Stronger, Fairer And More Transparent Native Vegetation Rules

The Andrews Labor Government is delivering on an election commitment to improve native vegetation removal regulations which are fairer and better protect sensitive native vegetation.

Extensive stakeholders and community consultation was integral to the review of the native vegetation removal regulations, including a stakeholder reference group that provided valuable advice on the issues and improvements considered in the review.

The Government listened closely to the issues that the community raised about native vegetation removal, and developed the regulations to address these concerns.

At the heart of the reforms are a recognition that the rules need to be practical on the ground, transparent and deliver positive environmental outcomes.

The improvements increase protection for our sensitive native vegetation, simplify and enhance the operation of the regulations, and increase transparency. This will be done by:

• Better accounting for the environmental value of large trees, endangered vegetation types and sensitive wetlands and coastal areas
• Making the system fairer by allowing some site based information to supplement mapped information, and ensuring the information used in the regulations better accounts for vegetation on the ground
• Improving transparency about native vegetation removal and offsets, and ensuring the rules are being complied with, and
• Additional offsetting options, including using scattered trees as offsets and being able to bank offsets to use in the future. These changes acknowledge landowners’ efforts in managing native vegetation on their own properties.

Victoria’s native vegetation is habitat for our unique native plants and animals, provides ecosystems services fundamental to our wellbeing, and is the foundation of many activities that underpin our economy.

Information about the regulations and guidance material is available at https://www.environment.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Minister for Environment, Energy and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“The improvements to the native vegetation removal regulations were developed with extensive consultation with the community and other stakeholders.”

“The changes address issues that the community have raised. They will better protect Victoria’s sensitive native vegetation and ensure the regulations are easier to use.”

“We need to protect and enhance our natural environment for future generations, while ensuring our economy can grow and prosper.”