Native vegetation clearing regulations reviewed

Published on 02 January 2018

Residents in the Loddon Shire are being encouraged to give Council’s Planning staff a call before undertaking any clearing of native vegetation.

This follows an update by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning to the native vegetation controls in the Loddon Planning Scheme (VC138, Clause 52.17) after a review of the current controls.

The purpose of native vegetation controls in the Planning Scheme is to ensure there is no net loss to biodiversity as a result of the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation.

It is important that residents who need to clear native vegetation for land activities contact Council to discuss the native vegetation controls.

The changes are about protecting native vegetation while maintaining a balance with continued activities on land, such as farming.

Native vegetation is plants that are indigenous to Victoria, including trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses.

The amended version of Clause 52.17 can be viewed at http://planning-schemes.delwp.vic.gov.au/schemes/loddon

Information about amendment VC138 can be viewed at https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/native-vegetation/review-of-native-vegetation-clearing-regulations

To discuss native vegetation clearing and permit requirements, contact Council’s Planning staff on 5494 1200.