Land Management

Native Vegetation - Local Government

Native Vegetation Home

Native vegetation management in the planning scheme | Planning Practice and Advisory notes | Assessing applications | Native Vegetation Applicants Kit | Native Vegetation Permit Tracking System

This page contains information that, along with training, will support local councils in assessing planning permit applications that propose clearing of native vegetation. In addition, DSE will assess all proposals that need technical expertise. Native vegetation management in the planning scheme The Victorian Planning Provisions (VPP) and planning schemes set out controls for the protection of native vegetation. The Framework was incorporated into the State Planning Policy Framework (SPPF) section of the VPPs in 2003. Clause 11.03 references the Framework as one policy, within a number of environmental policies and strategies that must be taken into account when preparing amendments to or making decisions under the scheme. Clause 15.09 requires Planning and Responsible Authorities to have regard for the Framework. Clause 52.17 requires a planning permit for the removal of native vegetation. Recent changes to the Victorian Planning Provisions August 2009 Making Victoria fire ready - Native vegetation clearing The government has announced interim planning provisions to simplify residents' entitlements to clear native vegetation around their homes as part of their preparations for the 2009/10 fire season. The changes include a 10/30 right for clearing around buildings used for accommodation and along fence-lines. These provisions are now in effect. Two fact sheets and Frequently Asked Question's have been provided: Making Victoria Fire Ready - Preparing for bushfire (PDF - 120 KB) Making Victoria Fire Ready - Managing erosion and landslip risk (PDF - 90 KB) Making Victoria Fire Ready - Frequently Asked Questions (PDF - 109 KB) Clearing on public land for fenceline maintenance The following documents provide guidance on preparing an application to clear native vegetation for the purpose of bushfire protection on public (Crown) land including leased public land that is managed by the Department of Sustainability of Environment, delegated management agencies or Parks Victoria. Written consent from your local council will be required if you wish to clear native vegetation on a council reserve. Vegetation removal on a public land boundary - Information for landholders (PDF - 1.1 MB) Vegetation removal on public land - Application form (DOC - 1.6 MB) Vegetation removal on leased public land - application form (DOC - 1.6 MB) February 2009 To assist the bushfire recovery effort, Amendment VC53 (Clause 52.38) clarifies that a planning permit is not needed for activities directly associated with bushfire recovery, including site clean-up and safety, demolition and temporary accommodation. For more information on Emergency Recovery Assistance on the DSE 'Fire and other Emergencies' web pages. Three fact sheets have been provided to detail these changes and other matters relating to the native vegetation and bushfire recovery, safety and preparation. Clearing of native vegetation to prepare for bushfires (PDF - 598 KB) Clearing of native vegetation affected by bushfires (PDF - 366 KB) Repair of fences damaged by bushfire or construction of fire control lines (PDF - 366 KB) 15 September 2008 It also provides exemptions; from 15 September 2008, new exemptions apply. Overlays that can be used to manage and protect vegetation are Vegetation Protection, Environmental Significance, Significant Landscape and Heritage Clause 65 - the decision guidelines - requires consideration of native vegetation and the likelihood of it’s destruction. For more information visit Planning Schemes Online.

Planning Practice and Advisory Notes Planning Practice and Advisory Notes are being developed to help local government have regard to the Framework in planning decisions. These will explain the new planning tools and assessment approach for native vegetation. Fore more information see the Planning Practice Notes area of the Planning site. Victorian Planning Provision Practice Notes and Advisory Note Assessing applications The following technical information is available to assist with assessing applications: The vegetation’s type (Ecological Vegetation Class) and its Bioregional Conservation Status. The Biodiversity Interactive Maps vegetation layer allows you to select a location and identify the pre-1750 or Extant EVCs and Bioregional Conservation Status. The Guide for assessment of referred planning permit applications explains how the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) will assess referred planning permit applications involving the removal of native vegetation. Additional technical information and guidance will be posted soon. In the meantime contact your DSE regional office for assistance. Managing native vegetation on roadsides: Guideline for implementing Agreements under the local government public road exemption. This guideline has been developed to assist Councils to understand their obligations when undertaking removal of native vegetation on roadsides under the Public Roads exemption (under Clause 52.17 of the Victoria Planning Provisions). It applies to all Councils that have formally entered into an Agreement with DSE. Managing native vegetation on roadsides: A guideline for implementing agreements under the local government public road exemption. (PDF - 234 KB)

Native Vegetation Applicants Kit

This kit provides guidance on preparing a planning permit application to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation including:

• When a planning permit is required to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation
• What information is required to be submitted with an application to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation

DSE - Native Vegetation Applicants Kit (PDF - 175 Kb)