Rural Roadside Management PlanCorangamite ShireFebruary 2012

Table of Contents

Executive Summary i

PART A – INTRODUCING THE RURAL ROADSIDE MANAGEMENT PLAN 1

1 Introduction 2

1.1 StructureofthePlan 2

1.2 Planpurposeandreview 3

PART B – RURAL ROADSIDE MANAGEMENT IN THE CORANGAMITE SHIRE 4

2 RuralroadsidemanagementintheCorangamiteShire 5

2.1 Vision 5

2.2 Scope 5

2.3 Achievingbalancedactions 5

2.4 Goalsofruralroadsidemanagement 7

PART C – GOALS OF RURAL ROADSIDE MANAGEMENT 9

3 Goal 1: Maintain a safe local road network 10

3.1 Introducingthesaferoadsgoal 10

3.2 Legislativecontexttovegetationremoval 10

3.3 Drainageandpavementmaintenance(routine) 11

3.4 Vegetationcontroltorestoresightlines 11

3.5 Strategiesinmaintainingasafelocalroadnetwork 12

4 Goal 2: Protect natural and heritage assets 13

4.1 Introducingtheassetsprotectiongoal 13

4.2 Biodiversityprotectionandenhancement 14

4.3 Invasiveplantsandanimals 15

4.4 AboriginalandnonAboriginalheritage 17

4.5 Strategiesinprotectingnaturalandheritageassets 18

5 Goal 3: Manage third party access 19

5.1 Introducingthethirdpartyaccessgoal 19

5.2 Fireprevention 20

5.3 Utilityandserviceprovision 20

5.4 Adjoininglandholders 21

5.5 Recreationalusers 21

5.6 Strategiesinmanagingthirdpartyaccessrisks 21

6 Goal 4: Provide leadership and promote the value and function of rural roadsides 23

6.1 Introducingtheleadershipgoal 23

6.2 Communityawareness 23

6.3 Stakeholdercooperation 23

6.4 Strategiesinpromotingthevalueandfunctionofruralroadsides 24

PART D – IMPLEMENTATION THROUGH STRATEGIC ACTIONS 25

7 Goal 5: Monitor the effectiveness of the Rural Roadside Management Plan 26

7.1 Introducingthemonitoringandeffectivenessgoal 26

7.2 ImplementationPlan 26

7.3 Monitoringandreporting 26

7.4 Strategicactionplan 27

References 32

Appendix1:Stakeholderreferencegroupmembers 33

Appendix2:LocalruralroadsintheShireofCorangamite 35

Appendix3:Relevantlegislation 36

Appendix4:Managementguidelines 38

Appendix5:Decisionflowchart–selectingshouldertreatments 42

Appendix6:Conservationvaluemappingonruralroadsides 43

Appendix7:Decisionflowchart–settingprioritiesforweedcontrol 44

Appendix8:Glossaryandacronyms 45

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Executive Summary

A. IntroductionTheCorangamiteRuralRoadsideManagementPlanisthekeystrategicdocumentthatsetsthedirectionof

ruralroadsidemanagementwithinthemunicipalityoverthenextfouryears.

Therearefourpartstothisplan,comprising:

• PartA: Introduction

• PartB: RuralroadsidemanagementintheCorangamiteShire

• PartC: Goalsforruralroadsidemanagement

• PartD: Implementationthroughstrategicactions

B. Rural roadside management in the Corangamite Shire

The Corangamite Shire Council has a vision for rural roadside management:

Counciliscommittedtoworkwiththecommunityandrelevantstakeholderstocreateanetworkofroad

reservesthatprovideasafeenvironmentforvehiclemovementwhilerecognisingandprotectingthe

conservation,landscape,culturalandrecreationvaluesofruralroadsides.

CorangamiteShirehasatotalof2,630kmofsealedandunsealedroads.Thisincludes2,205kmoflocal

roadsthataremanagedbyCounciland425kmofarterialroadsthataremanagedbyVicRoads.TheRural

RoadsideManagementPlanwillcoverlocalruralroadsonly.

Propermanagementofruralroadsidesdemandsmultipleobjectivestobefulfilled.Thereareconflicts

betweenoftencompetingobjectivesofroadandroadsidemanagementandstakeholderswilltendtohave

differentviewsonhowbesttomanagetheseconflicts.Theplanprovidesaframeworkforallstakeholdersto

understandtheirresponsibilitiesandcollaboratewherenecessarytoensurebalancedoutcomes.

C. Goals for rural roadside managementTheCorangamiteShireCouncilhassetfivegoalsforruralroadsidemanagement.Theyare:

Goal 1: Maintain a safe local road network.

Asafelocalroadnetworkisoneinwhichroadsidesarewellmaintainedandsafeforroadusers.Atthe

sametime,conservationandothervaluesareretainedandwhereverpossible,enhanced.Councilneeds

toworktoensurevegetationismanagedtomaintainsightlinesandimproveroutinedrainageandpavement

maintenance.

Goal 2: Protect natural and heritage assets.

Protectingnaturalandheritageassetsmeansthatroadsidesaremanagedtoprotecttheirwidervaluesand

thereisimprovedstakeholderandcommunityawarenessofnaturalandheritageassets.Thus,Council

willworkwiththecommunityandroadsideuserstoimprovebiodiversityconservationandenhancement,

manageinvasiveplantsandanimals,andprotectAboriginalandnonAboriginalheritageassets.

Goal 3: Manage third party access.

Managingthirdpartyaccessmeansensuringthereisaccessforallroadsideusersandresponsibilitiesare

knownandaccepted,andrisksaremitigated.Thirdpartyaccessincludesnecessaryfirepreventionworks

andappropriateaccessforutilityandserviceproviders,adjoininglandholders,andrecreationalusers.

Councilwillworkwithallofthesestakeholderstoensureappropriateaccesswhilstmaintainingasaferoad

networkandprotectingnaturalandheritageassets.

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Goal 4: Provide leadership and promote the value and function of rural roadsides.

