The Victorian Government is reviewing the native vegetation clearing regulations to ensure that they sensibly protect sensitive vegetation. Source: Timberbiz
Victoria’s ecosystems provide important habitat for our unique native plants and animals. A healthy environment is fundamental to the wellbeing of all Victorians.
The Victorian Government has concluded its review of the native vegetation clearing regulations. The outcomes are detailed in the Review of the native vegetation clearing regulations – outcomes report.
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) has comprehensively engaged with the Victorian community to gather views and ideas that helped inform the proposed changes to the regulations.
These changes have also been informed by a specialist stakeholder reference group.
The regulations have been designed to provide for better consideration of important biodiversity values in decision making.
This includes key habitats for dispersed rare or threatened species, large trees, endangered Ecological Vegetation Classes, and sensitive wetlands and coastal areas.
Changes will also result in fairer offset obligations for removal of scattered trees, by acknowledging the greater habitat values of large trees, and reducing the offset requirements for smaller trees.
The function of the regulatory system will be improved to provide greater transparency.
This includes improved monitoring and reporting on the implementation of the regulations, and the formation of a native vegetation regulations advisory group to support DELWP in the development and implementation of a program of ongoing improvements.
The review outcomes will be delivered through: amendments to the relevant clauses of the Victoria Planning Provisions (VPP) and all Victorian planning schemes, and a program of ongoing improvements as described in Review of the native vegetation clearing regulations – outcomes report.
The government has released the proposed amendments to the VPP for public consideration and comment.
The provisions that include changes are Clause 12.01, Clause 52.16, Clause 52.17(including the schedule to Clause 52.17), and Clause 66.02-2.
The changes include a new incorporated document the draft Native Vegetation Clearing – assessment guidelines.
DELWP will consider any comments received during the submission period in preparing the final changes to the VPP, which will be introduced in 2017.
If you would like to consider and comment on the proposed regulatory system changes, please go to the engage Victoria website at https://engage.vic.gov.au/native-vegetation-review
