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Rural Roadside Management PlanCorangamite ShireFebruary 2012
Table of Contents
Executive Summary i
PART A – INTRODUCING THE RURAL ROADSIDE MANAGEMENT PLAN 1
1 Introduction 2
1.1 StructureofthePlan 2
1.2 Planpurposeandreview 3
PART B – RURAL ROADSIDE MANAGEMENT IN THE CORANGAMITE SHIRE 4
2 RuralroadsidemanagementintheCorangamiteShire 5
2.1 Vision 5
2.2 Scope 5
2.3 Achievingbalancedactions 5
2.4 Goalsofruralroadsidemanagement 7
PART C – GOALS OF RURAL ROADSIDE MANAGEMENT 9
3 Goal 1: Maintain a safe local road network 10
3.1 Introducingthesaferoadsgoal 10
3.2 Legislativecontexttovegetationremoval 10
3.3 Drainageandpavementmaintenance(routine) 11
3.4 Vegetationcontroltorestoresightlines 11
3.5 Strategiesinmaintainingasafelocalroadnetwork 12
4 Goal 2: Protect natural and heritage assets 13
4.1 Introducingtheassetsprotectiongoal 13
4.2 Biodiversityprotectionandenhancement 14
4.3 Invasiveplantsandanimals 15
4.4 AboriginalandnonAboriginalheritage 17
4.5 Strategiesinprotectingnaturalandheritageassets 18
5 Goal 3: Manage third party access 19
5.1 Introducingthethirdpartyaccessgoal 19
5.2 Fireprevention 20
5.3 Utilityandserviceprovision 20
5.4 Adjoininglandholders 21
5.5 Recreationalusers 21
5.6 Strategiesinmanagingthirdpartyaccessrisks 21
6 Goal 4: Provide leadership and promote the value and function of rural roadsides 23
6.1 Introducingtheleadershipgoal 23
6.2 Communityawareness 23
6.3 Stakeholdercooperation 23
6.4 Strategiesinpromotingthevalueandfunctionofruralroadsides 24
PART D – IMPLEMENTATION THROUGH STRATEGIC ACTIONS 25
7 Goal 5: Monitor the effectiveness of the Rural Roadside Management Plan 26
7.1 Introducingthemonitoringandeffectivenessgoal 26
7.2 ImplementationPlan 26
7.3 Monitoringandreporting 26
7.4 Strategicactionplan 27
References 32
Appendix1:Stakeholderreferencegroupmembers 33
Appendix2:LocalruralroadsintheShireofCorangamite 35
Appendix3:Relevantlegislation 36
Appendix4:Managementguidelines 38
Appendix5:Decisionflowchart–selectingshouldertreatments 42
Appendix6:Conservationvaluemappingonruralroadsides 43
Appendix7:Decisionflowchart–settingprioritiesforweedcontrol 44
Appendix8:Glossaryandacronyms 45
TorquayOffice:
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Executive Summary
A. IntroductionTheCorangamiteRuralRoadsideManagementPlanisthekeystrategicdocumentthatsetsthedirectionof
ruralroadsidemanagementwithinthemunicipalityoverthenextfouryears.
Therearefourpartstothisplan,comprising:
• PartA: Introduction
• PartB: RuralroadsidemanagementintheCorangamiteShire
• PartC: Goalsforruralroadsidemanagement
• PartD: Implementationthroughstrategicactions
B. Rural roadside management in the Corangamite Shire
The Corangamite Shire Council has a vision for rural roadside management:
Counciliscommittedtoworkwiththecommunityandrelevantstakeholderstocreateanetworkofroad
reservesthatprovideasafeenvironmentforvehiclemovementwhilerecognisingandprotectingthe
conservation,landscape,culturalandrecreationvaluesofruralroadsides.
CorangamiteShirehasatotalof2,630kmofsealedandunsealedroads.Thisincludes2,205kmoflocal
roadsthataremanagedbyCounciland425kmofarterialroadsthataremanagedbyVicRoads.TheRural
RoadsideManagementPlanwillcoverlocalruralroadsonly.
Propermanagementofruralroadsidesdemandsmultipleobjectivestobefulfilled.Thereareconflicts
betweenoftencompetingobjectivesofroadandroadsidemanagementandstakeholderswilltendtohave
differentviewsonhowbesttomanagetheseconflicts.Theplanprovidesaframeworkforallstakeholdersto
understandtheirresponsibilitiesandcollaboratewherenecessarytoensurebalancedoutcomes.
C. Goals for rural roadside managementTheCorangamiteShireCouncilhassetfivegoalsforruralroadsidemanagement.Theyare:
Goal 1: Maintain a safe local road network.
Asafelocalroadnetworkisoneinwhichroadsidesarewellmaintainedandsafeforroadusers.Atthe
sametime,conservationandothervaluesareretainedandwhereverpossible,enhanced.Councilneeds
toworktoensurevegetationismanagedtomaintainsightlinesandimproveroutinedrainageandpavement
maintenance.
Goal 2: Protect natural and heritage assets.
Protectingnaturalandheritageassetsmeansthatroadsidesaremanagedtoprotecttheirwidervaluesand
thereisimprovedstakeholderandcommunityawarenessofnaturalandheritageassets.Thus,Council
willworkwiththecommunityandroadsideuserstoimprovebiodiversityconservationandenhancement,
manageinvasiveplantsandanimals,andprotectAboriginalandnonAboriginalheritageassets.
Goal 3: Manage third party access.
Managingthirdpartyaccessmeansensuringthereisaccessforallroadsideusersandresponsibilitiesare
knownandaccepted,andrisksaremitigated.Thirdpartyaccessincludesnecessaryfirepreventionworks
andappropriateaccessforutilityandserviceproviders,adjoininglandholders,andrecreationalusers.
Councilwillworkwithallofthesestakeholderstoensureappropriateaccesswhilstmaintainingasaferoad
networkandprotectingnaturalandheritageassets.
i
Goal 4: Provide leadership and promote the value and function of rural roadsides.
Councilaimstobealeaderingoodroadsidemanagement.Itrecognisesthatpromotingthewidervalue
andfunctionofroadsidesmeanslessdamagingactivitiesandbetteroutcomesfortheenvironment.Thus,
Councilwillworktoimprovecommunityawarenessofthevalueandfunctionofruralroadsidesanddevelop
co-operativepracticeswithallstakeholders.
D. Implementation through strategic actions
Goal 5: Monitor the effectiveness of the Rural Roadside Management Plan.
Councilwantaruralroadsidemanagementplanthatisaccountableandeffective.Thus,achievementand
progresswillbemeasuredagainstthegoalsandactionsoftheplan.Theactionsdevelopedundereach
goalarelistedinthissection(attheendofthedocument)andincludearesponsiblepersonandindicative
timetable.Councilwillprepareanannualimplementationplan,whichwillarticulatehowthismanagement
planwillbeimplementedinthatyear.Progressagainstthegoalswillbeevaluatedthroughthisannual
planningprocessandattheendofthefour-yearlifeofthisplan.
ii
PART AIntroducing the Rural Roadside Management Plan
RoadsideFuelReductionBurn 1
PART B RURAL ROADSIDE MANAGEMENT IN THE CORANGAMITE SHIRE
• Vision• Scope• Achievingbalancedactions• Goalsofruralroadsidemanagement
PART D IMPLEMENTATION THROUGH STRATEGIC ACTIONS
• Monitortheeffectivenessoftheplan• Strategicactionplan
1 IntroductionTheCorangamiteRuralRoadsideManagementPlanisthekeystrategicdocumentthatsetsthedirectionofruralroadsidemanagementwithinthemunicipalityoverthenextfouryears.TheplanidentifiesCouncil’sstatutoryobligationsandalignsinternalworksprogramswiththestrategicobjectivesofCouncil’soverarchingCouncilPlan2009–2013.TheRuralRoadsideManagementPlanalsosetsprioritiesinroadsidemanagementandoutlinesstrategicactionsthatwilloccuroveritsduration(2012–2016).
IndicatorsofperformanceinroadsidemanagementhavebeenidentifiedthatwillenableCounciltoachievetheirstrategicobjectivesinrelationtomaintainingroadinfrastructuretoitscurrentstandard,whilstmakingimprovementsinsafetyandshowingleadershipingoodenvironmentalandsustainabilitypractices.Councilproposestoworkwithallcommunity,agencyandorganisationalstakeholderswithaninterestinruralroadsidemanagement.
1.1 Structure of the PlanTherearefourpartstothisplan,comprising:
Part A: Introduction
Part B: Rural roadside management in the Corangamite Shire
Part C: Goals for rural roadside management
Part D: Implementation through strategic actions
PartAprovidesbackgroundinformationandoutlinesthepurposeandstructureoftheplan.PartBprovidesastatementonthevisionandscopeoftheplanandsummarisesthegeneralprinciplesforachievingbalancedactiononruralroadsides.PartCprovidesdetailedinformationonthegoalsofruralroadsidemanagementandPartDoutlineshowtheplanwillbeimplementedandliststhestrategicactionsthatwillachievetheCorangamiteShireCouncil’sobjectivesforruralroadsidemanagement.
PART A INTRODUCTION
• Structureoftheplan• Planpurposeandreview
PART C GOALS OF RURAL ROADSIDE MANAGEMENT
• Maintainasafelocalroadnetwork• Protectnaturalandheritageassets• Managethirdpartyaccess• Provideleadershipandpromotethe
valueandfunctionofruralroadsides
Figure1.1StructureoftheRuralRoadsideManagementPlan
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1.2 Plan purpose and reviewPurpose of the plan
TheRuralRoadsideManagementPlanneedstointegratelegislation,policiesandprogramsrelevanttoroadsidemanagementinaneasilyunderstandableandworkableformatforCouncilstaffandcommunitymemberstouseandunderstand.
Theplanisastrategicratherthanprescriptivedocument.Thiswillhelptoretainitsrelevanceoverthefullfour-yearsofplanimplementation.CouncilwilldevelopanimplementationplantoaccompanytheRuralRoadsideManagementPlan,whichwillspecifyannualactionstoimplementthePlan’sstrategicactions.
Therehavebeenseveralrecentchangeswithrelevancetoroadsidemanagementthathavebeenconsideredinthedevelopmentofthisplan.Theseincluderecommendationsfromthe2009VictorianBushfireRoyalCommission,recentlistingsofprotectedvegetationcommunitiesundertheCommonwealthEnvironmentalProtectionandBiodiversityConservationAct1999andchangesintheinterpretationoftheVictorianCatchmentandLandProtectionAct1994,regardingresponsibilityforweedsonlocalroadsides.
Theplanwillaimtoguidethemanagementofruralroadsidesto:
• Maintain and enhance the safe and efficient function of rural roads–withattentiontodrainageandsightlines,forexample.
• Protect and enhance the function and values of rural roadsides–withattentiontopreservingenvironmental,heritageandrecreationalvaluesandassets.
• Manage risks on roadsides–withattentiontoweedinvasion,utilityandservicesprovision,firepreventionandroadmaintenancepractices.
• Meet Council’s legislative responsibilities –withattentiontomultipleActsofParliamenttodowitharangeofmatters,forexample,nativevegetationprotection,fireprevention,emergencymanagementandroadsafety.
• Promote the value and function of roadsides to the community–througheducationonmattersincludingtimberremovalforfirewood,grazinganddrovingoflivestock.
Development and review of the plan
Councilchoseafacilitativecommunityengagementprocesstodeveloptheplaninordertoallowwiderstakeholderinvolvementinthedevelopmentofpracticallocalstrategiestoachievetheplan’saims.
Aspartoftheircommitmenttoengagingwiththecommunity,CouncilestablishedaStakeholderReferenceGroupwithmembershipfromkeystate,regionalandlocalagenciesandorganisationswithaninterestinruralroadsidemanagementandfifteencommunityrepresentatives(refertoAppendix1foralistofmembers).Thisgroupprovided:
• Adviceabouttheissues,strategiesandactionstobeincludedinthePlanthroughtwoworkshopsessions.
• CommentsonaDiscussionPaperthatprecededthedevelopmentoftheDraftplan.
CouncilalsocommittedtwoformalperiodsofpubliccommentduringthedevelopmentofthePlan.