Councilaimstobealeaderingoodroadsidemanagement.Itrecognisesthatpromotingthewidervalue

andfunctionofroadsidesmeanslessdamagingactivitiesandbetteroutcomesfortheenvironment.Thus,

Councilwillworktoimprovecommunityawarenessofthevalueandfunctionofruralroadsidesanddevelop

co-operativepracticeswithallstakeholders.

D. Implementation through strategic actions

Goal 5: Monitor the effectiveness of the Rural Roadside Management Plan.

Councilwantaruralroadsidemanagementplanthatisaccountableandeffective.Thus,achievementand

progresswillbemeasuredagainstthegoalsandactionsoftheplan.Theactionsdevelopedundereach

goalarelistedinthissection(attheendofthedocument)andincludearesponsiblepersonandindicative

timetable.Councilwillprepareanannualimplementationplan,whichwillarticulatehowthismanagement

planwillbeimplementedinthatyear.Progressagainstthegoalswillbeevaluatedthroughthisannual

planningprocessandattheendofthefour-yearlifeofthisplan.

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PART AIntroducing the Rural Roadside Management Plan

RoadsideFuelReductionBurn 1

PART B RURAL ROADSIDE MANAGEMENT IN THE CORANGAMITE SHIRE

• Vision• Scope• Achievingbalancedactions• Goalsofruralroadsidemanagement

PART D IMPLEMENTATION THROUGH STRATEGIC ACTIONS

• Monitortheeffectivenessoftheplan• Strategicactionplan

1 IntroductionTheCorangamiteRuralRoadsideManagementPlanisthekeystrategicdocumentthatsetsthedirectionofruralroadsidemanagementwithinthemunicipalityoverthenextfouryears.TheplanidentifiesCouncil’sstatutoryobligationsandalignsinternalworksprogramswiththestrategicobjectivesofCouncil’soverarchingCouncilPlan2009–2013.TheRuralRoadsideManagementPlanalsosetsprioritiesinroadsidemanagementandoutlinesstrategicactionsthatwilloccuroveritsduration(2012–2016).

IndicatorsofperformanceinroadsidemanagementhavebeenidentifiedthatwillenableCounciltoachievetheirstrategicobjectivesinrelationtomaintainingroadinfrastructuretoitscurrentstandard,whilstmakingimprovementsinsafetyandshowingleadershipingoodenvironmentalandsustainabilitypractices.Councilproposestoworkwithallcommunity,agencyandorganisationalstakeholderswithaninterestinruralroadsidemanagement.

1.1 Structure of the PlanTherearefourpartstothisplan,comprising:

Part A: Introduction

Part B: Rural roadside management in the Corangamite Shire

Part C: Goals for rural roadside management

Part D: Implementation through strategic actions

PartAprovidesbackgroundinformationandoutlinesthepurposeandstructureoftheplan.PartBprovidesastatementonthevisionandscopeoftheplanandsummarisesthegeneralprinciplesforachievingbalancedactiononruralroadsides.PartCprovidesdetailedinformationonthegoalsofruralroadsidemanagementandPartDoutlineshowtheplanwillbeimplementedandliststhestrategicactionsthatwillachievetheCorangamiteShireCouncil’sobjectivesforruralroadsidemanagement.

PART A INTRODUCTION

• Structureoftheplan• Planpurposeandreview

PART C GOALS OF RURAL ROADSIDE MANAGEMENT

• Maintainasafelocalroadnetwork• Protectnaturalandheritageassets• Managethirdpartyaccess• Provideleadershipandpromotethe

valueandfunctionofruralroadsides

Figure1.1StructureoftheRuralRoadsideManagementPlan

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1.2 Plan purpose and reviewPurpose of the plan

TheRuralRoadsideManagementPlanneedstointegratelegislation,policiesandprogramsrelevanttoroadsidemanagementinaneasilyunderstandableandworkableformatforCouncilstaffandcommunitymemberstouseandunderstand.

Theplanisastrategicratherthanprescriptivedocument.Thiswillhelptoretainitsrelevanceoverthefullfour-yearsofplanimplementation.CouncilwilldevelopanimplementationplantoaccompanytheRuralRoadsideManagementPlan,whichwillspecifyannualactionstoimplementthePlan’sstrategicactions.

Therehavebeenseveralrecentchangeswithrelevancetoroadsidemanagementthathavebeenconsideredinthedevelopmentofthisplan.Theseincluderecommendationsfromthe2009VictorianBushfireRoyalCommission,recentlistingsofprotectedvegetationcommunitiesundertheCommonwealthEnvironmentalProtectionandBiodiversityConservationAct1999andchangesintheinterpretationoftheVictorianCatchmentandLandProtectionAct1994,regardingresponsibilityforweedsonlocalroadsides.

Theplanwillaimtoguidethemanagementofruralroadsidesto:

• Maintain and enhance the safe and efficient function of rural roads–withattentiontodrainageandsightlines,forexample.

• Protect and enhance the function and values of rural roadsides–withattentiontopreservingenvironmental,heritageandrecreationalvaluesandassets.

• Manage risks on roadsides–withattentiontoweedinvasion,utilityandservicesprovision,firepreventionandroadmaintenancepractices.

• Meet Council’s legislative responsibilities –withattentiontomultipleActsofParliamenttodowitharangeofmatters,forexample,nativevegetationprotection,fireprevention,emergencymanagementandroadsafety.

• Promote the value and function of roadsides to the community–througheducationonmattersincludingtimberremovalforfirewood,grazinganddrovingoflivestock.

Development and review of the plan

Councilchoseafacilitativecommunityengagementprocesstodeveloptheplaninordertoallowwiderstakeholderinvolvementinthedevelopmentofpracticallocalstrategiestoachievetheplan’saims.

Aspartoftheircommitmenttoengagingwiththecommunity,CouncilestablishedaStakeholderReferenceGroupwithmembershipfromkeystate,regionalandlocalagenciesandorganisationswithaninterestinruralroadsidemanagementandfifteencommunityrepresentatives(refertoAppendix1foralistofmembers).Thisgroupprovided:

• Adviceabouttheissues,strategiesandactionstobeincludedinthePlanthroughtwoworkshopsessions.

