrom wildfire.

• Maintain management tracks and gates toa standard suitable for access for fireprotection purposes by vehicles carrying‘slip-on’ units.

• Liaise with CFA to co-ordinate fireprotection planning and operations.

• Investigate the requirement for andpracticality of ecological burning in thereserve, including possible researchprojects.

4.6 Pest plants and animals, anddiseases

Around 125 weed species have been foundwithin the reserve; almost one-third of thereserve’s known plant species. YellingboNature Conservation Reserve, being a linearstreamside reserve within an agricultural area,is exposed to ongoing weed infestation viawater, air and animal vectors. Carr (1998)identified that without proper managementimportant vegetation and Helmeted Honeyeaterhabitat will be destroyed by weed invasion,which is being assisted by environmentalchanges such as hydrological modification,sedimentation, eutrophication and overstoreydieback.

Recent control programs have focused onBlackberry, Willow, Ragwort and St Peter’sWort. Species of major concern are listed inappendix 4.

Weed control has been guided to date by avegetation plan prepared in 1992 (McMahonand Carr 1992). A current, accurate survey ofthe extent of weed infestation is required toenable preparation of a comprehensive,targeted pest plant control strategy.

Twenty-one introduced vertebrate species havebeen recorded in the reserve. Introducedanimals present a threat to the native animalsby predation, competition for habitat and foodand dispersal of seeds of weeds. Pest speciesin the reserve include Red Fox, Dog, Cat,European Rabbit, Sambar Deer, Fallow Deer,Spotted Turtle-dove, European Blackbird,Song Thrush, Common Starling, CommonMynah, European Wasp, European HoneyBee, Brown Trout and Redfin. A list of pestanimals of major concern in the reserve isgiven in appendix 4.

The fox population in the reserve appears to behigh and further research is necessary to assessthe impact of foxes on significant bird andmammal species in the reserve.

Domestic dogs are occasionally seen in thereserve. A trapping program for feral cats isundertaken periodically with moderate success.

Rabbits are common in the reserve and tend tomove between the adjacent farmland and thedense vegetation of the reserve. Rabbits mayconstitute a major food source for foxes and



feral cats. Rabbit control needs to be part of aco-ordinated feral animal control program.

Sambar and Fallow Deer populations areincreasing. The deer create tracks andwallows, facilitating weed invasion andincreasing sedimentation of waterways, andcould attract hunters to the area. The situationis rapidly worsening and a deer managementstrategy is urgently required.

Limited research appears to rule out fungalpathogens as the cause of vegetation dieback inthe Cockatoo Swamp, however further surveyis required to determine the actual status ofPhytophthora spp. and other pathogens in thereserve (Wright 1998).

Aims• Monitor, control and where possible

eradicate pest plants and animals in thereserve.

• Avoid the introduction and spread of pestplants and animals, and pathogens.

Management strategies• Record and map observations of pest

plants in the Environmental InformationSystem.

• Develop and implement a pest plantcontrol strategy based upon:

• updated pest plant survey data for thereserve;

• priorities for the control of regionallyprohibited and regionally controlledweeds;

• priorities for protection of HelmetedHoneyeater and other threatenedspecies habitat and communities.

• Establish monitoring programs to assessthe effectiveness of pest plant and animalcontrol programs.

• Liaise with adjoining landholders and theMacclesfield Landcare group to combinepest control within the reserve with controlprograms on adjoining private land.

• Maintain a record of pest animalobservations and encourage research toprovide an indication of relativeabundance (section 4.7).

• Prepare a pest animal control strategy,including deer management, to prioritisepest animal control works.

4.7 Natural values researchThe ecological complexities of the reserve andthe reserve’s relative proximity to Melbournemake it an ideal place for research projects thatcould support management. The HelmetedHoneyeater Recovery Team oversees a numberof endangered species research projectsconducted in the reserve by tertiary institutionsand other researchers.

Reserve management would be improved byintegrating the data and research results intoreserve management systems.

Aim• Encourage research programs that can

assist in reserve management andconservation of reserve values.

Management strategy• Encourage tertiary and research

institutions to collect adequate data anddevelop research projects to support andimprove reserve management, whereappropriate in consultation with theHelmeted Honeyeater Recovery Team.