1. AdiscussionpaperwasondisplayforcommunitycommentduringJuly2011.
2. TheDraftRuralRoadsideManagementPlanwasondisplayduringOctoberandNovember2011.
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PART BRural Roadside Management in the Corangamite Shire
RoutineRoadMaintenance4
2 Rural roadside management in the Corangamite Shire
2.1 VisionTheCorangamiteShireCouncilhasavisionforruralroadsidemanagement:
Counciliscommittedtoworkwiththecommunityandrelevantstakeholderstocreateanetworkofroadreservesthatprovideasafeenvironmentforvehiclemovementwhilerecognisingandprotectingtheconservation,landscape,culturalandrecreationvaluesofruralroadsides.
2.2 Scope CorangamiteShirehasatotalof2,630kmofsealedandunsealedroads.Thisincludes2,205kmoflocalroadsthataremanagedbyCounciland425kmofarterialroadsthataremanagedbyVicRoads.
TheRuralRoadsideManagementPlanwillcoverlocalruralroadsonly(RefertoAppendix2foramapoftheseroads).MainroadsandhighwaysmanagedbyVicRoads,unusedroadreserves,andpublicroadsmanagedbytheDepartmentofSustainabilityandEnvironmentandParksVictoria(withinForestandNationalPark)arenotcoveredbythisplan.
2.3 Achieving balanced actionsPropermanagementofruralroadsidesdemandsmultipleobjectivestobefulfilled.Thereareconflictsbetweenoftencompetingobjectivesofroadandroadsidemanagementandstakeholderswilltendtohavedifferentviewsonhowbesttomanagetheseconflicts.Council’sRuralRoadsideManagementPlanwillprovidedirectiononhowtoachieveabalancebetweenstakeholderperspectives.
What is a roadside?
Theroadreservecomprisesthelandfromfencelinetofenceline.Theroadformationandtheroadsidearewithinthereserve,asindicatedinFigure2-1below.
Figure2-1Illustrationoftheroadreservecomprisingtheroadformationandroadside
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Theroadformationconsistsofformedpavementlayers,awearingcourse(eithersealedorunsealed)anditsdrainagesystem(usuallyatabledrainoneithersideoftheformation).Theroadsideisthelandfromtheupsideortopofthetabledraintothefencelineoftheadjoiningproperty.
Thisishowever,anidealisedillustrationoftheroadreserveandacrosstheruralroadnetworkmanyoftheseelementswillvaryaccordingtoterrainandothernaturalenvironmentalfeatures.
Forexample:
• Tabledrainsarenotalwaysreadilydefined,especiallyinveryflatterrain.
• Therecouldbeeithercutorfillbattersand/orembankmentsincloseproximitytotheroadformation.
• Theroadsidewillsupportcombinationsofexoticandnativevegetation,ofvaryingstructure,includingdifferentheightsanddensitiesofplantcommunities.
• Theboundaryoftheroadreservemayalsobedifficulttodefine,particularlywhereitadjoinspublicland,suchasNationalParksorStateforestareas.
Therearemarkedchangesintopographyandrainfallbetweenthenorthandsouthofthemunicipality.Movingsouthwards,theterraingenerallybecomessteeperandrainfallincreasesleadingtomoreprolificvegetativegrowth.Therefore,ruralroadsidesinthesouthoftheShirerequireahigherintensityofmaintenance.
Thesefactorsinconjunctionwithroadclassification(anddesiredmaintenancestandards)willaffectdecisionsaboutappropriatemanagementoftheroadformationandroadside.
Roles and responsibilities
Theroadnetworkincludesavarietyofdifferentconstructiontypes,rangingfromminornaturalsurfaces(orunformedroads)tohighusebitumenroads.Theseroadsalsovaryinownershipandmanagementresponsibilitydependingontheirclassification.Fourmajorhighwaysandnumerousmainroads(includingtouristroads)aremanagedbyVicRoads,someofwhicharecurrentlybeingmaintainedundercontractbyCouncil.TheDepartmentofSustainabilityandEnvironmentandParksVictoriaalsomanagesunleasedunusedroadsandroadswithinforestsandNationalParks.
TheCorangamiteShirehasresponsibilityforthemanagementoflocalroads,includingroadsides.Councilalongwithvariousotheragencies,organisationsandindividualshavearangeoflegislativeresponsibilitiesunderdifferentActsandRegulations(StateandCommonwealth)whenworkingonroadsides.TheseotherpartiesincludetheCountryFireAuthority(CFA),DepartmentofPrimaryIndustries(DPI),DepartmentofSustainabilityandEnvironment(DSE),serviceproviders(e.g.Telstra,Powercor)andlandholders.AsummaryofthemainpiecesofCommonwealthandStategovernmentlegislationthatcanimpactonroadsidemanagementisprovidedinAppendix3.
Theplanprovidesaframeworkforallstakeholderstounderstandtheirresponsibilitiesandcollaboratewherenecessarytoensurebalancedoutcomes.Itisasourcedocumentthatprovidesguidancetoaffectedpartieswhenmanagingcompetingobjectivesandprioritiesinruralroadsidemanagement.
Council’s role in advocating for legislative change
TheCorangamiteShireCouncilhasaroleinadvocatingforlegislativechangethatwillleadtobalancedroadsidemanagement(forexample,strategies1.1seekingwiderexemptionsforworkswithinthemaintenanceenvelopeand3.10onfencelineclearing).Thisplanhasaroleinprovidingavoiceandsupportingtheneedforlegislativechangeinsomeareasofroadsidemanagement.
Users of the plan
TheCorangamiteShireinpartnershipwiththecommunityandkeyagencyandorganisationalstakeholdershasdevelopedthisplan.Theplanwillbereadandusedbyawiderangeofstakeholderswithaninterestinroadsidemanagement.Thiswillincludebutnotbelimitedto,Councilstaffaswellasserviceandutilityproviders,CFApersonnelandcommunitymembers,includingadjoininglandholders.
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2.4 Goals of rural roadside managementTheCorangamiteShireCouncilhassetfivegoalsforruralroadsidemanagement.Theyare:
Goal 1: Maintain a safe local road network
Goal 2: Protect natural and heritage assets
Goal 3: Manage third party access
Goal 4: Provide leadership and promote the value and function of rural roadsides
Goal 5: Monitor the effectiveness of the Rural Roadside Management Plan.
Thesegoalsareinclusiveofthewiderangeofroadsidemanagementissuesandobjectivesofdifferentstakeholdergroups.Figure22onthefollowingpageprovidesanoutlineofthemainelementswithineachgoal.
ThefollowingsectionprovidesthestrategicdirectionforruralroadsidemanagementundereachofthePlan’sgoals.Themainelementsofeachgoalaredescribedandtheareaswherethereispotentialforcompetingobjectivesandissuesarepresented.Strategiesfortheachievementofbalancedoutcomesandareasofcollaborationbetweenstakeholdersarealsoidentified.
PrescriptivemanagementguidelinesforsomeoftheimportantareasofruralroadsidemanagementareprovidedinAppendix4.
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PART CGoals of Rural Roadside Management
Nativegrassesonaroadside9
What are the issues?
Thereisatensionbetweennativevegetationremovaltorestoretrafficsightdistancesandthedrainagefunctionsoftheroad,andtheprotectionandenhancementofnativevegetation.Thisisespeciallyevidentwherevegetationcompriseshighconservationcommunitiessupportingthreatenedspecies.
TherearealsocompetingprioritiesforCouncilslimitedworksbudgetthatwillmaximisethebenefitsfromroutineworksprograms.Communityexpectationsondesiredmaintenancelevelsareraisedfollowingwetperiodsandfloodeventsbecausetherisksfromresultingvegetationgrowthisheightened.
3.2 Legislative context to vegetation removalNativevegetationremovalisregulatedthroughCouncilslocalplanningscheme.Section12.01oftheVictorianPlanningProvisions,providesanoverarchingpolicyframeworkfornativevegetationmanagement.ConservationofbiodiversityacrossVictoriais‘tenureblind’makingitrelevantandofconcernforalllevelsofgovernment,andprivateindividualsandorganisations.Theobjectivesforlocalplanningauthoritiesinclude:
• Assistintheprotectionofconservationvaluesofnationalparksandconservationreserves.
• Assistintheconservationofthehabitatsofthreatenedandendangeredspeciesandcommunities(forexamplePlainsGrassland).
• Addresspotentiallythreateningprocesses.
• Assistinthereestablishmentoflinksbetweenisolatedhabitatremnants.
• Applythethree-stepprocess(asdescribedintheVictorianNativeVegetationFramework).
Step 1. AVOID adverse impacts on native vegetation
Step 2: MINIMISE impacts through consideration of the Planning Process
Step 3: Identify appropriate OFFSET options
Undersection52.17oftheVictorianPlanningProvisions,aplanningpermitisrequiredtoremove,lopordestroynativevegetationunlessarelevantexemptionapplies.RefertotheCorangamiteshire’splanningschemeforguidance:
http://planningschemes.dpcd.vic.gov.au/corangamite/home.html
AdjoininglandholdersandothersworkingontheroadsidemustcontactCounciltodeterminepermitrequirementsbeforeremovingortrimmingnativevegetationontheroadside.
Safe RoadsRoadsidesarewellmaintainedandsafeforroadusers.Atthesametime,conservationandothervaluesareretainedandwhereverpossible,enhanced.
3
3.1 Introducing the safe roads goal
What is the goal?
TheCorangamiteShireCounciliscommittedtoensuringthatlocalroadsmeetdesignatedqualityandperformancestandardsandprovideservicelevels(intermsofsafetyandefficiency)thatmeettheneedsofthecommunity.Roadmaintenancestandardsvaryacrossthenetworkaccordingtoriskfactorsincluding:natureandvolumeoftraffic,operatingspeed,susceptibilityofassetstodeterioration,costeffectivenessofrepairs,andcompetingprioritiesforfunding(CorangamiteShire,2009).
Council’sgoalistomaintainroadstotheircurrentstandardwhilstmakingimprovementsinsafetywhereverpossible.Maintenanceandconstructionactivities(byallpartiesinternalandexternaltoCouncil)aretobecarriedoutaccordingtobestpracticeoperatingprinciplestoensurethattheriskandimpactofenvironmentaldamageonruralroadsidesisminimised.
Goal 1: Maintain a safe local road network
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CouncilmanagesnativevegetationremovalonruralroadsidesinaccordancewithawrittenagreementwithDSEthatsitsunderthelocalgovernmentpublicroadsexemption.TheexemptioncomprisesamendmentVC49toClause52.17oftheVictoriaPlanningProvisions(VPP)andwasgazettedinSeptember2010.Thisamendmentprovidesforaprocesswherethereisarangeofexemptworksthatcanbeundertakeninordertomaintainthesafeandefficientfunctionofroadswithoutapplicationforaplanningpermitforvegetationremoval.ManagingNativeVegetationonRoadsides–aguideforimplementingagreementsundertheLocalGovernmentPublicRoadsexemption(DSE2009),outlinesasharedapproachbetweenDSE,theMunicipalAssociationofVictoria(MAV)andlocalgovernmentauthoritiestoprovideacommonunderstandingofhowtheexemptionwillbeimplementedbyDSEandCouncils.
Underthisagreementandcurrentregulations,restrictionsremain,andCouncilisrequiredtonotifyDSEpriortovegetationremovalsandtokeeprecords(exceptforloppingandtrimmingwherelessthanonethirdofthecanopyisremoved)andreportannuallytoDSE.Offsetsarenotrequiredfortheseremovals,butmaybevolunteeredbyCounciltorecogniseandmitigatelosses.
Therearetwomainareasofruralroadsidemaintenancewherenativevegetationremovalisrequiredtomaintainasafelocalroadnetwork.Thesearedrainageandpavementmaintenance,andrestorationoftrafficsightlines.
3.3 Drainage and pavement maintenance (routine)Bothresourcingofandtheneedfordrainagemaintenancewerereducedduringtheprolongeddroughtandoverthattimebothexoticandnativevegetationre-establishedintabledrains.Manydrainshavebecomeinoperableandtheroadnetworkhasbeenexperiencingpoordrainageproblemsduringhighrainfallperiods.
Themaindrainageandpavementmaintenanceissuesare:
• Blocked drains and outlets due to excessive vegetative growth–leadingtofailureofwearingcourseandpavementlayers.
• Native vegetation in drains–theremovalof10yearsorolderregrowth(nativespecies)issubjecttoStategovernmentnativevegetationcontrols.
• Drainage onto roadsides–drainagefromadjoininglandontoroadsidescannotbeaccommodatedwhendrainsarenotoperatingeffectively.Changesinfarmingpractices,suchasraisedbedcropping,hasincreasedthevolumesofwaterdrainingintoroadsides,insomecasescausingfailureofdrainsanderosion.
• Drainage into adjoining properties-roadsidedrainagecanbeimpededwherefarmingactivitiesorinadequatemaintenancehaschokeddrainageoutfalls.
• Road safety-iscompromisedwhenroadsdeteriorateduetopoordrainage(potholesinwearingsurface,basefailure,steepedgebreaks,softshoulders,subsidence,roadsideandpavementscouring).
Councilstaffwillapplytheconceptsofassetvalueandrisktodeterminethemostappropriatemeansofcontrollingvegetationindrains.AdecisiontreetoassistwithtreatmentselectionisprovidedinAppendix5.
3.4 Vegetation control to restore sightlinesDuringhighrainfallyearstherearehighgrowthratesinroadsidevegetationthatrequireadditionalmaintenancetorestoresightdistancestoensurethesafetyofroadusers.Forexample,prolificexoticgrassgrowthandaneedfortrimmingandremovalofoverhangingbranches.
Themainsightlinerestorationandvegetationcontrolissuesare:
• Road safety across the local network–iscompromisedwhendesignsightdistancesarenotmaintainedthroughtimelytrimmingorremovalofroadsidevegetation.
• Driveway and other access points–needtobemaintainedtoensuresafeentryandexitfromthecarriageway.
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3.5 Strategies in maintaining a safe local road network
Strategiesfortheachievementofbalancedoutcomeshavebeenidentifiedasfollows:
1. CouncilwilladvocatetoDSEforareviewofthelocalgovernmentpublicroadsexemptiontoincludeall maintenanceworkswithinthedefinedmaintenanceenvelope,includingtheroad’sdrainagesystem.
2. CouncilwillworkwithDSEtostreamlineadministrativeprocessesformeetingnativevegetation requirementsofprojectsthatarenotcoveredbytheexemption,ensuringthatminimumextent requirementsaremete.g.approvedoffsetmanagementplans
3. Councilwillworkwithlandholderstoensurethatroaddrainsintoprivatepropertyandnaturalwater coursesaremaintainedanddrainagefromprivatelanddoesnotadverselyimpactonroaddrains.4. Wherepossible,Councilwillintegratemajordrainagemaintenanceworkswithplannednon-routine roadupgrades.
5. Councilwilldevelopadecisionsupporttooltoassistwithsettingprioritiesforschedulingdrainage maintenanceworksaswellasimplementingproactivemaintenanceprograms.
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4 Goal 2: Protect natural and heritage assets
4.1 Introducing the assets protection goal
What is the goal?
Nativevegetationremainingonprivatelandishighlyfragmentedandusuallyoccursasisolatedandsmallremnants.Remnantsareoftenofpoorqualitywithlimiteddiversitywheretheylackunderstoryandgroundlitter.Inmanyinstances,theyaredepletedanddegraded,howevertheseareascanalsoprovidecriticalhabitatforvulnerableandendangeredspecies.
Threatstonativevegetationandbiodiversityconditionsonruralroadsidesaremanyandvaried.Theseincludebutarenotlimitedtodisturbancefrom:
• Sprayingherbicides,ploughingandgradingfirebreaks,mowingandslashing,spreadingweedsbymachinery.
• Installationandmaintenanceofservices,roadupgradeandrealignment.
• Weedinvasionfromadjoiningproperties(publicandprivate).
• Unauthorisedfirewoodcollectionandrubbishdumping.
• Croppingandploughing,grazingbylivestock.
Themajorityofthesearealsothreatstoheritageassets.Therearealsothreatsposedbyinvasiveplantsandanimalsonruralroadsides,whichthreatenbothbiodiversityvaluesandagriculturalassetsonadjoiningland.Council’sgoalistominimisethesethreatsthroughgoodcommunicationbetweenstakeholdersandbetterplanningofworks.
What are the issues?
Tensionsareevidentbetweenpreservationofnaturalandheritagevaluesandarangeofactivitiesoccurringonruralroadsides.Forexample,routinemaintenanceactivitiessuchasvegetationtrimmingandremovalto:restoresightdistances,reducefuelloadsandmaintaindrains,canallimpactbiodiversityandheritagevalues.Incrementallossescompoundovertime.Adjoininglandholdersneedtomaintainfencelinesandtheyarenotalwaysawareoftheconservationandheritagevaluesonparticularpartsofthenetwork.Utilityandserviceprovisionandmaintenancecanalsocauseincrementaldamageduetoexcessivesoildisturbanceandvegetationclearing.Utilityinstallations(forexample,buriedassets)canalsoalterthesoilprofileandchangethehydrologyonroadsides.
Natural and Heritage Assets ProtectedRoadsidesaremanagedtoprotecttheirwidervaluesandthereisimprovedstakeholderandcommunityawarenessofnaturalandheritageassets
conservationandothervaluesareretainedandwhereverpossible,enhanced.
TheCorangamiteShireCounciliscommittedtoensuringthatnaturalandheritageassetsonruralroadsidesareprotectedandwhereverpossibleenhanced.
Culturalheritagesitesonandadjacenttoruralroadsides,includeAboriginalsites,heritagestonewallsandsignificanttrees.OutsidelargerStatemanagedpubliclandareas,remainingnativevegetationoccursmainlyonruralroadsides.
Theycansupportcommunitiesofhighbiologicalsignificancesuchasthreatenedplantspeciesandhabitatsforthreatenedfauna.
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Thereisalackofrecognitionand/ortrainingwithregardtotheimportanceofpreservingAboriginalheritage.Thereisalsoanabsenceofaclearprocessformaintenancecrewsandutilityproviderstofollowpriortoundertakingworks;especiallyinareaswheretherearehighvalueassets.Resourcingforweedcontrolisgenerallyinsufficienttomeetcommunityexpectationsonthedesiredlevelofcontrolandthereisongoinguncertaintyaboutresponsibilitiesforweedcontrolonlocalroads.Therearealsodifferencesinopinionaboutthemostdamagingweedspeciesintermsofwhichonesshouldbecontrolledandwhere.
Thesetensionsareespeciallyevidentwhereactivitiesareoccurringonruralroadsideswherevegetationcompriseshighconservationvaluecommunitiessupportingthreatenedspeciesorwheretherearehighlyvaluedheritageassets.
Councilsarenowresponsiblefortheissuingofpermitsforfirewoodcollectiononlocalroadsides.CorangamiteShireCouncilcurrentlydoesnotissueanypermitsforfirewoodcollectiononroadsides.
4.2 Biodiversity protection and enhancementVictoria’sNativeVegetationManagementFramework(DSE2002)isintegraltotheStateGovernment’spolicyonvegetationmanagement.Theoverarchinggoaloftheframeworkistoachieveareversalinthedeclineintheextentandqualityofnativevegetationleadingtoanetgaininnativevegetation.‘NetGain’istheoutcomewhereoverallgainsaregreaterthanoveralllosses(assessedbyacombinedquality-quantity‘habitat-hectare’measure)andwhereindividuallossesofnativevegetationareavoidedwherepossible.
Inpractice,Council’sapplicationofthe‘NetGain’principlemeansretainingexistingnativevegetationandavoidingclearancewhereverfeasible.Whereremovalisunavoidable,Councilaimstominimisedisturbanceandwherenecessaryadministersuitableoffsets.Sincetheintroductionoftheframeworkin2002,CouncilisrequiredtodocumentallclearingofnativevegetationthathasoccurredunderpermitonCouncilland.ThisformsthebasisforCouncil’snativevegetationoffsetsregister.
TheCCMA’sCorangamiteNativeVegetationPlan2005–2008isavaluableresourceforCouncilinthemanagementofnativevegetationonroadsides.TherearethreebioregionsintheCorangamiteshire.Theseare:OtwayPlain,WarramboolPlainandVictorianVolcanicPlain.Allthreebioregionsareextensivelyclearedandmodified,withlessthat30%,20%,and15%ofnativevegetationremaining,respectively(VEAC2010).
RoadsidereservesontheWesternPlains(ofwhichCorangamiteisapart)arereportedtobehometo45%ofremaininggrasslandsites,and25%ofallplantspecieslistedundertheVictorianFloraandFaunaGuaranteeAct1988.
TherearealsoCommonwealthEnvironmentProtectionandBiodiversityConservation(EPBC)Act1999listedthreatenedcommunitiesresidingwithintheShire.Theseinclude:
• GrassyEucalyptWoodlandoftheVictorianVolcanicPlain
• NaturalTemperateGrasslandoftheVictorianVolcanicPlain
TheseencompassthePlainsGrasslandandPlainsGrassyWoodlandcommunities,whicharelistedascriticallyendangered,andamatterofnationalenvironmentalsignificanceundertheEPBCAct.
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Ruralroadsidesinthemunicipalityhavebeenassessedtodeterminepredominantvegetationtypesandtheirenvironmentalsignificance.Conservationvalueshavebeenassignedacrossthenetworkandmapped(ashigh,mediumandlowvalue)toassistwithplanningworksintheShire(Appendix6).Thismappinghasbeendoneusinga‘windscreenanalysis’techniquethatwasdevelopedbytheRoadsideConservationAdvisoryCommittee.
Themainbiodiversityprotectionandenhancementissuesare:
• Roadsidessupportvaluablebiodiversity–protectedundervariousStateandCommonwealthlegislation.
• Conservationvaluesaremapped–howeverconditionchangesarelargelynotmonitored.
• Roadsidemaintenancepractices–needtobeundertakeninamannerthatminimisesdisturbancetoindigenousvegetationandspreadofweeds.
• Intrusionofweedsandrabbits–ontoroadsidesfromadjoiningprivateandpublicland.
• Poorcommunicationofconservationvalues–toallroadsideusersandotherstakeholdersinthecommunity.
4.3 Invasive plants and animalsInvasiveplantsandanimalsthreatenland,waterandbiodiversityintheCorangamiteShire.Theypresentthreatstoprimaryproduction,nativefloraandfauna,andtherecreationandamenityofCouncilownedandmanagedlandassets.
AlllandmanagersandmembersofthecommunityhavearoletoplayincontrollinginvasiveplantsandanimalsintheShire.DPItakestheleadroleonmostprivatelandwhileDSEhastheleadroleonpublicland,particularlyforthemanagementofparksandreservesthroughParksVictoria.UndertheCatchmentandLandProtectionAct1994(CaLPAct),CouncilasalandmanagerforCouncil-managedreserveshasalegalresponsibilityto:“eradicateregionallyprohibitedweeds;andpreventthegrowthandspreadofregionallycontrolledweeds;andpreventthespreadof,andasfaraspossibleeradicate,establishedpestanimals.”
AtthetimethatthisPlanwasdeveloped,theresponsibilityforcontrollingweedsandpests(particularlyrabbits)onroadsideswasbeingreviewedbytheStateGovernment.AroadsideweedsandpestsworkingpartywasappointedbytheMinisterofAgricultureandFoodSecuritytoexaminetheresponsibilitiesforoperationalmanagementofinvasiveplantsandanimalsandfundingforsuchactivities.
Inlate2011theworkingpartyproducedareportwithrecommendationsfortheMinistersconsideration.Someoftheserecommendationsincluded:
• Localgovernmentshouldberesponsibleforregionallycontrolledweedsandrabbitsonlocalroadswith thecostssharedbetweenstateandlocalgovernment.
• Localgovernmentobligationsformanagingregionallycontrolledweedsandrabbitsshouldbelimited whereitmeetsthefollowingcriteria:
o Sustainedcommunityledactionbyanappropriatelyrecognisedgroupismakingprogress inmanagingtargetedregionallycontrolledweedsorrabbitsinadefinedgeographic location.
o Weedmanagementonmunicipalroadsidesisneededtomeetobjectivesofthiscommunity ledgroupand/ormunicipalroadsidesrepresentasignificantpathwayofspreadforthe targetedregionallycontrolledweedsofrabbits.
o Stateandregionalprioritiesarebeingappropriatelyaddressed,includingtheneedto containpriorityspeciesandtoprotectkeyassetsbothonmunicipalroadsidesandinthe surroundingprivateandpublicland.
o Communityledactionisclearlyproducingpublicbenefit.