• CommentsonaDiscussionPaperthatprecededthedevelopmentoftheDraftplan.

CouncilalsocommittedtwoformalperiodsofpubliccommentduringthedevelopmentofthePlan.

1. AdiscussionpaperwasondisplayforcommunitycommentduringJuly2011.

2. TheDraftRuralRoadsideManagementPlanwasondisplayduringOctoberandNovember2011.

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PART BRural Roadside Management in the Corangamite Shire

RoutineRoadMaintenance4

2 Rural roadside management in the Corangamite Shire

2.1 VisionTheCorangamiteShireCouncilhasavisionforruralroadsidemanagement:

Counciliscommittedtoworkwiththecommunityandrelevantstakeholderstocreateanetworkofroadreservesthatprovideasafeenvironmentforvehiclemovementwhilerecognisingandprotectingtheconservation,landscape,culturalandrecreationvaluesofruralroadsides.

2.2 Scope CorangamiteShirehasatotalof2,630kmofsealedandunsealedroads.Thisincludes2,205kmoflocalroadsthataremanagedbyCounciland425kmofarterialroadsthataremanagedbyVicRoads.

TheRuralRoadsideManagementPlanwillcoverlocalruralroadsonly(RefertoAppendix2foramapoftheseroads).MainroadsandhighwaysmanagedbyVicRoads,unusedroadreserves,andpublicroadsmanagedbytheDepartmentofSustainabilityandEnvironmentandParksVictoria(withinForestandNationalPark)arenotcoveredbythisplan.

2.3 Achieving balanced actionsPropermanagementofruralroadsidesdemandsmultipleobjectivestobefulfilled.Thereareconflictsbetweenoftencompetingobjectivesofroadandroadsidemanagementandstakeholderswilltendtohavedifferentviewsonhowbesttomanagetheseconflicts.Council’sRuralRoadsideManagementPlanwillprovidedirectiononhowtoachieveabalancebetweenstakeholderperspectives.

What is a roadside?

Theroadreservecomprisesthelandfromfencelinetofenceline.Theroadformationandtheroadsidearewithinthereserve,asindicatedinFigure2-1below.

Figure2-1Illustrationoftheroadreservecomprisingtheroadformationandroadside

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Theroadformationconsistsofformedpavementlayers,awearingcourse(eithersealedorunsealed)anditsdrainagesystem(usuallyatabledrainoneithersideoftheformation).Theroadsideisthelandfromtheupsideortopofthetabledraintothefencelineoftheadjoiningproperty.

Thisishowever,anidealisedillustrationoftheroadreserveandacrosstheruralroadnetworkmanyoftheseelementswillvaryaccordingtoterrainandothernaturalenvironmentalfeatures.

Forexample:

• Tabledrainsarenotalwaysreadilydefined,especiallyinveryflatterrain.

• Therecouldbeeithercutorfillbattersand/orembankmentsincloseproximitytotheroadformation.

• Theroadsidewillsupportcombinationsofexoticandnativevegetation,ofvaryingstructure,includingdifferentheightsanddensitiesofplantcommunities.

• Theboundaryoftheroadreservemayalsobedifficulttodefine,particularlywhereitadjoinspublicland,suchasNationalParksorStateforestareas.

Therearemarkedchangesintopographyandrainfallbetweenthenorthandsouthofthemunicipality.Movingsouthwards,theterraingenerallybecomessteeperandrainfallincreasesleadingtomoreprolificvegetativegrowth.Therefore,ruralroadsidesinthesouthoftheShirerequireahigherintensityofmaintenance.

Thesefactorsinconjunctionwithroadclassification(anddesiredmaintenancestandards)willaffectdecisionsaboutappropriatemanagementoftheroadformationandroadside.

Roles and responsibilities

Theroadnetworkincludesavarietyofdifferentconstructiontypes,rangingfromminornaturalsurfaces(orunformedroads)tohighusebitumenroads.Theseroadsalsovaryinownershipandmanagementresponsibilitydependingontheirclassification.Fourmajorhighwaysandnumerousmainroads(includingtouristroads)aremanagedbyVicRoads,someofwhicharecurrentlybeingmaintainedundercontractbyCouncil.TheDepartmentofSustainabilityandEnvironmentandParksVictoriaalsomanagesunleasedunusedroadsandroadswithinforestsandNationalParks.

TheCorangamiteShirehasresponsibilityforthemanagementoflocalroads,includingroadsides.Councilalongwithvariousotheragencies,organisationsandindividualshavearangeoflegislativeresponsibilitiesunderdifferentActsandRegulations(StateandCommonwealth)whenworkingonroadsides.TheseotherpartiesincludetheCountryFireAuthority(CFA),DepartmentofPrimaryIndustries(DPI),DepartmentofSustainabilityandEnvironment(DSE),serviceproviders(e.g.Telstra,Powercor)andlandholders.AsummaryofthemainpiecesofCommonwealthandStategovernmentlegislationthatcanimpactonroadsidemanagementisprovidedinAppendix3.

Theplanprovidesaframeworkforallstakeholderstounderstandtheirresponsibilitiesandcollaboratewherenecessarytoensurebalancedoutcomes.Itisasourcedocumentthatprovidesguidancetoaffectedpartieswhenmanagingcompetingobjectivesandprioritiesinruralroadsidemanagement.

Council’s role in advocating for legislative change

TheCorangamiteShireCouncilhasaroleinadvocatingforlegislativechangethatwillleadtobalancedroadsidemanagement(forexample,strategies1.1seekingwiderexemptionsforworkswithinthemaintenanceenvelopeand3.10onfencelineclearing).Thisplanhasaroleinprovidingavoiceandsupportingtheneedforlegislativechangeinsomeareasofroadsidemanagement.

Users of the plan

TheCorangamiteShireinpartnershipwiththecommunityandkeyagencyandorganisationalstakeholdershasdevelopedthisplan.Theplanwillbereadandusedbyawiderangeofstakeholderswithaninterestinroadsidemanagement.Thiswillincludebutnotbelimitedto,Councilstaffaswellasserviceandutilityproviders,CFApersonnelandcommunitymembers,includingadjoininglandholders.

