The landscape design concept is influenced by the Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs)  that Peninsula Link traverse.  Planting densities and the structure and composition of plant communities have been selected to maximise the potential for natural regeneration, habitat values and discourages weeds.

• Hardy, drought tolerant and longer lived species have been selected.
• Planting solutions that require high maintenance or short-lived species have been avoided.
• Plantings that tend to trap litter have been avoided where possible.
• Planted wetlands are designed to reach full vegetative cover as quickly as possible to minimise weed invasion and improve water quality.

In EVC restoration areas the project uses indigenous plants of local origin and avoids using any species that may become invasive or displace other indigenous species.  Plant species that provide habitat for local fauna will be encouraged.

Planting will be generally undertaken using tube stock or cells as this approach has proven to be the most successful on broad scale freeway projects. By planting the stock small, it increases the chance of successful plant establishment and survival. As a general rule, the larger the pot size, the higher the risk of transplant stress and potential plant loss.

The following is a description of the EVCs for each design precinct and species to be planted.

Peninsula Portal

At the EastLink and Mornington Freeway interchange the landscape design emphasis is on protection and enhancement of the remnant Plains Grassy Wetland.

• Disturbances to remnant vegetation will be minimized during construction
• Batter slopes will be planted with locally sourced species (that grow in well drained soils as opposed to the wet soils of surrounding wetlands)
• Remnant vegetation will be managed by weed controls and appropriate wetting regimes.

EVC s	Planting species:
Plains Grassy Wetland Plains Grassy Woodland Swampy Scrub	Acacia Melanoxylon Allocasuarian paludosa Eucalyptus ovate var. avata Eucalyptus viminalis ssp. Pyronia Juncus pallidus	Leptospermum scoparium Lomandra filiformis Dianella longifolia Melaleuca ericifolla Melaleuca squarrosa

The Pines

The Pines is an EVC restoration area where the landscape design intent is to restore and preserve the remnant vegetation of the Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve.  The potential exists in the Pines using a combination of direct seeding and planting.

EVCs	Planting species:
Swampy Ribarian Woodland Swamp Scrub Damp Sands Herb-rich Woodland Damp Heathy Woodland Aquatic Herbland	Species used will be based on  the Greater Pines Master Plan.

Woodland Experiences and Cultural Landscapes

In these precincts the landscape design is based on a naturally appearing backdrop that interfaces with residential edges and the remnant vegetation in the area.

EVCS	Planting species:
Damp Sands Herb-rich Woodland Swampy Woodland Swamp Scrub Heathy Woodland	Acacia myrtifolia Acacia melanoxylon Allocasuarina littoralis Bursaria spinosa Correa reflexa Eucalyptus cephalocarpa Eucalyptus radiate ssp. Radiate	Hakea Nodosa Hakea ulcina Kunzea ericoides Leptospermum scoparium Olearia ramulosa Pimelia humillis Viminaria juncea

Threshold precinct (Baxter area)

In the Threshold design precinct landscape planting complements the indigenous species in the area. 

EVCS	Planting species:
Swampy Woodland Swamp Scrub	Acacia melanoxylon Allocasaurina Littoralis Cassina arcuta Eucalyptus pauciflora sp, paucifora Juncus pallidus	Juncus subsecundus Kunzea ericoides Leptospermum contineale Melaleuca ericifolla

Green Room (Moorooduc Plains)

In this precinct the landscape design will transition from scattered Eucalypt plantings, which will be the predominant planting in this precinct, through to more regular linear plantings at Bungower Road and Mornington Tyabb Road.

EVCS	Planting species:
Grassy Woodland Damp Sands Herb-Rich Woodland Swampy Riparian Woodland Swamp scrub	Acacia implexia Acacia mearnsii Acacia paradoxa Allocasurina paludosa	Eucalyptus pauciflora ssp. Pauciflora Eucalyptus radiate ssp. Radiate Kenzea ericoides