5 STRATEGIES FOR CULTURAL VALUES CONSERVATION

5.1 Aboriginal cultural heritageThe reserve lies within the traditional lands ofthe Wurundjeri-balluk Clan of the Woiwurunglanguage speaking group. Their lifestyleinvolved, among other things, seasonalexploitation of available food. The wetlandsin the reserve may have been an importantfood source. While there are no records of anyAboriginal sites in the Yellingbo NatureConservation Reserve, the reserve isconsidered to be of potential archaeologicalsignificance (du Cros 1988).

Aboriginal sites, places and values areprotected under the Archaeological andAboriginal Relics Preservation Act 1972 (Vic.)and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait IslanderHeritage Protection Act 1984 (Cwlth). TheCommonwealth legislation identifies the localAboriginal communities from whom consent isrequired for certain specific activities.

Aim• Identify, protect and conserve Aboriginal

cultural sites.

Management strategies• Work with Wurundjeri to ensure the

protection of Indigenous places and sitesfrom management and fire protectionworks.

• Encourage systematic survey and researchinto the distribution, significance andstatus of any Aboriginal sites, places andvalues.

• Consult with the State Minister forAboriginal Affairs prior to undertakingany works which may disturb Aboriginalcultural sites. The Minister will seekrecommendations from the relevantIndigenous community prior todetermining the matter.

5.2 Post-settlement cultural heritageTimber milling in the area accelerated afterWorld War I. Horses were used to transporttimber along a wooden tramline that followedSheep Station Creek through the area (Millerand Buckland 1992).

Aim• Identify, protect and conserve historic

sites.

Management strategy• Encourage systematic survey and research

into the distribution, significance andstatus of any historic sites.


6 STRATEGIES FOR COMMUNITY USE, AWARENESS ANDINVOLVEMENT

6.1 Visitor use

AccessPublic vehicle access is limited to the car parkat Parslows Bridge on Beenak Road (figure 1).About 50 km of vehicular tracks provideaccess for management and research vehiclesonly. Except in emergencies or for essentialworks, these tracks will be closed to allvehicles during winter and wet periods tominimise damage to the reserve.

A number of adjacent landholders have gatesin boundary fences (section 7.3). Some gatesare essential to provide access for fireprotection.

Information, interpretation and educationThe reserve receives about 1500 visits eachyear from visitors attending education andrevegetation activities conducted by theFriends of the Helmeted Honeyeater.

Local schools are encouraged to be activelyinvolved in management of the reserve throughrevegetation projects and education programs.

The Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater andthe Bird Observer’s Club of Australia runguided tours for birdwatchers. The Friendshave erected and maintain an informationboard at Parslows Bridge.

RecreationThe reserve’s current low levels of recreationaluse are considered compatible with reservemanagement aims. Walkers are currentlypermitted to use the existing managementvehicle track network. Fishing is permitted inthe reserve.

No commercial tours currently operate withinthe reserve.

Presently, Parks Victoria’s capacity to managevisitor use is limited by the lack of specificregulations for the reserve and the Trust forNature land (section 2.3).

Aims• Limit increases in visitation to preserve

reserve values.

• Provide suitable information, interpretationand education programs at the reserve or inpartnership with regional attractions.

• Promote sustainable recreation consistentwith reserve management aims.

Management strategies• Maintain public access to the reserve at

Parslows Bridge.

• Continue to allow guided special interesttours by the Friends of the HelmetedHoneyeater and Bird Observers Club ofAustralia provided natural values areprotected.

• Support Healesville Sanctuary’sdevelopment of public interpretation andeducation programs for the HelmetedHoneyeater.

• Assist the Friends of the HelmetedHoneyeater to maintain the currentschools and community educationprograms and the visitor informationshelter at Parslows Bridge.

• Allow a limited number of commercialtours for nature observation and birdwatching, only where it can be shownthere will be no adverse impacts to reservevalues and there is a contribution tomanagement aims.

• Permit recreational activities inaccordance with table 1.

• Allow walking and bird watching onvehicular tracks only.

• Monitor the occurrence and impact ofrecreational activities upon the reserve’svalues and take action as appropriate.

Strategies for community use, awareness and involvement


TABLE 1 RECREATION ACTIVITIES MANAGEMENT

ACTIVITY ACTIVITYPERMITTED

CONDITIONS AND COMMENTS

Bird observing Yes Organised groups require ranger’s permission.