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2.4 Goals of rural roadside managementTheCorangamiteShireCouncilhassetfivegoalsforruralroadsidemanagement.Theyare:

Goal 1: Maintain a safe local road network

Goal 2: Protect natural and heritage assets

Goal 3: Manage third party access

Goal 4: Provide leadership and promote the value and function of rural roadsides

Goal 5: Monitor the effectiveness of the Rural Roadside Management Plan.

Thesegoalsareinclusiveofthewiderangeofroadsidemanagementissuesandobjectivesofdifferentstakeholdergroups.Figure22onthefollowingpageprovidesanoutlineofthemainelementswithineachgoal.

ThefollowingsectionprovidesthestrategicdirectionforruralroadsidemanagementundereachofthePlan’sgoals.Themainelementsofeachgoalaredescribedandtheareaswherethereispotentialforcompetingobjectivesandissuesarepresented.Strategiesfortheachievementofbalancedoutcomesandareasofcollaborationbetweenstakeholdersarealsoidentified.

PrescriptivemanagementguidelinesforsomeoftheimportantareasofruralroadsidemanagementareprovidedinAppendix4.

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PART CGoals of Rural Roadside Management

Nativegrassesonaroadside9

What are the issues?

Thereisatensionbetweennativevegetationremovaltorestoretrafficsightdistancesandthedrainagefunctionsoftheroad,andtheprotectionandenhancementofnativevegetation.Thisisespeciallyevidentwherevegetationcompriseshighconservationcommunitiessupportingthreatenedspecies.

TherearealsocompetingprioritiesforCouncilslimitedworksbudgetthatwillmaximisethebenefitsfromroutineworksprograms.Communityexpectationsondesiredmaintenancelevelsareraisedfollowingwetperiodsandfloodeventsbecausetherisksfromresultingvegetationgrowthisheightened.

3.2 Legislative context to vegetation removalNativevegetationremovalisregulatedthroughCouncilslocalplanningscheme.Section12.01oftheVictorianPlanningProvisions,providesanoverarchingpolicyframeworkfornativevegetationmanagement.ConservationofbiodiversityacrossVictoriais‘tenureblind’makingitrelevantandofconcernforalllevelsofgovernment,andprivateindividualsandorganisations.Theobjectivesforlocalplanningauthoritiesinclude:

• Assistintheprotectionofconservationvaluesofnationalparksandconservationreserves.

• Assistintheconservationofthehabitatsofthreatenedandendangeredspeciesandcommunities(forexamplePlainsGrassland).

• Addresspotentiallythreateningprocesses.

• Assistinthereestablishmentoflinksbetweenisolatedhabitatremnants.

• Applythethree-stepprocess(asdescribedintheVictorianNativeVegetationFramework).

Step 1. AVOID adverse impacts on native vegetation

Step 2: MINIMISE impacts through consideration of the Planning Process

Step 3: Identify appropriate OFFSET options

Undersection52.17oftheVictorianPlanningProvisions,aplanningpermitisrequiredtoremove,lopordestroynativevegetationunlessarelevantexemptionapplies.RefertotheCorangamiteshire’splanningschemeforguidance:

http://planningschemes.dpcd.vic.gov.au/corangamite/home.html

AdjoininglandholdersandothersworkingontheroadsidemustcontactCounciltodeterminepermitrequirementsbeforeremovingortrimmingnativevegetationontheroadside.

Safe RoadsRoadsidesarewellmaintainedandsafeforroadusers.Atthesametime,conservationandothervaluesareretainedandwhereverpossible,enhanced.

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3.1 Introducing the safe roads goal

What is the goal?

TheCorangamiteShireCounciliscommittedtoensuringthatlocalroadsmeetdesignatedqualityandperformancestandardsandprovideservicelevels(intermsofsafetyandefficiency)thatmeettheneedsofthecommunity.Roadmaintenancestandardsvaryacrossthenetworkaccordingtoriskfactorsincluding:natureandvolumeoftraffic,operatingspeed,susceptibilityofassetstodeterioration,costeffectivenessofrepairs,andcompetingprioritiesforfunding(CorangamiteShire,2009).

Council’sgoalistomaintainroadstotheircurrentstandardwhilstmakingimprovementsinsafetywhereverpossible.Maintenanceandconstructionactivities(byallpartiesinternalandexternaltoCouncil)aretobecarriedoutaccordingtobestpracticeoperatingprinciplestoensurethattheriskandimpactofenvironmentaldamageonruralroadsidesisminimised.

Goal 1: Maintain a safe local road network

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CouncilmanagesnativevegetationremovalonruralroadsidesinaccordancewithawrittenagreementwithDSEthatsitsunderthelocalgovernmentpublicroadsexemption.TheexemptioncomprisesamendmentVC49toClause52.17oftheVictoriaPlanningProvisions(VPP)andwasgazettedinSeptember2010.Thisamendmentprovidesforaprocesswherethereisarangeofexemptworksthatcanbeundertakeninordertomaintainthesafeandefficientfunctionofroadswithoutapplicationforaplanningpermitforvegetationremoval.ManagingNativeVegetationonRoadsides–aguideforimplementingagreementsundertheLocalGovernmentPublicRoadsexemption(DSE2009),outlinesasharedapproachbetweenDSE,theMunicipalAssociationofVictoria(MAV)andlocalgovernmentauthoritiestoprovideacommonunderstandingofhowtheexemptionwillbeimplementedbyDSEandCouncils.

Underthisagreementandcurrentregulations,restrictionsremain,andCouncilisrequiredtonotifyDSEpriortovegetationremovalsandtokeeprecords(exceptforloppingandtrimmingwherelessthanonethirdofthecanopyisremoved)andreportannuallytoDSE.Offsetsarenotrequiredfortheseremovals,butmaybevolunteeredbyCounciltorecogniseandmitigatelosses.

