findings by bioregion - Victorian Environmental Assessment Council

Distribution of site condition scoresArea (ha)• Public land5,000• Private land4,0003,0002,0001,00000 20 40 60 80Site condition scoresPublic land median score – 51.0Private land median score – 40.4[Statewide median score – 36.8]BIOPHYSICAL BASISGreater Grampians is dominated by ridges of resistantsandstone giving rise to striking parallel ranges andvalleys which have been cut either in soft shales or deeplyweathered granites. The Palaeozoic deposits give riseto deep acidic yellow texture contrast soils and shallowsandy soils.The Greater Grampians is recognised as an exceptionallyrich area for plants, supporting over 40 endemic species.The bioregion is dominated by Dry Foothill ForestComplexes, Inland Slopes Woodland Complexes, HerbrichWoodland Complexes and Plains Grassy WoodlandComplexes with small patches of Heathy WoodlandComplexes and Valley Grassy Forest Complexes.Average annual rainfall across the bioregion: 600-1000 mmDaily mean temperature across the bioregion: 12-15˚CDistribution of landscape context scoresArea (ha)• Public land25,000• Private land20,00015,00010,0005,00000 5 10 15 20Landscape context scoresLAND USE HISTORYThe Grampians’ heritage includes timber productionfor mines and farms, gold mining, stone quarrying,water supply, recreation and tourism. Tourism beganin the late 19th century with the spread of railways anda developing interest in natural landscapes. Today theGreater Grampians sustains a diverse range of recreationalactivities including camping, bush-walking, abseiling,birdwatching, four wheel driving and water sports.Public land median score – 16.3Private land median score – 15.3[Statewide median score – 14.9]107