Think twice about removing native plants

Biodiversity Month has just passed, and Victorians have been reminded to seek advice before removing native plants, to conserve the environment and protect cultural heritage.

Less than 50 per cent of Victoria’s original native vegetation remains, and it plays an important role for our ecosystems, including vital habitat for native wildlife.

Removing native vegetation without getting advice from bodies such as Council or the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) can also carry some hefty penalties.

For example, two men were convicted earlier this year and fined $25,000 each, for the destruction of more than eight hectares of wildlife habitat on public land near Mildura. A farmer was also convicted and ordered to pay almost $60,000 for cutting down dozens of mature eucalyptus trees in the Annya State Forest near Heywood.

Native plants can be challenging to identify, so it’s important that landowners ask their local council or DELWP before beginning any clearing works.

Unless a valid exemption applies, a permit is required in Victoria to remove, destroy, or lop any native vegetation, including paddock trees, grasslands, wetlands, riparian areas and any native plants in state forests, national parks, and reserves.

This includes trees along fence lines between private and public land.

Removal of native vegetation can also harm Aboriginal scar trees. These activities may trigger requirements under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 before any works can be undertaken, so it is important to understand your obligations to ensure compliance.

To avoid a penalty, apply for a permit to remove native plants or report suspected illegal removal.

Council’s ‘Do I Need a Permit?’ page can be used for issues on private property, or contact DELWP for public land issues on 136 186.

To learn more, visit www.environment.vic.gov.au/native-vegetation/native-vegetation-values.