Native Vegetation - A "Whole of Landscape" Approach
Native Vegetation Home | Strategic and regional planning | Simpler regulations | Flexible offset arrangements
The new approach to implementation of Victoria's Native Vegetation Management - A Framework for Action (the Framework) focuses on the need to restore the health of the environment while at the same time building a sustainable and competitive economy.
The approach will improve the clarity and flexibility of native vegetation management reduce the administrative burden on local government, provide greater certainty for development, both urban and rural, and improve biodiversity outcomes.
Strategic and regional planning
The new approach focuses on achieving the objectives of the Framework at a regional level. New planning tools have been developed to assist this strategic approach. These will enable high value native vegetation to be identified earlier in the planning process, so that impacts to such sites are avoided wherever possible.
Precinct plans
Precinct plans can be developed to assist strategic decision-making about the most important areas of native vegetation to retain in a large predetermined area, rather than on an ad hoc site-by-site basis. A Precinct Plan may cover multiple properties.
To preserve the most valuable native vegetation, Precinct Plans will specify what vegetation can be removed and what vegetation must be retained based on the conservation significance of the vegetation. The Precinct Plans will form part of the overall development plan for each precinct. Precinct Plans will be useful in urban areas and where intensive development is proposed.
Property Vegetation Plans
Landholders can develop a property vegetation plan which sets out the future management of native vegetation for a property or farm. The plan identifies any native vegetation that may be removed and offset arrangements over a ten year period. It also identifies areas that may attract government incentives for better management of native vegetation.
Property Vegetation Plans will provide a whole farm approach for landholders managing native vegetation and avoid the need for planning permits for vegetation removal. This will provide greater certainty and flexibility for landholders while still ensuring compliance with native vegetation regulations.
Works Programs
Works Programs can identify how native vegetation will be managed in major capital works projects such as the construction or maintenance of roads, railway lines or public utility services.
Regional Native Vegetation Plans
Regional Native Vegetation Plans provide important information on regional direction and priorities for protecting and restoring native vegetation. They can identify particular natural assets that may be a priority for native vegetation in the region.
Copies of regional native vegetation plans for the following areas are available from the relevant Catchment Management Authority.
page top
Simpler regulations
The new approach has simplified the regulations governing native vegetation clearing.
A priority for implementing Net Gain is to avoid clearing. Since 1989, landholders wanting to clear native vegetation must have a planning permit from their local council, although there are some exemptions. Planning permits are issued in accordance with Local Council planning schemes.
The new approach includes reforms to the regulations that make them easier to understand and apply. The statewide provisions of all planning schemes have been rewritten to more clearly reflect the Framework and its three-step approach (avoid, minimise, offset). Information requirements for applicants have been standardised. Referral arrangements have changed so local councils will only assess minor applications and the Department of Sustainability and Environment will assess more complex applications. Councils can now use a streamlined assessment approach and standard offsets which avoids the need for complex calculations.
The changes reduce the administrative burden for local councils and result in quicker and simpler processing for applicants and local councils.
Flexible offset arrangements
BushBroker
Victoria’s native vegetation credit registration and trading system, will facilitate the new approach to native vegetation management.
BushBroker represents a new direction for native vegetation management. It provides a system where offsets can be located on a different property to where the native vegetation is being cleared through the purchase of native vegetation credits.
A native vegetation credit is a gain in the quality and/or quantity of native vegetation that is subject to a secure and ongoing agreement. Native vegetation credits are listed on the BushBroker register and these can be bought by another party and subsequently used as an offset for the approved clearing of native vegetation.
The trading of native vegetation credits provides benefits for landholders, developers and other land managers, the economy and the environment.
Incentive Programs
The government has introduced a range of incentive schemes to assist landholders with their native vegetation management efforts. These programs help landholders actively manage and improve native vegetation on their land, resulting in both environmental and commercial gains.
BushTender
Following a successful trial period, the Government is currently expanding the BushTender program. Under BushTender, landholders can receive payment for entering agreements that improve the quality and/or quantity of native vegetation on their land. The services are based on management commitments beyond those that are required by current obligations and legislation.
CarbonTender
CarbonTender involves purchasing management contracts from private landholders, for the permanent revegetation of land for carbon sequestration and biodiversity gains. Like BushTender the funding is allocated through a tender system. Projects are prioritised based on the amount of carbon they will absorb from the atmosphere.
Other programs
In addition, Catchment Management Authorities often have funding available on a regional basis for works, including those for native vegetation. Local Government may also have programs to support native vegetation managers, for example by offering rate rebates. For more information contact your local Catchment Management Authority or Council.
page top