Native Vegetation
Native vegetation exists across East Gippsland in rural and urban areas. It provides a number of ecological benefits including habitat for fauna and their movement across the landscape, natural erosion control, and shading effects in urbanised areas.
The definition of native vegetation in Victoria is any plants that are indigenous to the state, 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. Further information is available within the East Gippsland Planning Scheme as to what Council considers as part of planning permit application.
The scheme also 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 what controls apply to your land.
On Council-owned or Managed Land
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, you need written consent before any vegetation is removed (and notify us as soon as practicable after the event if it was an emergency).