Therearetwomainareasofruralroadsidemaintenancewherenativevegetationremovalisrequiredtomaintainasafelocalroadnetwork.Thesearedrainageandpavementmaintenance,andrestorationoftrafficsightlines.

3.3 Drainage and pavement maintenance (routine)Bothresourcingofandtheneedfordrainagemaintenancewerereducedduringtheprolongeddroughtandoverthattimebothexoticandnativevegetationre-establishedintabledrains.Manydrainshavebecomeinoperableandtheroadnetworkhasbeenexperiencingpoordrainageproblemsduringhighrainfallperiods.

Themaindrainageandpavementmaintenanceissuesare:

• Blocked drains and outlets due to excessive vegetative growth–leadingtofailureofwearingcourseandpavementlayers.

• Native vegetation in drains–theremovalof10yearsorolderregrowth(nativespecies)issubjecttoStategovernmentnativevegetationcontrols.

• Drainage onto roadsides–drainagefromadjoininglandontoroadsidescannotbeaccommodatedwhendrainsarenotoperatingeffectively.Changesinfarmingpractices,suchasraisedbedcropping,hasincreasedthevolumesofwaterdrainingintoroadsides,insomecasescausingfailureofdrainsanderosion.

• Drainage into adjoining properties-roadsidedrainagecanbeimpededwherefarmingactivitiesorinadequatemaintenancehaschokeddrainageoutfalls.

• Road safety-iscompromisedwhenroadsdeteriorateduetopoordrainage(potholesinwearingsurface,basefailure,steepedgebreaks,softshoulders,subsidence,roadsideandpavementscouring).

Councilstaffwillapplytheconceptsofassetvalueandrisktodeterminethemostappropriatemeansofcontrollingvegetationindrains.AdecisiontreetoassistwithtreatmentselectionisprovidedinAppendix5.

3.4 Vegetation control to restore sightlinesDuringhighrainfallyearstherearehighgrowthratesinroadsidevegetationthatrequireadditionalmaintenancetorestoresightdistancestoensurethesafetyofroadusers.Forexample,prolificexoticgrassgrowthandaneedfortrimmingandremovalofoverhangingbranches.

Themainsightlinerestorationandvegetationcontrolissuesare:

• Road safety across the local network–iscompromisedwhendesignsightdistancesarenotmaintainedthroughtimelytrimmingorremovalofroadsidevegetation.

• Driveway and other access points–needtobemaintainedtoensuresafeentryandexitfromthecarriageway.

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3.5 Strategies in maintaining a safe local road network

Strategiesfortheachievementofbalancedoutcomeshavebeenidentifiedasfollows:

1. CouncilwilladvocatetoDSEforareviewofthelocalgovernmentpublicroadsexemptiontoincludeall maintenanceworkswithinthedefinedmaintenanceenvelope,includingtheroad’sdrainagesystem.

2. CouncilwillworkwithDSEtostreamlineadministrativeprocessesformeetingnativevegetation requirementsofprojectsthatarenotcoveredbytheexemption,ensuringthatminimumextent requirementsaremete.g.approvedoffsetmanagementplans

3. Councilwillworkwithlandholderstoensurethatroaddrainsintoprivatepropertyandnaturalwater coursesaremaintainedanddrainagefromprivatelanddoesnotadverselyimpactonroaddrains.4. Wherepossible,Councilwillintegratemajordrainagemaintenanceworkswithplannednon-routine roadupgrades.

5. Councilwilldevelopadecisionsupporttooltoassistwithsettingprioritiesforschedulingdrainage maintenanceworksaswellasimplementingproactivemaintenanceprograms.

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4 Goal 2: Protect natural and heritage assets

4.1 Introducing the assets protection goal

What is the goal?

Nativevegetationremainingonprivatelandishighlyfragmentedandusuallyoccursasisolatedandsmallremnants.Remnantsareoftenofpoorqualitywithlimiteddiversitywheretheylackunderstoryandgroundlitter.Inmanyinstances,theyaredepletedanddegraded,howevertheseareascanalsoprovidecriticalhabitatforvulnerableandendangeredspecies.

Threatstonativevegetationandbiodiversityconditionsonruralroadsidesaremanyandvaried.Theseincludebutarenotlimitedtodisturbancefrom:

• Sprayingherbicides,ploughingandgradingfirebreaks,mowingandslashing,spreadingweedsbymachinery.

• Installationandmaintenanceofservices,roadupgradeandrealignment.

• Weedinvasionfromadjoiningproperties(publicandprivate).

• Unauthorisedfirewoodcollectionandrubbishdumping.

• Croppingandploughing,grazingbylivestock.

Themajorityofthesearealsothreatstoheritageassets.Therearealsothreatsposedbyinvasiveplantsandanimalsonruralroadsides,whichthreatenbothbiodiversityvaluesandagriculturalassetsonadjoiningland.Council’sgoalistominimisethesethreatsthroughgoodcommunicationbetweenstakeholdersandbetterplanningofworks.

What are the issues?

Tensionsareevidentbetweenpreservationofnaturalandheritagevaluesandarangeofactivitiesoccurringonruralroadsides.Forexample,routinemaintenanceactivitiessuchasvegetationtrimmingandremovalto:restoresightdistances,reducefuelloadsandmaintaindrains,canallimpactbiodiversityandheritagevalues.Incrementallossescompoundovertime.Adjoininglandholdersneedtomaintainfencelinesandtheyarenotalwaysawareoftheconservationandheritagevaluesonparticularpartsofthenetwork.Utilityandserviceprovisionandmaintenancecanalsocauseincrementaldamageduetoexcessivesoildisturbanceandvegetationclearing.Utilityinstallations(forexample,buriedassets)canalsoalterthesoilprofileandchangethehydrologyonroadsides.

Natural and Heritage Assets ProtectedRoadsidesaremanagedtoprotecttheirwidervaluesandthereisimprovedstakeholderandcommunityawarenessofnaturalandheritageassets

conservationandothervaluesareretainedandwhereverpossible,enhanced.

TheCorangamiteShireCounciliscommittedtoensuringthatnaturalandheritageassetsonruralroadsidesareprotectedandwhereverpossibleenhanced.