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• CouncilsshoulddevelopaRoadsideWeedandRabbitControlPlanasameasuretominimise roadsidesasasourceforweedandrabbitproblems.
• Undertheproposedfundingmodel,itisrecommendedthatstategovernmentprovideabaselevel offundingtoeachCouncilforimplementationoftheirRoadsideWeedandRabbitControlPlan. AdditionallevelsoffundingwillbeavailabletoCouncilsaccordingtotheCouncil’sfinancialstress.
• ItshouldbelegislatedthatCouncilwillmeetitsobligationsundertheCaLPAct1994whereitdevelops andimplementsaRoadsideWeedandRabbitControlPlan.
• Stategovernmentshouldberesponsibleforstateprohibitedweeds.
• Stategovernmentshouldberesponsibleforregionallyprohibitedroadsides,withlocalgovernment responsiblefortheonsitemanagementoftheseweeds(fundedbystategovernment).
TheMinisteriscurrentlyconsideringtheworkingparty’srecommendations.
Alistofweedsandtheirclassificationscanbefoundathttp://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/agriculture/pests-diseases-and-weeds/weeds/invasive-plants/weed-classification-victoria.
Figure 4 1 Generalised invasion curve for invasive plants and animals
DPIhasadoptedabiosecurityapproachtoinvasiveplantsandanimalscontrolinVictoria.Thisapproachemphasisesthatpreventionanderadicationofnewandemerginghigh-riskspecieswillgenerallybemorecost-effectivethanmanaginganinvasivespeciesonceithasbecomewidelyestablished.A‘generalisedinvasioncurve’(Figure41)illustratesfourapproachestoinvasiveplantsandanimalsmanagement:prevention,eradication,containmentandassetbasedprotection.
Prevention,eradicationandcontainmentmeasuresareusedbeforeatargetspeciesiswidespreadandgenerallyappliestoweedsthataredeclared(undertheCaLPAct)asStateorregionallyprohibitedweeds.TheCorangamiteCatchmentManagementAuthority(CCMA)hasrecentlyreleaseditsInvasivePlantsandAnimals(IPA)Strategythatidentifieshigh-riskpestthreatstovaluableregionalassetswithintheregion(CCMA,2010).
Whenaninvasivespeciesisabundantandwidespread,themostcosteffectiveapproachistoprotectpriorityassets.Assetsincludethingslikerecreationalparkland,waterwayfrontages,wetlands,areasofagriculturalland,parkswithhighculturalorhistoricalsignificanceorstandsofintactnativevegetation.AdoptinganassetprotectionapproachmeansthatprioritiescanbesetamongthemanyCouncilmanagedassetsthreatenedbyinvasiveplantsandanimals.
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Councilstaffwillapplytheconceptsofassetvalueandrisktorankruralroadsideassetsinorderofpriorityforweedcontrol.AdecisiontreeforprioritisingroadsideweedcontrolintheShireisprovidedinAppendix7.
Themaininvasiveplantsandanimalsissuesare:
• Managementofweeds(controlandprevention)isasharedresponsibility–thatrequirescooperationbetweenallruralroadsideusersandadjoininglandmanagers.
• InterpretationoftheCaLPAct–responsibilityforroadsideweedcontrolisunclear.
• Roadsidesarehighrisk–duetotheirexposuretoadjoininglandusepracticesandinfestationfrompassingroadtransportandconstructionvehicles.
• Pestandanimalcontrolpractices–needtobeundertakeninamannerthatminimisesdisturbancetoindigenousvegetationandspreadofweeds.
• Prioritisingweedcontrol–accordingtoariskandassetvaluerating;firstlytargetingnewandemerginghighriskweedsandthentheprotectionofhighvalueassetssuchashighconservationvalueroadsides.
• Weedsposingroadmanagementrisks–thespreadofweedscanleadtohighermaintenancerequirementsandaheightenedfireandroadsafetyrisk.
4.4 Aboriginal and non Aboriginal heritageManyplacessuchashistoricsitesandstructures,Aboriginalplacesandtreeplantingsonandadjacenttoruralroadsidesholdsignificantculturalandnaturalvaluesforthelocalandbroadercommunity.Theseplacesneedtobeprotectedfromharm.Someplacesandsites,suchasstonewallfences,areprotectedthroughtheCorangamitePlanningSchemeandrequireparticularmanagement.SuchsitesareoftenlistedontheVictorianHeritageRegisterandareprotectedbytheHeritageAct1995.
TheAboriginalHeritageAct2006andaccompanyingAboriginalHeritageRegulations2007providefortheprotectionandmanagementofVictoria’sAboriginalculturalheritage.ThelegislationoutlinestherequirementsforAboriginalculturalheritagemanagementinVictoria.ThediscoveryoruncoveringofAboriginalculturalheritageonpublicorprivatelandisreportabletoAboriginalAffairsVictoriaforentryontheVictorianAboriginalHeritageRegister.
ThemainAboriginalandnonAboriginalheritageissuesare:
• Routineroadsidemaintenance–mayimpactonknownregisteredorpreviouslyunknownandunregisteredheritagesitesandplaces.
• Utilityandserviceprovisionandmaintenance–mayalsoharmheritagesitesandplaces.
• Needforapermitoramanagementplan–anAboriginalculturalheritagepermitisrequiredifanactivitywillorislikelyto,harmAboriginalculturalheritage.AnAboriginalculturalheritagemanagementplanisrequirediftheroadsideworkisinanareaofculturalheritagesensitivityandisahighimpactactivitythatisnotanexemptactivity.
• Anabsenceofprotocolsandeffectivecommunication–onappropriatemanagementofheritagesitesandAboriginalplacesbyvariousstakeholders.
Anunderstandingofthelegislativeandreportingrequirements,consultation,planningandriskassessmentmustbeundertakentoavoidharmtoheritage.
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4.5 Strategies in protecting natural and heritage assetsStrategiesfortheachievementofbalancedoutcomeshavebeenidentifiedasfollows:
Biodiversity conservation and enhancement
1. CouncilwillworkwithadjoininglandholdersandLandcaretosupportrevegetation/regenerationonthe roadsideoronadjoiningpropertieswhereappropriateandwhereitenhancesroadsidecorridors.
2. Councilwillinvestigateestablishingapermitsystemforfirewoodcollectionfromroadsideswith considerationtopotentialpublicliabilityissues.
3. Councilwillincreaseawarenessamongstcommunityandroadsideusersofallavailableinformationon roadsidebiodiversityvalues.
4. Councilwillmonitorroadsidevegetationconditionandidentifyhighestvaluebiologicalassetsin collaborationwithagencieswithexpertiseandresources.
5. CouncilwillworkwithDSEtoinvestigatetheuseofstrategicruralroadsidesfornativevegetation offsets.
Invasive plants and animals
6. CouncilwillcontrolweedsonroadsidesinaccordancewithAppendix7,workinginpartnershipwith othergovernmentorganisationsinvolvedininvasiveplantandanimalmanagement(DSE,DPI,Parks VicandtheCCMA)acrossalllandtenures.
7. Councilstaffwillbetrainedinrecognisinghigh-riskweedspeciesandhigh-riskpathwaysofentryand spreadofinvasivespeciese.g.adherencetoappropriatevehiclehygienepractices.
8. CouncilwillworkwithDPItoraiseawarenessabouttheriskofnewhighriskweedspeciesbeing introducedviafoddercomingintotheregion,particularlyduringorfollowingemergencieslikedrought orfire.
9. Councilwilltrainstaffinrabbitandweedidentificationandconductcommunityweedidentification andcontroltrainingprogramstominimisetheintroductionofnewhighriskspeciesandincreasethe likelihoodthattheywillbedetectedearly.
10. Councilwillsupportpartnershipswithlandholdergroupsandotheragencies(i.e.ParksVictoria)to undertakeweedandrabbitcontrole.g.fundingincentivesforlandholders,whereappropriate.
11. Councilwillmaproadsideweedinfestationsandtheirtreatmentinpartnershipwithcommunitygroups andrelevantagencies(i.e.DPI)
12. Councilwilldeveloparegisterofknowncertifiedorganicpropertiesandwherepossible,avoidroadside sprayingadjoiningtheseproperties.
Aboriginal and non Aboriginal heritage assets
13. CouncilwillencourageallruralroadsideuserstoconsulttheAboriginalandnon-Aboriginalheritage registers(theVictorianAboriginalHeritageRegisterandtheVictorianHeritageRegister)forinformation aboutanyon-siteculturalheritagepriortoworkingontheroadsidetoensurenon-Aboriginalheritage sitesandAboriginalplacesarenotharmed.
14. Councilwillincreaseawarenessandconsistency,andfullyimplementestablishedprocessesforthe identification,reportingandmanagementofAboriginalplaces,inaccordancewithrelevantlegislation, onruralroadsidesintheShire.
15. Councilwillestablishasiteidentificationandmanagementprocessfornon-Aboriginalheritagesites.
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5 Goal 3: Manage third party access
5.1 Introducing the third party access goal
What is the goal?
• Communitygroups–includeLandcareandothergroupssuchas‘AdoptaRoadside’,whichcanbeinvolvedwithclean-upsandrevegetationprojects.
• Recreationalusers–roadsidetrails(designatedornot)usedbywalkers,cyclists,horseridersetc.Roadsidesalsohostwaysidestopareasforlongerdistancetravellers.
• Unauthorisedanduncontrolledworksinroadreservescanhaveseriousrisks.Someoftherisksthatrequiremanaginginclude:
• Safetyissues–forexample,utilityproviders,fireandotheremergencypersonnel,roadworkscrewsneedasafeworkingenvironment;riskscanbemitigatedbyappropriatesignageandfollowingotherprotocols.
• Nativevegetationdisturbance–forexample,clearingandsoildisturbancebyutilityprovidersandfarmersmaintainingboundaryfences;riskscanbeminimisedbyissuingofrelevantpermitsandworkingwithincodesofpractice.
• Easeofaccess–forexample,utilityproviderswillneedtomaintainassetsroutinelyandinanemergency.
• Roadsiderevegetationactivities–forexample,guidelinesneedtobefollowedonappropriatespeciesandsetbacks.
EffectivecommunicationandconsultationbetweenthirdpartyroadsideusersandCouncilwillminimiserisksandthefrequencyofunauthorisedworks.Council’sgoalisforallthirdpartyuserstohaveaccesstotheroadsideasnecessaryandtobeawareoftheirresponsibilitiessothatrisksaremitigated.
What are the issues?
Tensionsareevidentbetweenpreservationofnaturalandheritagevaluesandarangeofactivitiesbeingundertakenbythirdpartyusersofruralroadsides.Utilityandserviceproviders,forexample,wantclearaccesstotheirassets,whichcanmeannativevegetationremovalandsoildisturbance.Utilityassetscanalsobedamagedbyroadworks.Landholdersneedtomanagevegetationalongtheirfencelinesandthereissomelackofagreementonanappropriateclearzone.Emergencypersonnelandvehiclesusetheroadsideduringemergenciesandwantclearaccesswhereverpossible.Theriskofnegativeimpactsonbiodiversityfromfireprotectionworksishighandneedstobeproperlymanagedbyallparties.
Third Party AccessThereisaccessforallroadsideusersandresponsibilitiesareknownandaccepted.Risksaremitigated.
ThereisarangeofworksandactivitiesthatareundertakenbyathirdpartyratherthandirectlybyCouncil.Theseruralroadsideusersinclude:
• Utilityserviceprovidersandtheircontractors–installationandmaintenanceofservices(electricity,telecommunications,water,sewageandgas).
• Fireandotheremergencyservices–accesstopropertiesandfrontlinecontrol.
• Landholders–livestockdrovingandgrazing,machinerymovement,accesstoproperties,cattleunderpasses.
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5.2 Fire preventionSouth-westVictoriaisafireproneareaduetoahighaveragerainfallcontributingtohighfuelloadsalmosteveryyear.Ontheotherhand,extremeanddangerousfireriskisalsoassociatedwithpersistentlowrainfallandtheoccurrenceofhotdryconditions,coupledwithdepletedwatersuppliesincommunities.GrassfiresaremoreprevalentinthenorthernpartoftheShirewhereasforestfiresarealsoahighriskinthesouthernregions.
