Shire moves to clarify yellow gum concerns

THE Surf Coast Shire has moved to clarify fears about the future of Bellarine yellow gums in the Spring Creek valley.

The shire has sent the Spring Creek Precinct Structure Plan and Native Vegetation Precinct Plan (NVPP) to the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) for consideration.

There has been a surge of concern from the community (including in the letters pages of this newspaper) that recent changes to Victorian planning legislation are not reflected in the NVPP, and that the Bellarine yellow gums (a threatened species) in the valley would not be protected as a result.

In a statement this week, the shire said the NVPP for the area was originally developed and exhibited in accord with 2013 regulations for native vegetation.

The shire’s update of the plan in October 2017 saw the 2013 regulations replaced with the new ones.

“The change of regulations came with increased offsets for Bellarine yellow gums but included transitionary provisions.

“Because the NVPP was well advanced, it was allowed to continue being considered under the 2013 regulations.”

Shire general manager of environment and development Ransce Salan said the transitional provisions were designed so that “applicants who have made significant efforts to design their plans in accordance with the previous system will not experience unnecessary regulatory burdens with the new system”.

“Under either regulation, the same number of Bellarine yellow gums would be retained.

“The main groupings of Bellarine yellow gums are still proposed to be retained in conservation reserves and public open spaces, as was adopted by Council in 2017.”

The shire says it will work with landowners and developers to consider further opportunities to retain more trees when applications for subdivision are submitted.