Native vegetation is defined as plants that are indigenous to Victoria, including trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses.
Removal of native vegetation species (including lopping, trimming or pruning) typically requires planning permit approval under the East Gippsland Planning Scheme, unless an exemption applies. Unauthorised clearance of native vegetation is illegal under the Planning and Environment Act 1987.
The Victorian Government’s policy for native vegetation is outlined in the Guidelines for the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. This is an incorporated document in all Victorian Planning Schemes. East Gippsland Shire Council must consider this when assessing proposals to clear vegetation.
The native vegetation control regulations have a range of exemptions in the East Gippsland Planning Scheme. See Clause 52.17 (Native Vegetation) of the Scheme for further information.
The Scheme provides for vegetation protection in some areas, and there may also be agreements or covenants on land titles relating to vegetation protection. Before removing or trimming native vegetation, you should contact Council’s Planning Department on 5153 9500 to determine exactly what controls apply to your land before starting vegetation removal as a planning permit may be required.
For more information view the Victorian Government website on native vegetation.
Council owned or managed land includes many roadsides, parkland and foreshore reserves in urban areas. Please gain consent before removing vegetation on someone else's land. For Council land, written consent is required before any vegetation is removed (and notify Council as soon as practicable after the event if it was an emergency).
View information on recommended species and find links to more detailed advice.
Council's Revegetation Species Guide is a basic list of common East Gippsland plants for revegetation projects. Also available is an indigenous tree species list and a native (but not locally indigenous) tree species list. These trees and shrubs are suitable for revegetation as they're unlikely to become weeds.
Useful local revegetation links:
Some of the local nurseries that may be able to supply native vegetation species, include:
Ned Rickard
11 Thomas Road, Newmerella, Victoria
Phone: 0410 006 447 or (admin) 0410 025 529
Snowy River Riparian P/L
PO Box 515, Orbost, VIC, 3888
Email: snowyriverriparian@gmail.com
PO Box 1652, Bairnsdale, Victoria
Phone: (03) 5157 8325
Mobile: 0407 852 599
Email: ffp@hotkey.net.au
Michelle Wickfeldt
260 Andersons Lane, Bairnsdale
PO Box 1584, Bairnsdale, VIC, 3875
Phone: (03) 5152 2100
Fax: (03) 5152 1367
Email: moormurng@wideband.net.au
Sue Agnew
69 Sebastopol Hill Road, Omeo
PO Box 43 Omeo, VIC, 3898
Phone: (03) 5159 1276
Mobile: 0428 591 276
Email: omeosown@yahoo.com.au
John Topp
Dow Road, Valencia Creek, VIC, 3860
Phone: (03) 5145 4468
Email: gippsplants@gmail.com
Anne-Marie Higgins
57 Paynesville Road, Paynesville, VIC, 3880
Phone: (03) 5156 7466
Mobile: 0412 560 338
Email: emailrgc@bigpond.com
John Ingram
115 Race Course Road, Lindenow, VIC, 3865
Phone: (03) 5157 1650
Mobile: 0427 647 290
989 Princes Highway, Nicholson
P O Box 22 Nicholson, VIC, 3882
Phone: (03) 5156 8310
Fax: (03) 5156 8988
Email: tvng@wideband.net.au
Vicky and Richard Vuat
345 Stephenson's Road, Nicholson
PO Box 336 Nicholson, VIC, 3882
Phone: (03) 5156 8151
Mobile: 0427 597 607
Email: wildseed.office@gmail.com
www.wildseednursery.com.au
Open by prior arrangement
Adam Stables
56 Briagalong – Stockdale Road, Briagalong
and Sheehan Road, Yarragon, VIC
Phone: (03) 5145 5627 or (03) 5634 2260
Mobile: 0419 525 224
Email: plants@eucacia.com.au
www.eucacia.com.au
Stephen and Cindy McMahon
70 Perry Street, Orbost, VIC, 3888
Phone: (03) 5154 1122
Mobile: 0423 169 635
Email: moonshinemadness@aapt.net.au
Please contact us if you would like to be added or removed from the list.
Council's Roadside Vegetation Strategy sets the scene for the future management of vegetation on Shire’s rural roadsides. The Shire is responsible for managing some 3600 km of roadside in a sustainable manner.
The strategy identifies Council’s obligations and guides activities to ensure that our roadsides are well managed.
It is the intent of the Roadside Vegetation Strategy to: