Developments in eco ‘threat’

JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
DEVELOPMENT threatens remaining fragments of native grasslands in the region, according to peak science body.
An Australian Academy of Science report said volcanic plains grasslands around Lara and Little River were one of Victoria’s most endangered ecosystems.
Only half of the .2 per cent of remaining grassland was in “good condition”, the report said.
“The largest and most intact grassland remnants in Victoria are now vulnerable to urban expansion.”
Legislation had “facilitated incremental loss of grassland, or death by a thousand cuts”.
Endangered grasslands species included the striped legless lizard, spiny rice-flower, growling grass frog and matted flax-lily.
“To halt the ongoing loss of biodiversity and avoid the risk of extinction, it is critical that remaining areas of Victoria’s temperate grasslands are managed effectively,” the report said.
“There is currently little consideration of remnant biodiversity in the design of housing estates. Principles for considering biodiversity in housing developments (should be) established.”
The report identified limited awareness of grasslands’ benefits.
“They are undervalued and there is little imperative to consider grasslands in planning policy.”
Greening Australia grassy ground cover project manager Dr Paul Gibson Roy said the prognosis was grim.
“We’ve been trying to flag this since 2004 and our main focus now is to try to develop methods and techniques to restore grasslands.”
Proposed development in the area includes a 4000-allotment residential plan for Lara’s west and an “intermodal” transport hub at Little River.