Native Vegetation

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Addressing impacts to native vegetation

Do I need to provide this information with my planning application?

Yes. If your property size is over 4000 square metres and your proposal will directly or indirectly impact on native vegetation, you will most likely need to apply for a planning permit and you will need to provide the information as specified below.

Examples of indirect impacts on native vegetation include encroachment into the Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) of a native tree, native vegetation around dwellings and impacts of the development on native vegetation, such as effluent discharge, storm water runoff or defendable space requirements.

No. If your property size is less than 4000 square metres you will not be required to provide the information as specified below.

Always check with a planner if you are unsure of the requirements and exemptions that apply to the applicable Zoning and Overlays.

 

How to address Clause 52.17 Native vegetation removal regulations

Native vegetation in Victoria is protected under State legislation. Removal of any native vegetation including trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses must be avoided or minimised as far as possible.

If native vegetation is proposed to be removed, destroyed or lopped (which can include indirect impacts) as a result of the proposal, it will need to be assessed.

The assessment must address the State Guidelines for the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation.

All applications must include the requirements listed in Table 4 on page 20/21 of the Guidelines, as applicable.

Applications in the Detailed Assessment Pathway must additionally include the requirements listed in Table 5 on page 22 of the Guidelines, as applicable.

Providing a Natïve Vegetation Removal Report  (NVR) will satisfy the majority of these requirements. This report can be completed via the Native Information Management (NVIM) tool.

Any unavoidable native vegetation impacts associated with an approval proposal will be required to secure a biodiversity "offset", a strategy of how to provide offsets will need to be included as part of the application.

While not a strict requirement for planning applications in the Basic and Intermediate assessment pathway, council strongly recommends to employ a qualified Ecological Consultant to undertake this work on your behalf.

The Applicant's Guide assists applicants to prepare an application and describes how to meet the application requirements.2

Biodiversity Offset Program

The Yarra Ranges Biodiversity Offset Program offers native vegetation offsets that you can purchase from within the Melbourne Water Catchment.

There are clear advantages to using the Yarra Ranges Biodiversity Offset Program:

  • Local credits: benefits the Yarra Ranges flora and fauna
  • Fast turnaround (you'll get a quote within 2 working days in most instances)
  • Information and advice (provided by Council staff who know the area).

Request a biodiversity offset quote

How much does an offset cost?

Yarra Ranges Council has a Biodiversity Offset Program that trades offsets at a fixed unit price. The current price for offsets through the Yarra Ranges Biodiversity Offsets Program is (subject to availability):

  • $232,100 per GHU or SHU (including GST)

Prices include Large Old Trees.

Native vegetation offsets purchased through the Yarra Ranges Biodiversity Offset Program represent official vegetation credits that are registered on the State Native Vegetation Credit Register.

Where do your offset funds go?

The Yarra Ranges Biodiversity Offset Program protects and enhances native vegetation and fauna habitat across 92 ha. of land located within the Yarra Ranges.  Works include ongoing weed and pest animal control, as well as further enhancement through revegetation. Offset credits are currently available from a site located in Montrose.

Find out more about biodiversity offsets

For more information or to discuss your options to meet your offset permit conditions, please contact the Yarra Ranges Biodiversity Offsets Officer on ‎1300 368 333 or email BiodiversityOffsets@yarraranges.vic.gov.au.

More information about biodiversity offsets can be found here.

I need to secure an offset

 

 

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