technical requirements of assessing applications that propose to impact upon native vegetation. Guidelines to assessment of Risk-based Pathways (DEPI 2013) and the Biodiversity Assessment Tools (including the Native vegetation location risk map, Strategic biodiversity map, the Native vegetation condition map and Habitat importance maps for rare or threatened species) provide additional supporting information to assess applications that may impact native vegetation. Under Clause 66.02-02 of the Planning Scheme, DEPI is referred all applications to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation on Crown land (i.e. roadsides) which is occupied or managed by the responsible authority (i.e. Council or VicRoads). In certain cases, exemptions may apply to the requirement to obtain a planning permit. These are specified within local schedules to Clause 52.17 (i.e. within the Whittlesea Planning Scheme) and the table of exemptions (52.17-6), which covers numerous items of relevance to roadsides. When interpreting the exemptions listed in 52.17-6, it is important to recognise that other legislation often still applies that would otherwise require a permit. A common example is that most roadside vegetation is protected in some capacity under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. Whittlesea Planning Scheme The Whittlesea Planning Scheme provides the of Council’s implementation of Victorian Planning Provisions for the municipality and establishes policy and overlays that could impact on roadside management. River Red Gum Protection Policy Clause 22.10 of the Whittlesea Planning Scheme is designed to account for the presence, retention, enhancement and long term viability of River Red Gums in urban areas. Although this Strategy is specific to rural areas of the municipality, many River Red Gums within these areas may be at risk from future development, hence this policy should be applied to these areas where appropriate to do so, such as when roadside activities and other works have potential to impact River Red Gum trees. Planning Overlays Most roadsides within the City of Whittlesea are likely to be affected by the provisions of various Council overlays. These are designed for a range of purposes, many of which have native vegetation and cultural heritage conservation objectives. The following overlays are potentially relevant to roadside management: Environmental Significance Overlay;
which is commonly applied under the Framework in relation to vegetation assessment and proposals to remove native vegetation. Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs) were broadly circumscribed as part of the assessment, although the survey was undertaken with a view to evaluating the local conservation significance of remnant vegetation. EVCs are nonetheless important at the bioregional scale with respect to the Framework. Additionally, several sites were highlighted as supporting outstanding examples of remnant vegetation or sites of flora significance, based on the presence of listed rare or threatened species, high diversity remnant vegetation and some sites where locally depleted species persist. Field survey was almost entirely undertaken from a vehicle. Assessment on foot was only undertaken where searches for significant species and closer examination of vegetation types were warranted. This survey adopted the structure of the preceding assessment and makes additional splits or regrouped segments where relevant. Roadsides were classed in accordance with the criteria in Table 1 below. Table 1. Criteria for determining roadside vegetation conservation value Conservation Low Medium High Supports ≥ 75% of weeds Supports ≥ 50% of weeds Supports ≤ 50% cover of weeds Typically composed of non-indigenous vegetation (included planted), associated with extensive weed cover and/or high site disturbance. Low to moderate lengths or disjunct remnant patches Scattered trees Derived grassy vegetation (i.e former woodlands and forests that now function as grasslands due to historical management practices) Revegetated areas with moderate to high habitat or connectivity Discrete patches of remnant vegetation with a high site condition quality (i.e. high richness) Extensive contiguous remnant patches (i.e. >75% of the respective roadside length); of moderate site condition (i.e. retaining multiple strata or moderate to high diversity)
Incorporate erosion management standards into works contracts. As part of works that will result in soil disturbance, only use approved grass seed for soil stabilization purposes. seed appropriate for soil stabilization should either be a sterile exotic species (e.g. sterile rye-grass and various other sterile seed mixes), or an approved native grass species or mix from a Council endorsed supplier. Adopt EPA best practice erosion management standards (e.g. EPA 1991 & 1996). Actions No. Description Responsibility Priority 25 Develop a register of high impact erosion sites on or near to roadsides, and identify and document the extent of erosion risk areas in Council’s GIS. SP (lead) GIS (support) M 26 Develop an erosion management program with a view to protecting high risk locations on roadsides and adjacent land. SP L 27 Develop guidelines and procedures for soil erosion control measures for both construction sites and problem erosion areas that meet EPA standards and specify appropriate treatment measures, and integrate these with tender contracts and standard works briefs. SP S 28 Develop and distribute extension materials on soil erosion issues and treatments in high risk areas. SP L Significant biodiversity conservation sites Key objectives: Protect, conserve, maintain and enhance significant roadside flora & fauna sites Improve understanding of significant flora and fauna sites Educate the community on the value of significant flora & fauna sites
Under Clause 52.17-6 of the Planning Scheme, no permit is required to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation to the minimum extent necessary if the vegetation has been planted or grown as a result of direct seeding for aesthetic or amenity purposes, including agroforestry, shelter belts, woodlots, street trees, gardens or the like. This exemption does not apply if public funding was provided to assist in planting or managing the native vegetation and the terms of the funding did not anticipate removal or harvesting of the vegetation. Although this exemption has limited applicability to roadside management, areas supporting inappropriate revegetation undertaken by other agencies (e.g. adjacent private landholders) that serve as part of a wildlife corridor could warrant removal under fire prevention treatments. Under this scenario, Council would not be expected to offset the native vegetation removal even if a permit and DEPI referral is required. is also an exemption for a permit requirement to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation to the minimum extent necessary if the native vegetation is regrowth which has naturally established or regenerated on land lawfully cleared of naturally established native vegetation and is less than 10 years old, or Bracken Pteridium esculentum. This exemption does not apply to land on which native vegetation has been cleared or otherwise destroyed or damaged as a result of flood, fire or other natural disaster. Note that the above exemptions may not apply under the provisions of a relevant planning overlay, such as a Vegetation Planning Overlay or an Environmental Significance Overlay. Planning guidelines Identify and document all existing and potential roadside wildlife corridors in Council’s Geographic Information System and integrate this with fire break data to inform appropriate management actions. Where possible, avoid designation of proposed roads through existing areas of high or medium conservation value. Allow natural regeneration to occur on high quality roadsides with due consideration of fire prevention prescriptions and in consultation with local residents where relevant and appropriate. Manage natural regeneration on medium quality roadsides with consideration of the following: regeneration should not impede road function;
These areas are all linked to other aspects of Council’s management, with close ties to the Heritage Strategy (in press), Open Space Strategy (in press) and Municipal Waste Management and Resource Recovery Strategy. The objectives, guidelines and actions listed below seek to improve the recognition and documentation of these values on roadsides to better ensure their protection and maintenance. Cultural and heritage values Key objectives: Identify and manage all roadside cultural and heritage values Protect and maintain roadside cultural and heritage values in a manner consistent with other road and roadside uses and in accordance with Council’s Heritage Strategy Planning guidelines Identify and document roadside cultural and heritage values in Council’s Geographic Information System (GIS) Adopt principles and guidelines of Council’s Heritage Strategy (upon completion) Integrate cultural heritage protection requirements with all road and roadside tender contracts and relevant projects Ensure cultural and heritage values are assessed during the planning stage of all relevant road, roadside and adjacent land proposals Ensure cultural heritage protection measures are provided in all relevant project proposals relating to roadside Incorporate cultural heritage protection in the design and construction stages of all relevant road, roadside and adjacent land proposals Develop roadside cultural heritage monitoring requirements to ensure the maintenance of these values, with sections on general long-term provisions and detailed project-specific provisions (this could be developed as part of Council’s Heritage Strategy Actions No. Description Responsibility Priority
DEHA (2009) Grassy Eucalypt Woodland of the Victorian Volcanic listing advice. Prepared by the Threatened Species Scientific Committee for the Commonwealth Department of Environment, Heritage and the Arts. DEWHA (2009a) Matters of National Environmental Significance: Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1. Commonwealth Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. DEWHA (2009b) Farming and nationally protected grasslands and woodlands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain. Commonwealth Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. DNRE (1998) Guidelines for Preventing the Spread of Victorian Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Geelong. DNRE (2002) Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management – A framework for action. Victorian Department of Natural Resources and Environment, East Melbourne.DPCD (2011) Ammendment VC83 – Bushfire protection: Vegetation exemptions. Victorian Department of Planning and Community Development, Melbourne. DPCD (2012) Regional Bushfire Planning Assessment: Melbourne Metropolitan Region. The Victorian Government Department of Planning and Community Development, Melbourne. DPI (2006) Machinery Hygiene Guidelines for Roadside Managers: Minimising the Spread of Chilean Needle Grass. Department of Primary Industries, Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. DPI&F (2008) Petroleum Industry – Pest Spread Minimisation Advisory Guide. Invasive Plants & Animals, Biosecurity Queensland, DPI&F (Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry), Brisbane. DSE (2004) Vegetation Quality Assessment Manual – Guidelines for applying the Habitat Hectares scoring method. Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment, East Melbourne. DSE (2005) Advisory List of Rare or Threatened Plants in Victoria – 2005. Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment, East Melbourne. DSE (2006) Guidelines for assessment of referred planning permit applications. Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment, East Melbourne. DSE (2007) Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate in Victoria. Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment, East Melbourne.
to Low Conservation Value areas grow, flower and set-seed in late Spring/Summer. Follow-up Weed Control Target Chilean in areas 1-3 following slashing as part of annual weed control program Chilean Needle grass will re-shoot faster than native grasses following slashing so an opportunity will be provided to target ‘spot-spray’ or ‘wick-wipe’ while avoiding native grasses. Monitoring and Second Treatment Monitor areas that are slashed early and determine requirement for ‘second’ treatment in January. This is only to be undertaken after flowering and seed set of native grasses has occurred. A second treatment will assist in keeping fuel levels down where conditions have favoured growth following initial treatment. Waiting until January for the second treatment, where required, will ensure native grasses have had time to flower and set seed. Vehicle and Machinery Hygiene Hygiene measures in Areas 4-9 are to strictly follow the Vehicle and Machinery Hygiene Procedure (Appendix 12) Hygiene measures may be more responsive for areas 1-3 No seed spread into High and Medium Conservation No spread of seed outside of infested areas (see map, Appendix 13b) Time and labour resources for hygiene practice can be reduced in initial stages of program 1-3) as exotic grass seed set will not yet have occurred Specialist Contractor Engagement Engage contractors with specialist knowledge and experience for High Conservation Value roadsides, in particular those High value areas within areas 4-9 High Conservation roadsides within areas 4-9 will require priority and sensitive treatment to ensure weeds are not inadvertently carried in from adjoining lower quality areas. If managed appropriately, the quality of these few high conservation value areas can be maintained and improved.