findings by bioregion - Victorian Environmental Assessment Council

Distribution of site condition scoresArea (ha)• Public land12,000• Private land9,0006,0003,00000 20 40 60 80Site condition scoresPublic land median score – 36.7Private land median score – 27.5[Statewide median score – 36.8]Distribution of landscape context scoresArea (ha)• Public land40,000• Private land30,00020,00010,000BIOPHYSICAL BASISThe Victorian Volcanic Plain bioregion is characterised byextensive areas of fl at to undulating basalt plains formedfrom volcanic lava fl ows and ash. Stony rises, numerousold eruption points, extinct craters and shallow lakes arescattered throughout the bioregion. The soils are variablesupporting a variety of vegetation communities. The lowplains support Stony Knoll Shrubland, Plains GrassyWoodland, Plains Grassy Wetland ecosystems. The stonyrises support Stony Rises Herb-rich Woodland, BasaltShrubby Woodland and Herb-rich Foothill Forest EVCs.Average annual rainfall across the bioregion: 500-800 mmDaily mean temperature across the bioregion: 12-15˚CLAND USE HISTORYThe relatively fl at terrain, fertile soils, reliable rainfall andthe lack of trees made the region attractive to farmersfor grazing livestock – particularly sheep grazing forwool, which continues to the present day. Urbanisationin the eastern fringe of the bioregion (southwest ofMelbourne) has increased signifi cantly in recent decadesencroaching on the once extensive grassy plains. As oneof the earliest settled areas of Victoria, and recognised asquality agricultural land, few areas of public land remain.Consequently vegetation in remnants, parks and reservesare generally small and scattered.00 5 10 15 20Landscape context scoresPublic land median score – 15.2Private land median score – 6.1[Statewide median score – 14.9]63