Camping* No -

Commercial tours Yes Subject to permit.

Dog walking No -

Filming Yes Subject to permit.

Fishing Yes Bait collection not permitted.

Horse riding No -

Hunting No -

Feeding wildlife No -

Nature study Yes -

Bicycle riding No -

Scenic viewing Yes -

Orienteering/Rogaining No -

Picnicking* Yes -

Trail bike riding No -

Walking Yes Organised groups require Ranger’s permission.

* Use of solid fuel fires, chainsaws, and generators are not permitted.

• Limit increases in visitation to protect thereserve’s values by:

• not providing further visitor facilitieswithin the reserve;

• encouraging visitors to use alternativenearby parks and reserves such asBunyip State Park, Dandenong RangesNational Park, Yarra Ranges NationalPark and Healesville Sanctuary foractive recreation.

• Maintain the vehicle track network formanagement and research purposes onlyand maintain the winter closure policy.

• Encourage DSE to develop appropriateregulations for the reserve.

6.2 Community partnershipsThe reserve lies within the traditionalhomeland of the Wurundjeri or Yarra YarraClan (section 5.1).

The Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater wasformed in 1989. The Friends objectives are to:

• encourage people to participate inactivities designed to increase publicawareness of the endangered status of theHelmeted Honeyeater;

• improve the status of the HelmetedHoneyeater in the wild;

• assist the conservation of the HelmetedHoneyeater in the wild.

The Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeaterpublish a quarterly newsletter and hold regularmeetings and activities such as tree planting,seed collection and weeding in the reserve andadjoining properties. Members of the groupare involved in revegetation works, birdsurveys, supplementary feeding rosters,observation of captive birds at HealesvilleSanctuary, field days and producinginformation sheets and lists of indigenousplants suitable for the Yellingbo area.

Strategies for community use, awareness and involvement


The Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeatermanage a plant nursery in the reserve to raisestock for revegetating Helmeted Honeyeaterhabitat.

The Bird Observer’s Club of Australia andVictorian Ornithological Research Group haveplayed a significant role in management of thereserve in the past.

Land for Wildlife is a voluntary scheme thataims to encourage and assist privatelandholders in Victoria to provide habitat forwildlife on their property. There are currentlyabout 40 registered Land for Wildlifeproperties in the Yellingbo area, whichenhances the actual habitat of the district. On-ground works such as tree planting by theFriends of the Helmeted Honeyeater has raisedawareness in the local community andencouraged landowners to undertakeconservation works on their properties.

Several Landcare groups are active in thecatchments upstream of the reserve and theirprograms are assisting to improve theenvironmental quality of the reserve.

Aim• Encourage and support working

partnerships among community groups andwith Parks Victoria to assist in reservemanagement and achieve common reservemanagement goals.

• Encourage awareness of the reserve’svalues.

• Encourage management practices onadjoining land which complement thereserve’s management aims.

Management strategies• Foster and develop opportunities for

reserve staff, and relevant Indigenouscommunities to share their knowledge witha view to improving the management of thereserve.

• Assist the Friends of the HelmetedHoneyeater to undertake revegetationworks, school and community educationprograms and other beneficial activities.

• Encourage incorporation of the skills andinterests of volunteer groups in thereserve’s management activities.

• Assist the Friends of the HelmetedHoneyeater to undertake activities whichraise community awareness of thereserve’s values and increase communityinvolvement in the reserve.

• Liaise with local community groups andlandowners and, as appropriate, involvethem in relevant aspects of planning andmanaging the reserve.

• Apply, and encourage the application of,the Good Neighbour Policy tomanagement issues on or near theboundary of the reserve.

• Encourage the activities of Landcaregroups in the catchment whichcomplement the reserve’s managementaims.

• Encourage adjoining landholders to plantindigenous species, particularly HelmetedHoneyeater habitat species, and protectremnant vegetation around the perimeterof the reserve.

• Encourage Land for Wildlife extensionefforts in the Yellingbo and Macclesfieldarea.


7 STRATEGIES FOR OTHER ISSUES

7.1 Management and supportservices infrastructure

The former depot, office and residence (figure1) serve as a field station and communitycentre. Key users of these facilities includeParks Victoria and DSE staff, Friends of theHelmeted Honeyeater, Bird Observer’s Club ofAustralia and school groups.