UnderSection43oftheCountryFireAuthorityAct1958itisCouncil’sresponsibilityto‘takeallpracticablestepstopreventtheoccurrenceoffireson,andminimisethedangerofthespreadoffiresonanyroadunderitscareandmanagement’.
TheCorangamiteShire’sMunicipalFirePreventionPlan2008–2011(lastamended2010)outlinesareasofresponsibilitybetweenstakeholders,afirepreventionandmitigationworksprogramanddocumentsanetworkofstrategicfiremanagementroadsthroughouttheShire.ThePlanarticulatesthat‘firepreventionisawholeofcommunityresponsibilityandnopersonorsingleorganisationcanexpectto,orbeexpectedto,assumefullresponsibility’.
FireprotectionworksareplannedinconjunctionwiththeMunicipalFirePreventionOfficerandCFARegionalOfficers,andallworksarecarriedoutinaccordancewiththeCorangamiteMunicipalFireProtectionPlan.
Councilissuespermitsforsomeroadsidegrazingforfirepreventionpurposes.Currently,permitsareonlyissuedforgrazingonruralroadsidesoflowconservationvalueduringthefiredangerperiod(1October–30April).Councildoesnotpermitgrazingonruralroadsidesoutsideofthesetimesduetopotentialdamagetotheroadsideduringthewettermonths,i.e.pugging.
Followingthehearingsatthe2009VictorianBushFiresRoyalCommission,newguidelines,RoadsideFireManagementWorks:CFAguidelinesandprocedures(CFA2010)provideaprocessforbrigadesandCFAAreastofollowwhenplanningnon-emergencyroadsidefiremanagementworks.Theyareintendedtoassistthosewithalegalresponsibilitytomaintainroads,byprovidingadviceandinformationonplanningeffectiveroadsidefiremanagement.AnamendmenttothePlanningScheme(VC83)wasalsogazettedinNovember2011,whichintroducesnewbushfireexemptionsforprivateland,publiclandandroadsides.
Themainfireprotectionissuesare:
• Fire prevention as a shared responsibility–thatrequirescooperationbetweenCouncil,allroadsideusers,theCFAandadjoininglandmanagers.
• Fire prevention works (grazing/slashing/spraying/maintaining fire breaks/cleaning up fallen timber)–cannegativelyimpactonnativevegetationandhabitatvalues.
• Differences in opinion–abouthowbesttomaintainroadsas‘relativelysafecorridors’intheeventofwildfire(e.g.toreducefuelloads,burningispreferableoversprayingwhichadverselyimpactsonnativespeciesandcanleadtoweedinfestationswhichcansubsequentlyincreasefuelloads).
• Plains Grassland & Plains Grassy Woodland native communities–requireregularburningtomaintainbiodiversity.
5.3 Utility and service provisionServiceprovidersincludeallutilitycompaniesthatdistributecommunications,water,sewer,electricityandgasservices.Thereisanintensiveprogramofgasexplorationandpipelinesintheregion.ConsultationwithCouncilisrequiredbeforeundertakinganyworksrelatedtoinstallationormaintenanceofservices(exceptinanemergency).Whereverpractical,utilitiesareencouragedtolocateservicesonlowconservationvalueruralroadsidesorclearedlandadjacenttoruralroadsides.
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ToensurethattheobjectivesofgoodroadsidemanagementaremetcommunicationbetweenserviceprovidersandCouncilneedstobeclearandeffective.Utilitycompaniesarerequiredtoobtainaplanningpermitwhenundertakingnewworks,however,theremovalofvegetationto‘theminimumextentofnativevegetationnecessarytomaintainutilityservices’isexemptunderClause52.17oftheVictorianPlanningProvisions.
Themainutilityandserviceprovisionissuesare:
• Communication between Council and providers–toensurethebestoutcomesforprotectionofnaturalandheritageassetsonruralroadsides.
• Working within an identified code of practice–thatfollowedbyallserviceproviders,withCouncilnotifiedofplannedworksonlocalroadsides.
5.4 Adjoining landholdersRuralroadsidesusuallytraversefarmingland,whichmeansthattherearepressuresfromtheactivitiesoflandholdersonadjoiningproperties.
Themainadjoininglandholdersissuesare:
• Stock movement or grazing –whenpoorlytimedormanaged,grazingcanhavehighrisks,forexample,causinggrounddisturbanceandcompaction,weed,pathogenanddiseasespread,increasednutrientlevels,andlossordamagetonativevegetation.
• Maintenance of fence lines–workstoconstructorrepairfencelinespresentsahighriskofdamage,inparticularwherethereisexcessiveclearing,dumpingofspoiloruseofmachineryontheroadside.
• Property access–poorsitingofnewaccesspointsand/orexcessiveclearingandtrimmingofvegetationtoenableaccessorrestorationofsightlinescancausedamage.
5.5 Recreational usersRuralroadsidesprovideacommonlyusedresourceforinformalrecreationbywalkers,cyclists,horseridersandothers.Thisincludestheuseofbothformalandinformaltrails.
Themainissuesassociatedwithrecreationaluseofruralroadsidesare:
• Safety–visibilityofusersandseparationfromvehiclemovements,aswellassafetyfromhiddenobstacles,e.g.rocksintallgrass,holesleftbyroadorutilitymaintenancecrews.
• Improved access–ruralroadsideprovideanunderutilisedresource,whichcouldbebetterdevelopedandincorporatedintoexistingtrailnetworks.
5.6 Strategies in managing third party access risksStrategiesfortheachievementofbalancedoutcomeshavebeenidentifiedasfollows:
Fire prevention
1. Councilwillpromoteacooperativeapproachtofirepreventionbetweenallinterestedparties,especially landholders,CFA,DSEandCouncil.
2. CouncilwillintegrateroadsidefuelreductionandecologicalburnswithCFAtrainingtomeetmultiple objectivesoffirepreventionandbiodiversityconservation.
3. Councilwillencouragecontrolledarrangementsforlandholderstoreducefuelloadsonsome lowconservationvalueroadsides(slashing,haymaking,mowingandgrazing,forexample).
4. Councilwillreviewthelocallawregardinggrazingolocalroadstoextendthepermittedgrazingperiod from1Septemberto30April.
5. CouncilwillreviewoutcomesoftheVictorianBushFiresRoyalCommissionandtheimplicationsfor Council’sobligations.
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Utility and service provision
6. CouncilwilladvocateforareviewofelectricalclearanceworkswithintheShiretoensurethatthey areconsistentwiththeElectricitySafety(ElectricalLineClearance)Regulations2010andPlanning Provisions.
7. Councilwillencourageutilityandserviceproviderstoplanworksinadvancetoproperlyallowfor consultationwithallinterestedparties.
8. Councilwillencourageutilityandserviceproviderstoadoptrouteselectionthatconsidersroad infrastructure,significantfloraandfauna,andsitesofculturalorheritagesignificance.
9. Counciltoincreasecommunicationwithutilityandserviceproviderstoensureworksareundertaken accordingtobestpracticeinrelationtoaspectsincludingsiterehabilitation,vehiclehygieneand minimumvegetationclearance.
Adjoining landholders
10. Councilwilladvocateforareviewoftheextentofnativevegetationclearancepermittedforfenceline maintenanceundertheStatePlanningProvisions.
11. Councilwillestablishapilotprogramtotrialroadsidemanagementpartnershipswithadjoining landholdergroups.
12. CouncilwillworktoensurethatlandholdersareawarethatStateplanningprovisionsapplytoactivities thatremove,lopordestroynativevegetationonruralroadsidesandthatlandholdersmustcontact Councilpriortoundertakinganyremovals.
13. Councilwillworktoensurethatlandholdersareawarethatploughing,cultivatingorgradingonrural roadsidesisonlypermittedonfirebreaksthathavebeenpreviouslyregularlymaintainedusingthese methods
14. Councilwillraiseawarenessoflocallawpermitrequirementsandthoseforroadsiderevegetationto ensurethatrevegetationisappropriateforthesite.
15. Councilwillreviewtheconditionsonpermitsforstoringequipmentandfodderonroadsides.
Recreational users
16. Council,throughitsTrailsandLinksStrategy,willexploreopportunitiestobetterintegraterural roadsidesintotheexistingtrailnetwork.
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6 Goal 4: Provide leadership and promote the value and function of rural roadsides
6.1 Introducing the leadership goal
What is the goal?
6.2 Community awarenessWiderpromotionofthevaluesofruralroadsideswilldiscouragedamagingpractices.Providingaccessibleinformationandcleardirectioninthefollowingareaswillencouragecommunityinvolvementandacceptance:
• Conservation value mapping–madeavailableinareadableformatandreadilyaccessible.
• Guidance on roadside revegetation–madeavailabletocommunitygroupsandotherstoensureplantingiscompatiblewithotherroadsideuses,suchasutilitiesprovision.
• Third party permits–partiesneedtobeawareofthoseactivitiesthatrequireapermite.g.consentforworks,livestockpermits,andsystemsneedtobeinplacetoissuethem.
6.3 Stakeholder cooperationTheimplementationoftheRuralRoadsideManagementPlanwillrequirecoordinationandengagementwithregionalagenciesandauthoritiesthathavecorrespondingareasofresponsibility.Therolesofmajorstakeholderswithrespecttotheplanareasfollows:
Country Fire Authority
TheCFAisavolunteerandcommunitybasedorganisationthatrespondstoavarietyoffireandemergencyincidentsincludingwildfires,structurefiresandtransportrelatedfires.TheyrequireaccesstothelocalroadnetworkatalltimesandplanandinstigatefirepreventionworksinconsultationwithCouncils’MunicipalFirePreventionofficer.
Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CCMA) & Glenelg-Hopkins Catchment Management Authority (GHCMA)
CCMAandGHCMAarestatutoryauthoritiesestablishedbytheVictorianGovernmentandhavealeadroleinworkingwithcommunityandGovernmenttoenhanceland,andbiodiversityacrossalllandtenure.
Council is a leader in good roadside managementPromotionofthewidervalueandfunctionofroadsidesmeanslessdamagingactivitiesandbetteroutcomesfortheenvironment.
Ruralroadsidemanagementneedstorecognisethemanydifferent(andoftenconflicting)needsofthecommunity.AtthesametimeCouncilaimstopromotethewidervalueandfunctionsofroadsidesandencouragewiderstakeholderownershipoftheplan.
What are the issues?
Unauthorisedworksanddamagingactivitiesinroadreserveswilloftentakeplacebecauseofalackofawarenessbythirdpartyroadsideusersandcommunitymembers.Ifthecommunityismoreawareofthepotentialforimpactsandhowtoavoidthemthereislikelytobebetteroutcomesfortheenvironment.
Council’sgoalistopromotethewidervalueandfunctionofruralroadsidestoenablebetteroutcomesforboththeenvironmentandroadusers.
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Corangamite community and community groups
TheCorangamitecommunityandcommunitygroupsisamajorstakeholderoftheplan.
Department of Primary Industries (DPI)
DPIhasresponsibilityforbiosecurityincludingpestplantandanimalplanningandcontrol.
Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE)
DSEhasresponsibilitytoenhanceland,waterandbiodiversityofStateownedlandandisVictoria’sleadgovernmentdepartmentforsustainablemanagementofland,waterandbiodiversityresources.
Service providers e.g. Telstra, Powercor and Water Authorities
Serviceprovidersincludeallutilitycompaniesthatdistributecommunications,water,electricityandgasservices.ConsultationwithCouncilisrequiredbeforeundertakinganyworksrelatedtoinstallationormaintenanceofservices(exceptinanemergency).
6.4 Strategies in promoting the value and function of rural roadsides
Strategiesfortheachievementofbalancedoutcomeshavebeenidentifiedasfollows:
1. Councilwillconductpromotionalactivitiesandmakeinformationavailablethatwillimprovethe community’sawarenessofroadsidevalues.
2. Counciltoadvertiseasthefirstpointofcontactwhenlandholders,communitymembersorutilityand serviceprovidesareplanningtoundertakeworksonruralroadsides.
3. Counciltoimplementanaccessiblepermitssystemsothatthirdpartyuserscanaccessinformation andapplyforpermitsasnecessaryinastreamlinedmanner.
