Victorian grassland earless dragon
Victorian grassland earless dragon. Image credit: DEECA

The Victorian grassland earless dragon

Thought to be extinct, the Victorian grassland earless dragon (VGED) was rediscovered west of Melbourne in 2023. The elusive lizard had not been spotted for more than half a century.

The VGED is a Matter of National Environmental Significance under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and is regulated by the Commonwealth Government. The species is also protected under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.

The Commonwealth Government has approved a Prescription under the Melbourne Strategic Assessment Program (MSA) Program to address the rediscovery of VGED and to avoid and mitigate impacts to to the species in the MSA Program area.

The Prescription

The VGED Prescription guides how the MSA Program will manage any impacts to the the species and provides clear information for developers about VGED conservation activities, including habitat assessments and targeted surveying, that will be carried out by the Victorian Government.

The Prescription ensures active management of VGED by the Victorian Government under the MSA Program through:

  • protection and management of VGED habitat within MSA Conservation Areas and reserves (Western Grassland Reserve, Grassy Eucalypt Woodland Protected Area, and any areas secured to deliver conservation outcomes for golden sun moth, matted flax-lily and spiny rice-flower)
  • conducting habitat assessments and targeted surveys to identify any VGED populations in areas modelled as VGED habitat in the MSA Program area
  • potential in-situ management and translocation activities if VGED are found.

Habitat assessments and targeted surveys

The VGED Prescription commits the Victorian Government to conducting habitat assessments and surveys to avoid and mitigate impacts to the species in the MSA area.

DEECA will work with the Department of Transport and Planning (Victorian Planning Authority) to deliver VGED surveys. Targeted surveys will only be conducted where modelled, potential habitat is confirmed on-ground through an initial habitat assessment.

Surveys will be timed to avoid disrupting planning and construction schedules. By supporting access to land, developers and landowners can confirm the absence of VGED early on and continue with their projects under MSA approvals.

See how the MSA Program works and a map tool showing the MSA Program area and areas of potential, modelled VGED habitat at Mapshare.

What does the VGED Prescription mean for landowners and developers in the MSA area?

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action is working with delivery partners to complete habitat assessments and targeted VGED surveys.

The approach is based on 3 scenarios that consider planning and development status. See the 3 scenarios below.

Prior to exhibition of Planning Scheme Amendment for Precinct Structure Plan (PSP)

Surveys conducted as part of technical background studies informing PSP planning.

Where surveys have not taken place to inform PSPs, planning controls will require landowners to grant access for future surveys under Scenario 2.

  • If no VGED are found, no further implications for future development.
  • If VGED are found, the State will consult with the Commonwealth to prepare to determine future management under a conservation management plan, and this may include in-situ management or translocation.

Post exhibition of Planning Scheme Amendment for Precinct Structure Plan

  • DEECA will engage landowners to access land to undertake surveys ahead of any development applications.
  • If VGED are found, the State will consult with the Commonwealth to determine future management, and this may include in-situ management or translocation.
  • If no VGED are found, there are no further implications for development.
  • Where surveys are not completed prior to permit issue, standard planning controls will enable property access for surveys.

Post exhibition of Planning Scheme Amendment for Precinct Structure Plan

The Prescription and planning controls do not apply retrospectively to any permits issued.

If VGED are found, they will be translocated. No ongoing in-situ management required.

  • DEECA will reach out to landowners and developers offering to carry out surveys on undeveloped parts of the land.
  • If a survey is carried out and no VGED are found, no further action will be required.

More information

Page last updated: 28/11/25