Aim• Maintain adequate management facilities

at the reserve.

Management strategies• Review and identify the future

requirements for management facilitiesand structures in the reserve inconsultation with Friends of the HelmetedHoneyeater, Bird Observer’s Club ofAustralia and other stakeholders.

• Remove the old bird observers’ buildingand the nearby shed and non-indigenoustrees and shrubs at the site of the depot,and restore a cover of the relevantindigenous vegetation community.

7.2 Authorised usesA range of public utilities infrastructure isfound within the reserve including power lines,pipelines, drains and tele-communicationcables. A TXU Australia transmission linecrosses the Sheep Station Creek section of thereserve at two locations. TXU maintains a 40metre wide strip of land including towers,access track and gates, and ensures vegetationdoes not reach the transmission cables. TXUliaises with Parks Victoria prior to carrying outany work in the reserve.

Melbourne Water issues permits for theextraction of water from the streams within thereserve for irrigation, stock and domestic watersupply on adjacent private land.

Requests to conduct activities such as naturefilming and commercial tours are receivedoccasionally. To minimise potential impacts,such activities should be encouraged inalternative parks or reserves.

Aim• Ensure that public utilities and

occupancies are consistent with theconservation objectives of the reserve andauthorised in accordance with relevantlegislation.

Management strategies• Permit nature filming and commercial

tours in the reserve only if this benefits theaims for the reserve and cannot moreappropriately be conducted elsewhere.

• Liaise with public authorities managingfacilities within the reserve to ensure theiroperations and facilities do not adverselyaffect the reserve.

• Document existing occupations includingestablishment dates and seekauthorisations and removals asappropriate.

7.3 Boundaries and adjacent usesThe Trust for Nature freehold land alongCockatoo Creek carries native bushlandincluding Helmeted Honeyeater habitat. Theland was acquired by the Trust for Nature in1993 and 1995 with the intention that the landbe considered for addition to the reserve.Under an informal agreement with the Trust,Parks Victoria manages the Trust’s land as if itwere part of the reserve.

The Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reservecomprises a large number of parcels of landmost of which are temporarily or permanentlyreserved as State Wildlife Reserves (section2.3). However, the reserve also includes somestrips of public purposes reserve andcontiguous strips of Crown land along certainstream sections, and small areas of Crown land(section 1.2). The disparate, and in some casesinappropriate, status of areas within theplanning area will be an impediment indeveloping appropriate regulations (section6.1). The disparate land status and lack ofregulations are substantial impediments to it’sefficient management.

Some substantial sections of the reserve’sboundaries are undefined and unfenced or

Strategies for other issues


poorly fenced, and are at risk of degradationover time by livestock, weeds, stream bankdamage, illegal tracks and dumping of rubbish.A number of adjacent landholders use gates intheir boundary fences to gain access tooccupations in the reserve and for other privatepurposes. Some gates also provide essentialaccess for fire protection. In some areasmanagement access is inadequate. With theconsolidation of areas within the reserve, itwill be important to investigate and resolvethese boundary issues by appropriate meanssuch as survey and fencing.

Aims• Enhance conservation of reserve values

through consolidation of the reserve areaand boundary.

• Encourage development of habitat linkagesbetween Yellingbo Nature ConservationReserve and other reserves and sites ofremnant habitat in the broad catchmentarea.

Management strategies• Liaise with DSE to seek the appropriate

reservation of all public land within theYellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve.

• Continue to liaise with Trust for Natureand manage their land as though the landwere part of the reserve. Support anyproposal to have this land incorporatedinto the reserve.

• Liaise with the Shire of Yarra Ranges inrelation to preparation of planning schemereforms with the aim of minimisingadverse effects on the reserve of privateland developments.

• Liaise with adjacent landowners toaddress issues that may affect the reserveand in particular their responsibilitiesunder the Fences Act 1968 (Vic.).

• Encourage the removal of gates inadjoining private fences where notrequired for a legal or managementpurpose.


8 IMPLEMENTATION

This plan provides the strategic framework thatgoverns the development and delivery of allmanagement programs and actions affectingthe Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve.

The management programs for the reserve areprepared annually, in accordance with ParksVictoria’s Corporate Plan and as a part ofstatewide, prioritised programs.