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PART DImplementation through strategic actions
Aroadsiderevegetationproject25
7 Goal 5: Monitor the effectiveness of the Rural Roadside Management Plan
7.1 Introducing the monitoring and effectiveness goal
What is the goal?
7.2 Implementation Plan Theplanisastrategicratherthanprescriptivedocument.Thiswillhelptoretainitsrelevanceoverthefullfour-yearsofimplementation.Anannualimplementationplanwillbedeveloped,whichwillspecifytheannualsactionstoachievetheplan’sstrategicactions(Table7-1).
TheImplementationPlanwillinclude:
• Specificannualactionstoachievetheplan’sstrategicactions.
• Timelineforcompletionofspecificactions.
• Targetoutputsforeachspecificaction.
• Responsibilitiesforeachspecificaction.
TheannualimplementationplanwillbedevelopedbyCouncilstaffinconsultationwithrelevantstakeholders(i.e.governmentagencies).TheimplementationplanwillbedevelopedwithconsiderationtostrategicactionprioritiesandfundingavailabilityandwillassistCounciltotargetgrantfundingopportunities.
7.3 Monitoring and reportingCouncilproposesthatthemonitoringandevaluationoftheplanfocusontheimplementationofactionsandtheoutcomesofthese.Thiswilloccurintwotimeframes:anannualreviewtocoincidewiththeCouncil’sbudgetreviewanddevelopmentprocess,andafinalreviewafterfouryears.
Theannualreviewwouldconsistof:
• Assessingtheprogressofactionsintheimplementationplanagainsttargetoutputs.
• Assessingtheprogressofstrategicactionsintheplan.
• Developinganewannualimplementationplanthatincludes:
o Strategicactionstobetargetedintheyear’simplementation.
o Specificactionstoachieveselectedstrategicactionsforinclusioninforthcomingbudget.
o Specificactionsthatcanpotentiallybefundedthroughgrantfunding.
A Roadside Management Plan that is accountable and effectiveAchievementandprogressismeasuredagainstthegoalsandactionsoftheplan
Theeffectiveimplementationoftheplanwillrequire:
• Engagementwithregionalagenciesandauthorities,utilityandserviceproviders,landholdersandcommunitymembers
• Processesputinplaceformonitoringandevaluation.
Monitoringthesuccessofthisplanwillbebasedaroundprogressagainstthefirstfourgoalsandtheiractions.
Astrategicactionplanidentifiesactionsforeachofthefivegoalsoftheplan.
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• Forcompletedstrategicactions,evaluationoftheefficacyinachievingtheintendedoutcomes.
• ReportingofprogressoftheplaninCouncil’sAnnualreport.
• AnnualprogressreportprovidedtoCouncil.
Thisevaluationofcompletedspecificactionsshouldinclude,wherepossible,assesshowsuccessfultheactionwasandwhetheritachieveditstargetoutputsandobjectives.Theevidencerequiredineachcasewilldiffer,butmayincludemeasuringitemssuchas:
• Attendanceofstaffattrainingsessionsandknowledgegained.
• ApplicationofnewknowledgethroughitsinclusioninCouncil’smanagementplans.
• Levelofstakeholderengagementindevelopmentofspecificmanagementplansorprotocols.
• Externalfundingachievedforruralroadsidemanagementprojects.
Thefinalreviewwillbeconductedin2016andwillcombinetheannualreportingto:
• Assessoverallimplementationoftheactions.
• Identifyoutcomesachievedbytheplan.
7.4 Strategic action planTheruralroadsidemanagementactionplanprovidesaframeworkforactionoverthenextfouryears.Table71identifieslonger-termstrategiesandactionsthatwillenabletheCorangamiteShireCounciltoachievetheirobjectivesaroundruralroadsidemanagement.AnestimateofthetimelinefortheirimplementationisalsoincludedintheActionPlan.
Table 7 1 Strategic action plan: Corangamite Rural Roadside Management Plan
E&ED:Council’sEnvironment&EmergencyDepartment
P&B:Council’sPlanningandBuildingDepartment
WO:Council’sWorksDepartment
AS:Council’sAssetsDepartment
ES:Council’sExecutiveServicesDepartment
HR/R:Council’sHumanResourcesandRiskDepartment
REC:Council’sRecreationDepartment
DSE:DepartmentofSustainabilityandEnvironment
AAV:AboriginalAffairsVictoria
HV:HeritageVictoria
CFA:CountryFireAuthority
27
No. Strategic Action Responsibility Timeframe
Goal 1: Maintain a safe local road network
1.1 CouncilwilladvocatetoDSEforareviewofthelocalgovernmentpublicroadsexemptiontoincludeallmaintenanceworkswithinthedefinedmaintenanceenvelope,includingtheroad’sdrainagesystem.
E&E,DSE Year1
1.2 CouncilwillworkwithDSEtostreamlineadministrativeprocessesformeetingnativevegetationrequirementsofprojectsthatarenotcoveredbytheexemptione.g.approvedoffsetmanagementplans.
E&E,DSE Year4
1.3 Councilwillworkwithlandholderstoensurethatroaddrainsintoprivatepropertyandnaturalwatercoursesaremaintainedanddrainagefromprivatelanddoesnotadverselyimpactonroaddrains
WoAdjoininglandholders
Ongoing
1.4 Wherepossible,Councilwillintegratemajordrainagemaintenanceworkswithplannednon-routineroadupgrades.
Wo Ongoing
1.5 Councilwilldevelopadecisionsupporttooltoassistwithsettingprioritiesforschedulingdrainagemaintenanceworksaswellasimplementingproactivemaintenanceprograms.
Wo Year2
Goal 2: Protect natural and heritage assets
Biodiversity conservation and enhancement
2.1 CouncilwillworkwithadjoininglandholdersandLandcaretosupportrevegetation/regenerationontheroadsideoronadjoiningpropertieswhereappropriateandwhereitenhancesroadsidecorridors.
E&EAdjoininglandholders,Landcare
Ongoing
2.2 Councilwillinvestigateestablishingapermitsystemforfirewoodcollectionfromroadsideswithconsiderationtopotentialpublicliabilityissues.
E&EHR/R Year1
2.3 Councilwillincreaseawarenessamongstcommunityandroadsideusersofallavailableinformationonroadsidebiodiversityvalues.
E&E,Landcare Year2
2.4 Councilwillmonitorroadsidevegetationconditionandidentifyhighestvaluebiologicalassetsincollaborationwithagencieswithexpertiseandresources.
E&E Year3
2.5 CouncilwillworkwithDSEtoinvestigatetheuseofstrategicruralroadsidesfornativevegetationoffsets.
E&E,DSE Year2
Invasive plants and animals
2.6 CouncilwillcontrolweedsonroadsidesinaccordancewithAppendix7,workinginpartnershipwithothergovernmentorganisationsinvolvedininvasiveplantandanimalmanagement(DSE,DPI,ParksVicandtheCCMA)acrossalllandtenures.
E&E Ongoing
2.7 Councilstaffwillbetrainedinrecognisinghigh-riskweedspeciesandhigh-riskpathwaysofentryandspreadofinvasivespeciese.g.adherencetoappropriatevehiclehygienepractices.
E&E,Wo Year1
28
No. Strategic Action Responsibility Timeframe
2.8 CouncilwillworkwithDPItoraiseawarenessabouttheriskofnewhighriskweedspeciesbeingintroducedviafoddercomingintotheregion,particularlyduringorfollowingemergencieslikedroughtorfire.
E&E,DPI Year3
2.9 Councilwilltrainstaffinrabbitandweedidentificationandconductcommunityweedidentificationandcontroltrainingprogramstominimisetheintroductionofnewhighriskspeciesandincreasethelikelihoodthattheywillbedetectedearly.
E&E,Landcare,DPI
Year1
2.10 Councilwillsupportpartnershipswithlandholdergroupsandotheragencies(i.e.ParksVictoria)toundertakeweedandrabbitcontrole.g.fundingincentivesforlandholders,whereappropriate.
E&E Year2
2.11 Councilwillmaproadsideweedinfestationsandtheirtreatmentinpartnershipwithcommunitygroupsandrelevantagencies(i.e.DPI)
E&E,Communitygroups,Landcare,DPI
Year3
2.12 Councilwilldeveloparegisterofknowncertifiedorganicpropertiesandwherepossible,avoidroadsidesprayingadjoiningtheseproperties.
E&E,WO Year4
Aboriginal and non Aboriginal heritage assets
2.13 CouncilwillencourageallruralroadsideuserstoconsulttheAboriginalandnon-Aboriginalheritageregisters(theVictorianAboriginalHeritageRegisterandtheVictorianHeritageRegister)forinformationaboutanyon-siteculturalheritagepriortoworkingontheroadsidetoensurenon-AboriginalheritagesitesandAboriginalplacesarenotharmed.
E&E,AAV Year4
2.14 Councilwillincreaseawarenessandconsistency,andfullyimplementestablishedprocessesfortheidentification,reportingandmanagementofAboriginalplaces,inaccordancewithrelevantlegislation,onruralroadsidesintheShire.
P&B,AAV Ongoing
2.15 Councilwillestablishasiteidentificationandmanagementprocessfornon-Aboriginalheritagesites.
P&B,HV Year4
Goal 3: Manage third party access
Fire prevention
3.1 Councilwillpromoteacooperativeapproachtofirepreventionbetweenallinterestedparties,especiallylandholders,CFA,DSEandCouncil.
E&E Ongoing
3.2 CouncilwillintegrateroadsidefuelreductionandecologicalburnswithCFAtrainingtomeetmultipleobjectivesoffirepreventionandbiodiversityconservation.
E&E,,CFA Ongoing
29
No. Strategic Action Responsibility Timeframe
3.3 Councilwillencouragecontrolledarrangementsforlandholderstoreducefuelloadsonsomelowconservationvalueroadsides(slashing,haymaking,mowingandgrazing,forexample).
E&E Year3
3.4 Councilwillreviewthelocallawregardinggrazingoflocalroadstoextendthepermittedgrazingperiodfrom1Septemberto30April.
E&E Year1
3.5 CouncilwillreviewoutcomesoftheVictorianBushFiresRoyalCommissionandtheimplicationsforCouncil’sobligations.
E&E Year1
Utility and service provision
3.6 CouncilwilladvocateforareviewofelectricalclearanceworkswithintheShiretoensurethattheyareconsistentwiththeElectricitySafety(ElectricalLineClearance)Regulations2010andPlanningProvisions.
E&E,AS Year2
3.7 Councilwillencourageutilityandserviceproviderstoplanworksinadvancetoproperlyallowforconsultationwithallinterestedparties.
E&E,AS Ongoing
3.8 Councilwillencourageutilityandserviceproviderstoadoptrouteselectionthatconsidersroadinfrastructure,significantfloraandfauna,andsitesofculturalorheritagesignificance.
E&E,AS Ongoing
3.9 Counciltoincreasecommunicationwithutilityandserviceproviderstoensureworksareundertakenaccordingtobestpracticeinrelationtoaspectsincludingsiterehabilitation,vehiclehygieneandminimumvegetationclearance.
E&E,AS Year3
Adjoining landholders
3.10 CouncilwilladvocateforareviewoftheextentofnativevegetationclearancepermittedforfencelinemaintenanceundertheStatePlanningProvisions.
E&E,DSE Year2
3.11 Councilwillestablishapilotprogramtotrialroadsidemanagementpartnershipswithadjoininglandholdergroups.
E&E,WO Year2
3.12 CouncilwillworktoensurethatlandholdersareawarethatStateplanningprovisionsapplytoactivitiesthatremove,lopordestroynativevegetationonruralroadsidesandthatlandholdersmustcontactCouncilpriortoundertakinganyremovals.
E&E,DSE Year1
3.13 Councilwillworktoensurethatlandholdersareawarethatploughing,cultivatingorgradingonruralroadsidesisonlypermittedonfirebreaksthathavebeenpreviouslyregularlymaintainedusingthesemethods.
E&E Ongoing
3.14 Councilwillraiseawarenessoflocallawpermitrequirementsandthoseforroadsiderevegetationtoensurethatrevegetationisappropriateforthesite.
