THE chance discovery of two colonies of giant Gippsland earthworms in the vicinity of the closed Kernot Bridge will not delay funding for a replacement bridge according to Bass Coast Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead.
“Council has obtained all the necessary permits,” said Cr Halstead.
“We will work around the giant earthworms.”
The Giant Gippsland Earthworm (Megascolides australis) is endemic to Kernot.
The life history of the species, including long life span, low reproductive and recruitment rates, and low dispersal ability, make the fragmented populations of giant earthworm susceptible to environmental disturbances and catastrophic events.
Giant earthworms spend their entire life underground, usually near streams or drainage channels. Many landholders first notice the worms by the gurgling sound they make.
Giant Gippsland Earthworms are listed as vulnerable under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and as threatened under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.