The performance of the plan’s implementationwill be measured and reported as part of thesestatewide programs as implemented to Juneeach year.

Amendments may be made to this plan fromtime to time consistent with an authorisedapproval process. A review of the plan will beconsidered from five to ten years after itspublication.

Yellingbo Nature Conservaton Reserve 19

REFERENCES

Baker-Gabb, D. 1992 Flora and FaunaGuarantee Action Statement No. 8,Helmeted Honeyeater, Department ofConservation and Natural Resources,Victoria.

Carr, G.W. 1998 Brief investigation ofEucalyptus Camphora (Mountain SwampGum) dieback, Yellingbo NatureConservation Reserve. Report prepared forParks Victoria by Ecological Horticulture.

CNR 1995 Code of Practices for FireManagement of Public Land, Departmentof Conservation and Natural Resources,Victoria.

Craigie, N. M., Brizga, S. O., & Condina, P.1998 Assessment of proposed works toameliorate the effect of hydrologicalprocesses on vegetation dieback atCockatoo Swamp, Yellingbo Reserve.Report prepared for Parks Victoria.

DSE (database) 2003a Flora InformationSystem, Department of Sustainability andEnvironment, Melbourne.

DSE (database) 2003b Atlas of VictorianWildlife, Department of Sustainability andEnvironment, Melbourne.

DSE 2003c Advisory listing. ThreatenedVertebrate Fauna in Victoria, Departmentof Sustainability and Environment,Melbourne.

du Cros, Hilary 1988 An archaeologicalsurvey of the Upper Yarra Valley andDandenong Ranges. A report to theVictorian Archaeological Survey. AnvtechPty Ltd, GPO Box 4, Canberra, ACT, 2601.

Harley, D 2003 Population Monitoring ofLeadbeater’s Possum at Yellingbo NatureConservation Reserve – 2003. Reportprepared for Parks Victoria (unpubl.).

Land Conservation Council of Victoria 1977Final Recommendations – Melbourne StudyArea. Government of Victoria.

Land Conservation Council of Victoria 1991Melbourne Area Review - District 2.Descriptive Report. Government ofVictoria.

Land Conservation Council of Victoria 1994Melbourne Area Review - District 2. FinalRecommendations. Government ofVictoria.

Macfarlane, M. Lowe, K.W. and Smith, J.1995 Flora and Fauna Guarantee ActionStatement No. 62, Leadbeater’s Possum,Department of Conservation and NaturalResources, Victoria.

Macfarlane, M., Smith, J. and Lowe, K. 1998Leadbeater’s Possum Recovery Plan 1998–2002, Department of Natural Resources andEnvironment, Victoria.

McMahon, A.R.G., Carr, G.W., Race, G.J.,Bedggood, S.E. & Todd, J. A. 1991 TheVegetation and Management of theYellingbo Nature Conservation Reservewith Particular Reference to the HelmetedHoneyeater (Lichenostomus melanopscassidix), Victoria. Ecological HorticulturePty Ltd, Clifton Hill, Victoria.

McMahon, A.R.G. & Carr, G.W. 1992Strategy for Restoration of Habitat for theHelmeted Honeyeater, Yellingbo NatureConservation Reserve. EcologicalHorticulture Pty Ltd, Clifton Hill, Victoria.

Menkhorst, P., Smales I. & Quin, B. 1999Helmeted Honeyeater Recovery Plan 1999–2003. Department of Natural Resourcesand Environment, Melbourne.

Miller, J. and Buckland, I. 1992 Not just fortoday – the Yellow Helmeted Honeyeaterand its habitat. Miller and Buckland.

NRE 1997 Yarra Catchment Action Plan-Working Draft, Department of NaturalResources and Environment, Melbourne.

NRE 1999 East Port Phillip Fire ProtectionPlan (Draft), Department of NaturalResources and Environment, Victoria.

PPRCLPB 1997 Port Phillip and WesternportRegional Catchment Strategy, Port PhilipRegional Catchment and Land ProtectionBoard, Frankston.

Smales, I. 1981 The Herpetofauna ofYellingbo State Faunal Reserve. VictorianNaturalist Vol. 98 : 234 - 246.