E&E Year3
3.15 Councilwillreviewtheconditionsofpermitsforstoringequipmentandfodderonroadsides.
E&E Year2
30
No. Strategic Action Responsibility Timeframe
Recreational users
3.14 Council,throughitsTrailsandLinksStrategy,willexploreopportunitiestobetterintegrateruralroadsidesintotheexistingtrailnetwork.
REC Year3
Goal 4: Provide leadership and promote the value and function of rural roadsides
4.1 Councilwillconductpromotionalactivitiesandmakeinformationavailablethatwillimprovethecommunity’sawarenessofroadsidevalues.
E&E Ongoing
4.2 Counciltoadvertiseasthefirstpointofcontactwhenlandholders,communitymembersorutilityandserviceprovidesareplanningtoundertakeworksonruralroadsides.
E&E,P&B Year1
4.3 Counciltoimplementanaccessiblepermitssystemsothatthirdpartyuserscanaccessinformationandapplyforpermitsasnecessaryinastreamlinedmanner.
E&E,P&B Year3
Goal 5: Monitor the effectiveness of the plan
5.1 ProgressinimplementingroadsidemanagementstrategieswillbereportedinCouncil’sAnnualreport
E&E,ES Ongoing
5.2 Councilwillconductafinalreviewin2016toassesstheoveralllevelofimplementationofstrategiesandtoidentifytheoutcomesoftheplan.
E&E Year4
31
References
CorangamiteCatchmentManagementAuthority(2005),CorangamiteNativeVegetationPlan.Corangamite CatchmentManagementAuthority,Colac,Victoria.
CorangamiteCatchmentManagementAuthority(2010),CorangamiteInvasivePlantandAnimal ManagementStrategy.CorangamiteCatchmentManagementAuthority,Colac,Victoria.
CorangamiteShire(2010),MunicipalFirePreventionPlan.CorangamiteShireCouncil,Camperdown, Victoria.
CountryFireAuthority(2010),RoadsideFireManagementWorks:CFAguidelinesandprocedures.Country FireAuthority,Melbourne,Victoria.
DepartmentofSustainabilityandEnvironment(2009),ManagingNativeVegetationonRoadsides. Aguidelineforimplementingagreementsunderthelocalgovernmentpublicroadexemption. DepartmentofSustainabilityandEnvironment,EastMelbourne,Victoria.
UniversityofBallarat(2008),Areviewofbiodiversitymanagementandconditiononroadsidesandrail reservesinsouth-westVictoria.ReportpreparedfortheCorangamiteandGlenelgHopkinsCatchment ManagementAuthoritiesbyBiodiversityServicesandtheCentreforEnvironmentalManagement, UniversityofBallarat,MtHelen,Victoria.
VictorianBushfiresRoyalCommission(2010),2009VictorianBushfiresRoyalCommissionFinalReport. StateofVictoria,Melbourne,Victoria.
RoadsideWeedsandPestWorkingParty(2011).RoadsideWeedsandPests-Recommended responsibilitiesforAction.ReportfortheVictorianMinisterforAgricultureandFoodSecurity.
VEAC.(2010).RemnantNativeVegetationInvestigationDiscussionPaper–forpubliccomment.Victorian EnvironmentalAssessmentCouncil.
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Appendix 1: Stakeholder reference group members
Surname First name Position Organisation Town
Austin Geoff HeritageVictoria EASTMELBOURNE
Bailey Keith Communityrepresentative
TIMBOON
Bond Lyall EnvironmentandEmergencyManager
CorangamiteShire CAMPERDOWN
Crocker Brad Telstra BALLARAT
Cumming Steve Councillor CorangamiteShire CAMPERDOWN
Curwell Richard EnvironmentCoordinator VicRoads GEELONG
Farquharson Ken Communityrepresentative
ELINGAMITENORTH
Farrell Ray WorksManager CorangamiteShire CAMPERDOWN
French Vicky Communityrepresentative
VITEVITE
Gibb Ian SustainableDevelopmentDirector
CorangamiteShire CAMPERDOWN
Green Alex WorksandServicesDirector
CorangamiteShire CAMPERDOWN
Grist Charles Communityrepresentative
BRADVALEviaSKIPTON
Hanks Craig ParksandGardensCoordinator
CorangamiteShire CAMPERDOWN
Holland Russell Communityrepresentative
viaTIMBOON
Lang Val Communityrepresentative
LISMORE
Laurenson Ian Communityrepresentative
COBDEN
Lawson Yvonne Communityrepresentative
PRINCETOWN
Manson Dean OperationsOfficer CFA COLAC
McDougall Steve TeamLeader-BiodiversityServicesBarwonOtway
DepartmentofSustainability&Environment
COLAC
Melville Ryan SeniorProjectOfficer GreeningAustralia COLAC
Melville Georgia HeritageProjectOfficer AboriginalAffairsVictoria
BALLARAT
Molan Kevin Communityrepresentative
TERANG
Morrison Ian VegetationManagementOfficer
CFA COLAC
Mulholland Les Communityrepresentative
COBDEN
Nash Ian Communityrepresentative
SKIPTON
O'Keefe Karen LandcareCoordinator LismoreLandProtectionGroup
LISMORE
Rees Nicholas RegionalAssetManager Powercor WARRNAMBOOL
33
Surname First name Position Organisation Town
Reichman John TeamLeader CorangamiteShire CAMPERDOWN
Reiley Peter TechnicalSupportOfficer CorangamiteShire CAMPERDOWN
Robilliard Lance Communityrepresentative
CAMPERDOWN
Rollinson Geoff LandcareCoordinator Heytesbury&DistrictLandcareNetwork
TIMBOON
Sargeant Tim Communityrepresentative
TERANG
Scally Jackie NaturalResourceManagementOfficer-LocalGovernment
CorangamiteCMA COLAC
Smith Geoff Councillor CorangamiteShire CAMPERDOWN
Stanley-Eyles Kim TeamLeader GreeningAustralia COLAC
Stewart Warren LocalLawsOfficer CorangamiteShire CAMPERDOWN
Treble Kylie Communityrepresentative
SIMPSON
Trigg Douglas Communityrepresentative
TIMBOON
Vermeeren Saul BiodiversityOfficer DepartmentofSustainability&Environment
COLAC
Wade Lance WorksEngineer CorangamiteShire CAMPERDOWN
Walsgott Peter VVFRegionalManager VictorianFarmersFederation
Whiteside Bill DepartmentofPrimaryIndustries
BALLARAT
34
Appendix 2: Local rural roads in the Shire of Corangamite
35
Appendix 3: Relevant legislation
Commonwealth Legislation
• Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999Providefortheprotectionoftheenvironment,especiallythoseaspectsoftheenvironmentthataremattersofnationalenvironmentalsignificance,promoteecologicallysustainabledevelopment,conservationofbiodiversity,co-operativeapproachtomanagementoftheenvironmentincludinggovernments,community,landholdersandindigenouspeople.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984ThepurposesofthisActarethepreservationandprotectionfrominjuryordesecrationofareasandobjectsinAustraliaandinAustralianwaters,beingareasandobjectsthatareofparticularsignificancetoAboriginalsinaccordancewithAboriginaltradition.
State Legislation
• Archaeological and Aboriginal Relics Preservation Act 1972 Providesforthecareandprotectionofrelicsincludingthelandtheyarelocatedin.
• Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 Landholdersmusttakereasonablestepstocontrolregionallycontrolledweedsandestablishedpestanimals,onroadsidesthatadjointhelandownersland.(Excludinghighways,declaredroadsandunleasedcrownland).TheDepartmentofNaturalResourcesandEnvironmentisresponsibleforStateProhibitedandRegionallyProhibitedspecies.Reasonableprecautionsmustbetakentoensurethatequipmentisfreefromnoxiousweeds,includingseeds,orplantmattercapableofgrowing,beforemovinganymachineryorequipmentfromlandontoaroad.
• CFA Act 1958Municipalitiesareresponsibleformanagingroadsidevegetationforfireprevention.
• Conservation, Forests and Lands Act 1987PriortoworksbeingundertakenwhichmaydisturbcriticalhabitataplanofworksmustbesubmittedtoDepartmentofNaturalResourcesandEnvironment.
• Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978GivesCrownownershiprightsoverallvegetationonroadsides,andthepowertoreservelandforpublicpurposes.
• Electricity Safety Act 1998Stipulatesthemaintenanceoflandaboveorbelowelectricallines.
• Environment Protection Act 1970Providesforthecontrolofpollutedrunofffromdisturbedroads.
• Extractive Industries Development Act 1995Ownershipofstoneonprivateandcrownland.Coverspermitsrequiredtosearchorextractstoneoncrownland.Protectsreferenceareasfrombeingeligibleforanyextractionwork.
• Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988Floraandfaunaconservationandmanagementwithminimaladversesocialandeconomicimpact.Publicauthoritiesmusthaveregardforfloraandfaunaconservationandmanagementobjectives,whichaimtoensurethatVictoria’sfloraandfaunacansurvive,flourishandretaintheirpotentialforevolutionarydevelopmentinthewild.ItplacesresponsibilityonGovernment,businessorganisationsandthecommunitytoactinawaysoastoconserveVictoria’sfloraandfaunaandtheirgeneticdiversity.
• Forests Act 1958 Giveslocalmunicipalitiesresponsibilityformanagingvegetationonmostroadsides.
• Land Act 1958Allowsprosecutionforremovaloftimberfromroadsides.
• Local Government Act 1989Giveslocalgovernmentresponsibilityformanagementofundeclaredroads.GivesCouncilpowertocreatecertainlocallawsrelatingtoroadsides.
• Mineral Resources Development Act 1990Offencetosearchorfossickonanylandwithouttheappropriatelicences.Conditionsregardingrehabilitationoftheland,protectionoftheenvironmentandgroundwater.
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• Planning and Environment Act 1987 SetsguidelinesforremovalofnativevegetationfromroadsidesundertheNativeVegetationRetentionControlsandseekstoencouragetheretentionofnativevegetationonprivateandpublicland.Priortoremoving,destroyingorloppinganareaofnativevegetationonroadsidesapplicationsmustbereferredtotheDepartmentofNaturalResourcesandEnvironment.
• Road Management Act 2004Defines‘works’undertakenbyathirdpartyontheroadreserveandrequireswrittenconsentofthecoordinatingauthorityandissuingofa‘consentforworksinaroadreservepermit’.
• Servicing Acts Permitsservicingauthoritiestolocateassetsonroadsidesandgivesthemrightsofaccessformaintenanceworks.
• State Conservation Strategy 1987 Recognisedthevalueofroadsidevegetationandcommitsthegovernmenttoprepareroadsidemanagementplans.
• Transport Act 1983 VicRoadsisresponsibleformanagementofdeclaredroads.
• Wildlife Act 1975 DefineswildlifeinVictoriaandspecifiesconditionsforholdersofawildlifelicence.AlicenceholdermustalsocomplywithanyrelevantStateorFederallegislationandby-lawsorotherrequirementsofthelocalcouncil.
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Appendix 4: Management guidelines
1. Vegetation management
Objectives:
o Protect and enhance remnant vegetation, maximising the retention of rare and threatened flora and fauna species or communities, and value the importance of all habitat components.
o Re-establish indigenous vegetation with a preference for natural regeneration where appropriate.
o Assess vegetation for removal where it poses a safety risk or impedes road drainage function.
o Manage roadside vegetation in order to minimise fire risk to life and property and negative impacts on flora and fauna.
o Increase the local community’s appreciation and understanding of the value of roadside vegetation through awareness raising and education.
1.1 Native vegetation removal
GUIDELINES
o Activitiesthatrequireremoval,destructionorloppingofnativevegetationaretobeconductedin accordancewiththeCorangamiteShirePlanningScheme.Thisrequiresaplanningpermittobe issuedbyCouncilunlessexemptunderthePlanningScheme.Councilmustbecontactedpriortoany nativevegetationbeingremoved,destroyedorloppedonroadsides.Considerthefollowingprocedures whenplanningnativevegetationremoval;
• Markforremovalonlytheminimumvegetationnecessarytomeetrequiredworks
• Removevegetationthatistobefelledinamannerthatminimisesdamagetosurroundingvegetation
• Retaindeadtreesandnaturallyfallentimberonroadsidestoprovidehabitatforwildlife,unlesstheyposeasignificanthazardasspecifiedbytherelevantShireofficer
• Operatorsremovingvegetationaretobetrainedincorrecttechniques.AllpruningofnativevegetationmustbeundertakeninaccordancewithAS4373-2007:PruningofAmenityTrees.
o FirepreventionworksaretobecarriedoutinaccordancewiththeCouncil’sMunicipalFirePreventionPlan 2008-2011.
