In this update, we answer community questions about how we plan to protect the environment in which we are fortunate to operate. A central part of our upgrade vision is to preserve what is special about Arthur’s Seat and provide visitors with more spaces for connection to nature.

The answers to the questions below are based on findings from a comprehensive Flora and Fauna Assessments conducted by environmental consultants Nature Advisory, who are experts in assessing ecological impacts in sensitive landscapes.

 

Q1: What was the objective and the scope of the Flora and Fauna assessments conducted by Nature Advisory?

Nature Advisory was engaged by ASE to document and assess the extent and quality native vegetation and fauna habitat inhabiting its 5.26 hectares of native vegetation, which included 28 large trees. The objective was to understand the potential impact of the proposed upgrades and to identify measures to mitigate any negative environmental impact.

The field surveys conducted involved a combination of general and targeted surveys, assessing both flora and fauna. The survey team included experienced botanists, zoologists, and ecologists , including specialists in orchids, birds, and native vegetation assessment.

The assessment considered the site’s Environmental Significance Overlay, Significant Landscape Overlay and Vegetation Protection Overlay in its recommendations for minimising and mitigating environmental impacts of the proposed upgrades.

The assessment recognises that findings are specific to the time of the surveys. It recommends that further surveys take place in the week prior to any future construction work to identify the presence of any new nests or hollows and relocate any misplaced reptiles, frogs, ground-dwelling mammals and tree-dwelling mammals.

 

Q2: What measures are being taken to protect the natural landscape at Arthurs Seat?

The proposed masterplan is designed to minimise environmental impact and introduce greater protection to the landscape through a variety of sustainable initiatives. Key initiatives include:

  • Avoiding unnecessary vegetation removal, with the project design strategically adjusted to preserve significant trees and ecological habitats
  • Utilising existing access tracks for construction to limit soil disturbance and protect native understorey vegetation
  • Implementing biosecurity controls to prevent the introduction and spread of plant diseases and invasive species
  • Respecting the area’s visual and landscape values by ensuring the development complies with the Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO). This includes avoiding the ridgeline and designing structures that are sensitive to the area’s natural character.

 

Q3: How will Arthurs Seat’s unique ecosystem be protected under the proposed upgrades?

Arthur’s Seat’s unique ecosystem will be preserved by minimising native vegetation removal, protecting key habitat areas, and implementing strict construction-phase controls such as vegetation protection zones and biosecurity protocols. The project layout has been designed to avoid sensitive flora and fauna, with offsets secured for unavoidable losses. Measures include:

  • Minimising impact on native vegetation by using pre-existing access tracks and low-impact construction techniques
  • Ensuring free movement of terrestrial fauna through light touch design to prevent habitat fragmentation
  • Prioritising invasive species for removal, rather than native trees
  • Establishing Vegetation Protection Zones (VPZs) and Tree Protection Zones (TPZs) around retained vegetation during construction
  • Implementing hygiene measures to prevent the spread of plant diseases (e.g., Phytophthora dieback) that could affect local species such as the Swamp Skink and Southern Toadlet
  • Investigating habitat restoration options to enhance ecological resilience in the surrounding area.

 

Q4: What are the specific plans for protecting Koalas under the proposed upgrades?

While Koalas are not classified as an endangered species in Victoria, impacts to this species have been considered. Nature Advisory have also recommended a fauna management plan during and after construction that will ensure that the proposed upgrades will not negatively impact any koalas in the area. However, in response to community concerns, ASE has:

  • Shortened and adjusted the luge track design to remove any perceived risk to koalas.
  • Committed to supporting local koala conservation initiatives.
  • Identified specific protection measures to limit the disturbance to koalas and other native fauna, such as kangaroos, and during construction, including the installation of exclusion fencing with floppy tops to prevent their entry into construction zones

  • Commenced investigating ‘virtual fencing’ technology

Q5: What are the specific plans for protecting Powerful Owls under the proposed upgrades?

The targeted surveys (November 2024) found no evidence of Powerful Owls in the area at the time. Nevertheless, ASE is taking proactive measures to protect potential habitat:

  • Retention of key habitat trees, including the retention of both hollow-bearing trees and younger trees so they can mature into future habitats
  • Minimising construction impact, including pre-construction surveys to ensure active nests are undisturbed
  • If pre-construction surveys find Powerful Owls in the area, construction near habitats will be avoided during breeding season (April–July)
  • Noise restrictions from dusk to dawn to prevent disruption to Powerful Owls
  • Long-term monitoring & conservation, including regular surveys for nesting or roosting sites, with protective buffers implemented if any are found
  • Habitat restoration initiatives, including improving understorey vegetation and connectivity

Finally, ASE will incorporate pre-clearance surveys and on-site zoologist supervision to safely relocate any individuals found within the work area into any future construction programs.

Q6: What is Arthurs Seat Eagle doing to minimise the impact the proposed upgrades could have on wildlife movement?

The proposed masterplan has been designed with respect for wildlife movement in mind, ensuring local fauna can continue to navigate the landscape freely:

  • Luge track design reduces habitat fragmentation by being elevated in key areas. This allows terrestrial animals, such as wallabies and echidnas, to move safely underneath, avoiding physical barriers that could isolate populations
  • Upgrades to summit and base stations are confined to existing building footprints or previously disturbed land, avoiding new disruption to habitat
  • As a direct response to community concern, the luge was redesigned to ensure that six of the eight initially targeted trees will now be retained, helping maintain vegetation connectivity
  • Construction will use existing cleared fire access tracks, significantly reducing the need for additional clearing or disturbance in undeveloped areas
  • Track alignment avoids sensitive ridgelines and landslide-prone zones, preserving established wildlife corridors
  • No changes to operating hours are proposed, meaning there will be no added night-time activity to disturb nocturnal species

 

Q7: How will the proposed development maintain the visual integrity of the area?

The proposed development will maintain the visual and ecological integrity of the area by avoiding impacts through careful design, minimising vegetation removal, and protecting retained vegetation with appropriate buffer zones.

To help preserve the landscape character and maintain habitat continuity, the upgrade will provide vegetation protection zones, offsets for unavoidable native vegetation loss, and ensure that removed trees are relocated within the site.

The site falls under multiple Significant Landscape Overlays (SLOs) that aim to protect scenic views. The development aligns with these objectives by:

  • Avoiding prominent ridgelines and incorporating “no-build zones” in landslide-prone areas
  • Designing the luge track to blend with the landscape and maintain views from scenic roads
  • Limiting structure height and ensuring setbacks to preserve the natural skyline

We appreciate your ongoing interest and questions while we explore the opportunity to enhance Arthurs Seat for future generations. We will continue to keep you updated and encourage open dialogue as we move forward.