Culturalheritagesitesonandadjacenttoruralroadsides,includeAboriginalsites,heritagestonewallsandsignificanttrees.OutsidelargerStatemanagedpubliclandareas,remainingnativevegetationoccursmainlyonruralroadsides.

Theycansupportcommunitiesofhighbiologicalsignificancesuchasthreatenedplantspeciesandhabitatsforthreatenedfauna.

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Thereisalackofrecognitionand/ortrainingwithregardtotheimportanceofpreservingAboriginalheritage.Thereisalsoanabsenceofaclearprocessformaintenancecrewsandutilityproviderstofollowpriortoundertakingworks;especiallyinareaswheretherearehighvalueassets.Resourcingforweedcontrolisgenerallyinsufficienttomeetcommunityexpectationsonthedesiredlevelofcontrolandthereisongoinguncertaintyaboutresponsibilitiesforweedcontrolonlocalroads.Therearealsodifferencesinopinionaboutthemostdamagingweedspeciesintermsofwhichonesshouldbecontrolledandwhere.

Thesetensionsareespeciallyevidentwhereactivitiesareoccurringonruralroadsideswherevegetationcompriseshighconservationvaluecommunitiessupportingthreatenedspeciesorwheretherearehighlyvaluedheritageassets.

Councilsarenowresponsiblefortheissuingofpermitsforfirewoodcollectiononlocalroadsides.CorangamiteShireCouncilcurrentlydoesnotissueanypermitsforfirewoodcollectiononroadsides.

4.2 Biodiversity protection and enhancementVictoria’sNativeVegetationManagementFramework(DSE2002)isintegraltotheStateGovernment’spolicyonvegetationmanagement.Theoverarchinggoaloftheframeworkistoachieveareversalinthedeclineintheextentandqualityofnativevegetationleadingtoanetgaininnativevegetation.‘NetGain’istheoutcomewhereoverallgainsaregreaterthanoveralllosses(assessedbyacombinedquality-quantity‘habitat-hectare’measure)andwhereindividuallossesofnativevegetationareavoidedwherepossible.

Inpractice,Council’sapplicationofthe‘NetGain’principlemeansretainingexistingnativevegetationandavoidingclearancewhereverfeasible.Whereremovalisunavoidable,Councilaimstominimisedisturbanceandwherenecessaryadministersuitableoffsets.Sincetheintroductionoftheframeworkin2002,CouncilisrequiredtodocumentallclearingofnativevegetationthathasoccurredunderpermitonCouncilland.ThisformsthebasisforCouncil’snativevegetationoffsetsregister.

TheCCMA’sCorangamiteNativeVegetationPlan2005–2008isavaluableresourceforCouncilinthemanagementofnativevegetationonroadsides.TherearethreebioregionsintheCorangamiteshire.Theseare:OtwayPlain,WarramboolPlainandVictorianVolcanicPlain.Allthreebioregionsareextensivelyclearedandmodified,withlessthat30%,20%,and15%ofnativevegetationremaining,respectively(VEAC2010).

RoadsidereservesontheWesternPlains(ofwhichCorangamiteisapart)arereportedtobehometo45%ofremaininggrasslandsites,and25%ofallplantspecieslistedundertheVictorianFloraandFaunaGuaranteeAct1988.

TherearealsoCommonwealthEnvironmentProtectionandBiodiversityConservation(EPBC)Act1999listedthreatenedcommunitiesresidingwithintheShire.Theseinclude:

• GrassyEucalyptWoodlandoftheVictorianVolcanicPlain

• NaturalTemperateGrasslandoftheVictorianVolcanicPlain

TheseencompassthePlainsGrasslandandPlainsGrassyWoodlandcommunities,whicharelistedascriticallyendangered,andamatterofnationalenvironmentalsignificanceundertheEPBCAct.

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Ruralroadsidesinthemunicipalityhavebeenassessedtodeterminepredominantvegetationtypesandtheirenvironmentalsignificance.Conservationvalueshavebeenassignedacrossthenetworkandmapped(ashigh,mediumandlowvalue)toassistwithplanningworksintheShire(Appendix6).Thismappinghasbeendoneusinga‘windscreenanalysis’techniquethatwasdevelopedbytheRoadsideConservationAdvisoryCommittee.

Themainbiodiversityprotectionandenhancementissuesare:

• Roadsidessupportvaluablebiodiversity–protectedundervariousStateandCommonwealthlegislation.

• Conservationvaluesaremapped–howeverconditionchangesarelargelynotmonitored.

• Roadsidemaintenancepractices–needtobeundertakeninamannerthatminimisesdisturbancetoindigenousvegetationandspreadofweeds.

• Intrusionofweedsandrabbits–ontoroadsidesfromadjoiningprivateandpublicland.

• Poorcommunicationofconservationvalues–toallroadsideusersandotherstakeholdersinthecommunity.

4.3 Invasive plants and animalsInvasiveplantsandanimalsthreatenland,waterandbiodiversityintheCorangamiteShire.Theypresentthreatstoprimaryproduction,nativefloraandfauna,andtherecreationandamenityofCouncilownedandmanagedlandassets.

AlllandmanagersandmembersofthecommunityhavearoletoplayincontrollinginvasiveplantsandanimalsintheShire.DPItakestheleadroleonmostprivatelandwhileDSEhastheleadroleonpublicland,particularlyforthemanagementofparksandreservesthroughParksVictoria.UndertheCatchmentandLandProtectionAct1994(CaLPAct),CouncilasalandmanagerforCouncil-managedreserveshasalegalresponsibilityto:“eradicateregionallyprohibitedweeds;andpreventthegrowthandspreadofregionallycontrolledweeds;andpreventthespreadof,andasfaraspossibleeradicate,establishedpestanimals.”

AtthetimethatthisPlanwasdeveloped,theresponsibilityforcontrollingweedsandpests(particularlyrabbits)onroadsideswasbeingreviewedbytheStateGovernment.AroadsideweedsandpestsworkingpartywasappointedbytheMinisterofAgricultureandFoodSecuritytoexaminetheresponsibilitiesforoperationalmanagementofinvasiveplantsandanimalsandfundingforsuchactivities.

