Biodiversity offsetting in Victoria

In Victoria, State and Federal regulations require the loss of biodiversity by the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation due to development, to be compensated for by offset actions that generate no net loss in biodiversity.

It is the view of many in the community that generated gains due to offsetting lack transparency or plausibility, and are often overstated. 

Main South Rd - proposed roundabout places trees under threat

 

Under the Victorian Planning Scheme provisions, there is a three step hierarchy that developers are required to adopt in relation to native vegetation; “1) avoid the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation; 2) minimise impacts from the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation that cannot be avoided; 3) provide an offset to compensate for the biodiversity impact due to the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation.”

Princes Way west - linear corridor connection disrupted

  

Being within the provisions of the Victorian Planning Scheme, this three-step hierarchy is a requirement of any permit granted in regard to native vegetation – developers, councils and government departments must enact provisions 1), 2) or 3).

A casual observer might wonder if any attention is paid to this requirement at all.

McGlone Rd - once had connecting canopy

 

In Drouin, we are losing areas of native vegetation and fertile farmland with every new mega-development – Weebar Rd, both sides of McGlone Rd, and watch out for Gardner-Holman Rd and Main South Rd. Our landscape vistas and impressive town gateways are modified almost daily. Every mature tree removed from a roadside corridor – Princes Way west, McGlone Rd, etc – contributes to loss of biodiversity and according to regulations must be 1) avoided, 2) minimised or 3) realistically compensated for. 

References:

DELWP - Native vegetation removal regulations

Australian Govt Dept Agriculture Water and the Environment - Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

Vegetation Link - Offsets explained