1.2 Slashing, spraying and burning programs
GUIDELINES
o Sprayingofroadshouldersandroaddrainshouldbelimitedwherepossible(seeAppendix5).Widespread sprayingofroadsidesisnotpermitted.
o Slashingroadshouldersisrecommendedoversprayingwherethereisnativevegetationpresent.
o Machineryandvehiclehygienepracticesshouldbeimplementedtoavoidthemovementofsoilandplant materialtoavoidaccidentalspreadingweedseeds.
o Weedcontrolshouldbeundertakenonmediumandhighconservationroadsfollowingburningwhere practicable.Wherepracticable,roadsideburningshouldhaveatimingandfrequencythatenhancesnative vegetationcommunitiesaswellasreducingfirerisk.
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1.3 Revegetation and enhancement
GUIDELINES
o Landholders,communitygroups,contractorsandothersplanningtoconductworksonaroadreserve(i.e. seedcollectionandrevegetation)shouldseekapermitfromCouncil.
o Worksshouldencouragenaturalregenerationasthepreferredformofrevegetationoruseseedoflocal vegetationfordirectseedingortubestockplanting.
o Useonlyindigenousspeciesoftheappropriatevegetationtype(EVC)forthesiteexceptonlow conservationroadsideswherewrittenconsenthasbeenprovidedbyCouncilofficers.
o Appropriatesetbackdistancesneedtobeappliedfromboththeroadformation,fencelineandutilities
o Preferenceshouldbegiventothoseprojectsthatenhancethequalityofremnantvegetation,provide linkageswithotherremnantsorenhancethreatenedspecieshabitat.
1.4 Livestock movement and droving
GUIDELINES
o Apermitisgenerallyrequiredforlivestockmovementanddroving,andtheremaybeconditionsappliedto permits.
o Proposalsforthedrovingoflivestockshouldberestrictedtolowconservationvalueareas.Careshouldbe takentoavoidaccesstoexistingwaterholesandmarshareas.
o Livestockmovementshouldbeavoidedwhengroundconditionsarewettoavoidpuggingand compaction.
o Vehiclesshouldnotbedrivenonroadsideswherepracticable.
o Livestockshouldnotremaininroadreservesovernight.
1.5 Livestock grazing
GUIDELINES
o Councilissuespermitsforgrazingand/orcuttingofsilage/hayonroadsidesforfirepreventionpurposes. Anapplicationmustdemonstrateaproposedreductioninfuelloadpriortothecriticalfireperiods.
o Grazingofroadsidesisnotpermittedonhighandmediumconservationroads(exceptingexisting permits).
o Nosupplementaryfeedingofstockinroadreserves.
o Grazingisonlypermittedunderapermitduringthefiredangerperiod(1October-30April),althougha reviewofthislocallawisrecommended(seeAction3.4).
1.6 Fence maintenance
GUIDELINES
o Vegetationclearancecanbeundertakentoconstructormaintainfencesalongroadsidesprovideditis restrictedtothe‘minimumextentrequiredtoundertaketheworks’.Theclearingwidthmustnotexceed 2montheroadsideofthefence.
o LandholdersmustcontactCouncilpriortoremovinganynativevegetationforfencelinemaintenance.
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1.7 Other activities
GUIDELINES
Otheractivitiesthatrequireapermitinclude:
• Theuseoftheroadsidetostore/stockpileequipment,machinery,fencingmaterial,stockfeed,vehiclesetc.
• Anybuilding/worksactivityincludingconstructionofvehicleentrancestopropertiesandstockcrossingpoints.
• Ploughing,cultivationandgradingisnotpermittedonroadsidesunlessmanaginganexistingfirebreakthathasbeenregularlymaintainedusingthattechnique.
• Newroadaccessorwideningofexistingroadaccesstoproperties.
o Landholdersareresponsibleformaintainingdrivewayaccess,exceptwherenativevegetationneedstobe removed(becomesresponsibilityofCouncil).
2 Roadside weed controlObjectives:
o Employ surveillance to ensure the prevention of new invasive weeds from becoming widespread.
o Eradicate or contain specific high risk weeds in a manner that minimises disturbance to indigenous vegetation.
o Protect high priority areas from high risk invasive weeds.
o Prevent the spread of weeds and soil pathogens during road and roadside maintenance.
o Encourage control measures to be undertaken in partnerships with neighbouring landholders when appropriate.
GUIDELINES
o Weedcontrolmeasuresthatminimisedisturbancetotheroadsideenvironmentshouldbeadopted.
o Onlowconservationvalueroadsides,slashingcanbeanappropriateweedcontrolmechanismandthe frequencyandtimingisdeterminedbythespeciespresent.Tominimisethespreadofintroducedspecies andtoassistintheregenerationofdesirablenativespecies,slashingofplantsthatcontainviableseeds shouldbeavoided.
o Onhighormediumconservationvalueroadsides:
• Treatisolatedweedinfestationpatchesfirst.
• Controlmajorweedinfestationbystartingfromtheedgeoftheweedinfestationandworkingtowardsthecentre.
o Operateconstructionandmaintenancemachinerysoastominimisethespreadofweedsorsoil pathogens.(Seeroadconstructionandmaintenanceguidelines).
o Encouragecooperativeactionforweedcontrol.Controlworksundertakenbyonelandowneroragency shouldbesupportedbyadjoininglandowners.
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3 Cultural and heritage sites
Objectives:
To ensure the protection of roadside sites that have been identified as having cultural, heritage, archaeological, aboriginal or geological significance.
GUIDELINES
o Allroadsideactivities,includingrevegetationandweedremoval,shouldrecognisesitesofcultural, heritage,archaeologicalorAboriginalsignificance.Priortocommencinganactivity:
• SeekadvicefromCouncilastotheknownlocationofnonAboriginalheritagesites;
• RefertoAAV’swebsitehttp://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/indigenous/heritage-toolstodeterminewhethertheproposedactivityisinthevicinityofaknownAboriginalculturalheritageplaceorinanareaofdefinedAboriginalculturalheritagesensitivity.Ifso,itmaybenecessarytoarrangeanon-sitemeetingwithAAVstaffand/ortoapplyforaculturalheritagepermit;
• UsetheAboriginalAffairsVictoria’s(AAV)HeritagePlanningToolonthesamewebsitetodetermineanyrequirementforaculturalheritagemanagementplanfortheproposedactivity;
• Ensuretherelevantagencyiscontacted,whereevidenceofasite/placeisknownorsuspected.ForAboriginalheritageplacescontactAAVBarwonGrampiansHeritageProgramson0353272800;
• Onlyproceedwithworksonknownsitesafterreceivingapprovaltodoso.
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Ap
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Appendix 6: Conservation value mapping on rural roadsides
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Appendix 8: Glossary and acronyms
Asset Anaturalresourcethatprovidesservices(ecosystemservices,productionservicesor socialservices).
Asset-basedapproach Involvesprioritisingcontrolactionsforanumberofthreatsbasedontherelativevalue ofidentifiedassetsthatwillbeprotectedbytheactions.Prioritisationshouldbe basedonmaintainingtheviabilityofimportantenvironmentalassetsandoptimising outcomesforassetprotectionandmanagement.
Biodiversity Thevarietyoflifeforms:thedifferentplants,animalsandmicroorganisms,thegenes theycontainandtheecosystemstheyform.
Biosecurity Aprocessdesignedtomitigatetherisksandimpactstotheeconomy,the environment,socialamenityorhumanhealthassociatedwithinvasivespecies anddiseases.
Containment Theapplicationofmeasuresinandaroundaninfestedareatopreventthespread ofaninvasiveplantoranimalspecies.Thismayincludereductionofthedensityor areaoftheinfestationwhereappropriate.Acontainmentprogrammay includeeradicationofsatelliteinfestations.
Control Inrelationtoorganisms,thisincludes:reducingthenumberofthoseorganisms– preventinganincreaseinthenumberofthoseorganisms–reducingtheactivity orappetiteofsomeorallofthoseorganisms–modifyingthebehaviouror characteristicsofsomeorallofthoseorganisms.
Eradication Whenaspecies(including,foraplant,itspropagules)hasbeenremovedorkilled andnolongeroccursatthatsite.Inpractice,thismeansthatitcannolonger bedetectedbyrecommendedmethodsofsurveyforadefinedperiodoftime.
Establishedspecies Aspeciesthat,fortheforeseeablefuture,willperpetuatewithinanareaafterentry.
Exotic Introducedfromanotherareai.e.maybeintroducedfromoverseasorinterstate.
Habitat Theenvironmentinwhichaplantoranimallives.
Highriskspecies Atermusedtodescribeinvasivespeciesthat,ifnotmanaged,wouldhavealarge impactontheenvironment,economy,socialamenityorhumanhealth.Theymaybe declaredundertheCaLPActorundeclaredspecies.
Indigenous Nativeorendemictoaspecificarea.
Invasivespecies Aspeciesoccurringasaresultofhumanactivities,beyonditsacceptednormal distributionandwhichthreatensvaluedenvironmental,agriculturalorother socialresourcesbythedamageitcauses.Speciesmaybepestanimalsor noxiousweedsdeclaredundertheCaLPAct,orotherspeciesthatthreaten theregion’sassetsincludingsomewild(feral)populationsofdomesticanimals.
Nativespecies AspeciesthatisbelievedtohaveoccurredinaspecifiedpartofAustraliapriorto Europeansettlement.
Nativevegetation PlantsthatareindigenoustoVictoria,includingtrees,shrubs,herbsandgrasses.
Noxiousweed Aspeciesdeclaredas‘noxious’inschedulesundertheCaLPAct.TheActdefines fourcategories:stateprohibited,regionallyprohibited,regionallycontrolled andrestricted.Anoxiousweedmaybeanagriculturaland/orenvironmentalweed.
Pestanimal AnanimalspeciesdeclaredundertheCaLPActinoneoffourpestanimalcategories: prohibitedpestanimal,controlledpestanimal,regulatedpestanimalandestablished pestanimal.
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Appendix 8: Glossary and acronyms
Pestanimal AnanimalspeciesdeclaredundertheCaLPActinoneoffourpestanimalcategories: prohibitedpestanimal,controlledpestanimal,regulatedpestanimalandestablished pestanimal.
Rareorthreatened Floraorfaunaspeciesorcommunitythatisrareinoccurrenceorwhosecontinuing existenceisthreatenedforawiderangeofreasons.Speciesmaybelisted asnationallyrareorthreatened(AROT)orataStatelevel(VROT).Specieslistscanbe foundinlegislationorontheDSEwebsite.
Risk Riskisthechanceofsomethinghappeningthatwillhaveanimpactonobjectives.
Species-ledapproach Prioritisingactionsthatwillbemosteffectiveinpreventing,eradicating,containing orreducingatargetinvasivespecies,ratherthanthosethatwillbestprotect orenhanceaspecificasset(seealsoassetbasedapproach).
Weed Aweedisaplantthatrequiressomeformofactiontoreduceitseffectsonthe economy,theenvironment,humanhealthandamenity.
Widespreadspecies Aspeciesthathasspreadtomanyoftheplacesthataresuitableforitsgrowth withinaspecifiedarea.Itmayoccurathighorlowdensity.Containmentmay stillbepossibleonasmallscale,butexclusionfromremaininguninvadedareasor reductionislikelytobemoreappropriateresponses.
Acronyms
AAVAboriginalAffairsVictoria
CCMA CorangamiteCatchmentManagementAuthority
CaLP CatchmentandLandProtectionAct
CFACountryFireAuthority
EVCEcologicalvegetationclass
DSEDepartmentofSustainabilityandEnvironment
IPA Invasiveplantsandanimals
PV ParksVictoria
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CORANGAMITE SHIRE COUNCILCivic Centre, 181 Manifold Street, Camperdown VIC 3260
Telephone 03 5593 7100 Facsimile 03 5593 2695 Email shire@corangamite.vic.gov.auwww.corangamite.vic.gov.au
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