References


Smales, I. 1994 The discovery ofLeadbeater’s Possum Gymnobelideusleadbeateri McCoy resident in a lowlandswamp woodland. Victorian Naturalist111:173-182.

Thomas, V. 1989 The ecology ofLeadbeater’s Possum (Gymnobelidusleadbeateri McCoy) at Cockatoo Swamp,Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve.B.Sci. (Hons) Thesis La Trobe Univ.

Wright, J. 1998 Yellingbo NatureConservation Reserve: EnvironmentalValues and Threatening Processes, ParksVictoria (unpub.).


APPENDIX 1 SITE OF BOTANICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Sedge-rich Eucalyptus camphora Swamp Community

This community features a canopy of Mountain Swamp Gum (Eucalyptus camphora) of moderatecover (20–25%). The shrub stratum is sparse and dominated by Woolly Tea-tree (Leptospermumlanigerum) and an understorey of diverse sedges and rushes including Fen Sedge (Carexgaudichaudiana), Tassel Sedge (C. fascicularis), Tall Sedge (C. appressa), Leafy Flat-Sedge(Cyperus lucidis) and Soft Twig-Sedge (Baumea rubiginosa), and grasses and herbs including ShowyWillow-Herb (Epilobium pallidiflorum). The community varies in structure from open woodland toclosed Shrubland, and where it has been highly disturbed, Common Reed (Phragmites australis)dominated grassland.

The community is considered to be of national significance (McMahon et al. 1991) and is listed underthe Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act as a community in a demonstrable state of decline, and prone tofuture threats which are likely to result in extinction.

Around one-third of the community has been cleared in the past for agriculture and about 200 hectaresremain, largely within the Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve. The eucalypt canopy within thereserve (approximately 25–30%) is suffering from dieback caused by psyllid infestation, Bell Miner(Manorina melanophrys) colonisation, and altered hydrological regimes. Severe weed invasion ofdisturbed sites is choking ground storey regrowth.

Appendices


APPENDIX 2 THREATENED FLORA SPECIES RECORDED FOR THE RESERVE

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME THREATENED STATUS IN VICTORIA

Agrostis avenacea var. perennis Wetland Blown-grass k

Bossiaea cordigera Wiry Bossiaea r

Cardamine tenuifolia Slender Bitter-cress k

Source: DSE Database 2003a.Threatened status in Victoriar rarek poorly known

Appendices


APPENDIX 3 THREATENED FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED FOR THE RESERVE

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME THREATENED STATUS

VICTORIA AUSTRALIA

Ardea alba Great Egret Vul, L

Aythya australis Hardhead Vul

Egernia coventryi Swamp Skink Vul, L

Gymnobelideus leadbeateri Leadbeater's Possum End, L End

Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-Eagle Vul, L

Lichnenostomus melanops cassidix Helmeted Honeyeater CEn, L End

Ninox strenua Powerful Owl Vul, L

Platalea regia Royal Spoonbill Vul

Porzana pusilla Baillon's Crake Vul, L

Pseudemoia rawlinsoni Glossy Grass Skink NT

Rallus pectoralis Lewin's Rail Vul, L

Source: DSE 2003b.Threatened status:VictoriaCEn Critically endangeredEnd EndangeredVul VulnerableNT Near threatenedL Flora and Fauna Guarantee listedAustralia:End Endangered

Appendices


APPENDIX 4 PEST PLANTS AND PEST ANIMALS OF MAJOR CONCERN

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME CATEGORY

PEST PLANTS

Acacia decurrens Early Black Wattle Environmental Weed

Circium arvense Perennial Thistle Regionally Controlled Weed

Circium vulgare Spear Thistle Environmental Weed

Erica lusitanica Spanish Heath Environmental Weed

Hypericum tetrapterum St Peter’s Wort Regionally Prohibited Weed

Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup Environmental Weed

Rubus discolor Blackberry Regionally Controlled Weed

Senecio jacobaea Ragwort Regionally Controlled Weed

PEST ANIMALS

Canis familiaris Dog

Canis vulpes Red Fox

Cervus unicolor Sambar Deer

Felis catus Cat

Oryctolagus cuniculus European Rabbit

Rattus rattus Black Rat

Vespula germanica European Wasp

Sources:DSE (database) 2003a.DSE (database) 2003b.

yellingbo nature conservation reserve management plan 2004

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