Inlate2011theworkingpartyproducedareportwithrecommendationsfortheMinistersconsideration.Someoftheserecommendationsincluded:

• Localgovernmentshouldberesponsibleforregionallycontrolledweedsandrabbitsonlocalroadswith thecostssharedbetweenstateandlocalgovernment.

• Localgovernmentobligationsformanagingregionallycontrolledweedsandrabbitsshouldbelimited whereitmeetsthefollowingcriteria:

o Sustainedcommunityledactionbyanappropriatelyrecognisedgroupismakingprogress inmanagingtargetedregionallycontrolledweedsorrabbitsinadefinedgeographic location.

o Weedmanagementonmunicipalroadsidesisneededtomeetobjectivesofthiscommunity ledgroupand/ormunicipalroadsidesrepresentasignificantpathwayofspreadforthe targetedregionallycontrolledweedsofrabbits.

o Stateandregionalprioritiesarebeingappropriatelyaddressed,includingtheneedto containpriorityspeciesandtoprotectkeyassetsbothonmunicipalroadsidesandinthe surroundingprivateandpublicland.

o Communityledactionisclearlyproducingpublicbenefit.

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• CouncilsshoulddevelopaRoadsideWeedandRabbitControlPlanasameasuretominimise roadsidesasasourceforweedandrabbitproblems.

• Undertheproposedfundingmodel,itisrecommendedthatstategovernmentprovideabaselevel offundingtoeachCouncilforimplementationoftheirRoadsideWeedandRabbitControlPlan. AdditionallevelsoffundingwillbeavailabletoCouncilsaccordingtotheCouncil’sfinancialstress.

• ItshouldbelegislatedthatCouncilwillmeetitsobligationsundertheCaLPAct1994whereitdevelops andimplementsaRoadsideWeedandRabbitControlPlan.

• Stategovernmentshouldberesponsibleforstateprohibitedweeds.

• Stategovernmentshouldberesponsibleforregionallyprohibitedroadsides,withlocalgovernment responsiblefortheonsitemanagementoftheseweeds(fundedbystategovernment).

TheMinisteriscurrentlyconsideringtheworkingparty’srecommendations.

Alistofweedsandtheirclassificationscanbefoundathttp://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/agriculture/pests-diseases-and-weeds/weeds/invasive-plants/weed-classification-victoria.

Figure 4 1 Generalised invasion curve for invasive plants and animals

DPIhasadoptedabiosecurityapproachtoinvasiveplantsandanimalscontrolinVictoria.Thisapproachemphasisesthatpreventionanderadicationofnewandemerginghigh-riskspecieswillgenerallybemorecost-effectivethanmanaginganinvasivespeciesonceithasbecomewidelyestablished.A‘generalisedinvasioncurve’(Figure41)illustratesfourapproachestoinvasiveplantsandanimalsmanagement:prevention,eradication,containmentandassetbasedprotection.

Prevention,eradicationandcontainmentmeasuresareusedbeforeatargetspeciesiswidespreadandgenerallyappliestoweedsthataredeclared(undertheCaLPAct)asStateorregionallyprohibitedweeds.TheCorangamiteCatchmentManagementAuthority(CCMA)hasrecentlyreleaseditsInvasivePlantsandAnimals(IPA)Strategythatidentifieshigh-riskpestthreatstovaluableregionalassetswithintheregion(CCMA,2010).

Whenaninvasivespeciesisabundantandwidespread,themostcosteffectiveapproachistoprotectpriorityassets.Assetsincludethingslikerecreationalparkland,waterwayfrontages,wetlands,areasofagriculturalland,parkswithhighculturalorhistoricalsignificanceorstandsofintactnativevegetation.AdoptinganassetprotectionapproachmeansthatprioritiescanbesetamongthemanyCouncilmanagedassetsthreatenedbyinvasiveplantsandanimals.

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Councilstaffwillapplytheconceptsofassetvalueandrisktorankruralroadsideassetsinorderofpriorityforweedcontrol.AdecisiontreeforprioritisingroadsideweedcontrolintheShireisprovidedinAppendix7.

Themaininvasiveplantsandanimalsissuesare:

• Managementofweeds(controlandprevention)isasharedresponsibility–thatrequirescooperationbetweenallruralroadsideusersandadjoininglandmanagers.

• InterpretationoftheCaLPAct–responsibilityforroadsideweedcontrolisunclear.

• Roadsidesarehighrisk–duetotheirexposuretoadjoininglandusepracticesandinfestationfrompassingroadtransportandconstructionvehicles.

• Pestandanimalcontrolpractices–needtobeundertakeninamannerthatminimisesdisturbancetoindigenousvegetationandspreadofweeds.

• Prioritisingweedcontrol–accordingtoariskandassetvaluerating;firstlytargetingnewandemerginghighriskweedsandthentheprotectionofhighvalueassetssuchashighconservationvalueroadsides.

• Weedsposingroadmanagementrisks–thespreadofweedscanleadtohighermaintenancerequirementsandaheightenedfireandroadsafetyrisk.

4.4 Aboriginal and non Aboriginal heritageManyplacessuchashistoricsitesandstructures,Aboriginalplacesandtreeplantingsonandadjacenttoruralroadsidesholdsignificantculturalandnaturalvaluesforthelocalandbroadercommunity.Theseplacesneedtobeprotectedfromharm.Someplacesandsites,suchasstonewallfences,areprotectedthroughtheCorangamitePlanningSchemeandrequireparticularmanagement.SuchsitesareoftenlistedontheVictorianHeritageRegisterandareprotectedbytheHeritageAct1995.

TheAboriginalHeritageAct2006andaccompanyingAboriginalHeritageRegulations2007providefortheprotectionandmanagementofVictoria’sAboriginalculturalheritage.ThelegislationoutlinestherequirementsforAboriginalculturalheritagemanagementinVictoria.ThediscoveryoruncoveringofAboriginalculturalheritageonpublicorprivatelandisreportabletoAboriginalAffairsVictoriaforentryontheVictorianAboriginalHeritageRegister.

ThemainAboriginalandnonAboriginalheritageissuesare:

• Routineroadsidemaintenance–mayimpactonknownregisteredorpreviouslyunknownandunregisteredheritagesitesandplaces.

• Utilityandserviceprovisionandmaintenance–mayalsoharmheritagesitesandplaces.

• Needforapermitoramanagementplan–anAboriginalculturalheritagepermitisrequiredifanactivitywillorislikelyto,harmAboriginalculturalheritage.AnAboriginalculturalheritagemanagementplanisrequirediftheroadsideworkisinanareaofculturalheritagesensitivityandisahighimpactactivitythatisnotanexemptactivity.

• Anabsenceofprotocolsandeffectivecommunication–onappropriatemanagementofheritagesitesandAboriginalplacesbyvariousstakeholders.

Anunderstandingofthelegislativeandreportingrequirements,consultation,planningandriskassessmentmustbeundertakentoavoidharmtoheritage.

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4.5 Strategies in protecting natural and heritage assetsStrategiesfortheachievementofbalancedoutcomeshavebeenidentifiedasfollows:

Biodiversity conservation and enhancement

1. CouncilwillworkwithadjoininglandholdersandLandcaretosupportrevegetation/regenerationonthe roadsideoronadjoiningpropertieswhereappropriateandwhereitenhancesroadsidecorridors.

2. Councilwillinvestigateestablishingapermitsystemforfirewoodcollectionfromroadsideswith considerationtopotentialpublicliabilityissues.

3. Councilwillincreaseawarenessamongstcommunityandroadsideusersofallavailableinformationon roadsidebiodiversityvalues.

4. Councilwillmonitorroadsidevegetationconditionandidentifyhighestvaluebiologicalassetsin collaborationwithagencieswithexpertiseandresources.

5. CouncilwillworkwithDSEtoinvestigatetheuseofstrategicruralroadsidesfornativevegetation offsets.

Invasive plants and animals

6. CouncilwillcontrolweedsonroadsidesinaccordancewithAppendix7,workinginpartnershipwith othergovernmentorganisationsinvolvedininvasiveplantandanimalmanagement(DSE,DPI,Parks VicandtheCCMA)acrossalllandtenures.

7. Councilstaffwillbetrainedinrecognisinghigh-riskweedspeciesandhigh-riskpathwaysofentryand spreadofinvasivespeciese.g.adherencetoappropriatevehiclehygienepractices.

8. CouncilwillworkwithDPItoraiseawarenessabouttheriskofnewhighriskweedspeciesbeing introducedviafoddercomingintotheregion,particularlyduringorfollowingemergencieslikedrought orfire.

9. Councilwilltrainstaffinrabbitandweedidentificationandconductcommunityweedidentification andcontroltrainingprogramstominimisetheintroductionofnewhighriskspeciesandincreasethe likelihoodthattheywillbedetectedearly.

10. Councilwillsupportpartnershipswithlandholdergroupsandotheragencies(i.e.ParksVictoria)to undertakeweedandrabbitcontrole.g.fundingincentivesforlandholders,whereappropriate.

11. Councilwillmaproadsideweedinfestationsandtheirtreatmentinpartnershipwithcommunitygroups andrelevantagencies(i.e.DPI)

12. Councilwilldeveloparegisterofknowncertifiedorganicpropertiesandwherepossible,avoidroadside sprayingadjoiningtheseproperties.

Aboriginal and non Aboriginal heritage assets

13. CouncilwillencourageallruralroadsideuserstoconsulttheAboriginalandnon-Aboriginalheritage registers(theVictorianAboriginalHeritageRegisterandtheVictorianHeritageRegister)forinformation aboutanyon-siteculturalheritagepriortoworkingontheroadsidetoensurenon-Aboriginalheritage sitesandAboriginalplacesarenotharmed.

14. Councilwillincreaseawarenessandconsistency,andfullyimplementestablishedprocessesforthe identification,reportingandmanagementofAboriginalplaces,inaccordancewithrelevantlegislation, onruralroadsidesintheShire.

15. Councilwillestablishasiteidentificationandmanagementprocessfornon-Aboriginalheritagesites.

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5 Goal 3: Manage third party access

5.1 Introducing the third party access goal

What is the goal?

• Communitygroups–includeLandcareandothergroupssuchas‘AdoptaRoadside’,whichcanbeinvolvedwithclean-upsandrevegetationprojects.

• Recreationalusers–roadsidetrails(designatedornot)usedbywalkers,cyclists,horseridersetc.Roadsidesalsohostwaysidestopareasforlongerdistancetravellers.

• Unauthorisedanduncontrolledworksinroadreservescanhaveseriousrisks.Someoftherisksthatrequiremanaginginclude:

• Safetyissues–forexample,utilityproviders,fireandotheremergencypersonnel,roadworkscrewsneedasafeworkingenvironment;riskscanbemitigatedbyappropriatesignageandfollowingotherprotocols.

• Nativevegetationdisturbance–forexample,clearingandsoildisturbancebyutilityprovidersandfarmersmaintainingboundaryfences;riskscanbeminimisedbyissuingofrelevantpermitsandworkingwithincodesofpractice.

• Easeofaccess–forexample,utilityproviderswillneedtomaintainassetsroutinelyandinanemergency.

• Roadsiderevegetationactivities–forexample,guidelinesneedtobefollowedonappropriatespeciesandsetbacks.

EffectivecommunicationandconsultationbetweenthirdpartyroadsideusersandCouncilwillminimiserisksandthefrequencyofunauthorisedworks.Council’sgoalisforallthirdpartyuserstohaveaccesstotheroadsideasnecessaryandtobeawareoftheirresponsibilitiessothatrisksaremitigated.

What are the issues?

Tensionsareevidentbetweenpreservationofnaturalandheritagevaluesandarangeofactivitiesbeingundertakenbythirdpartyusersofruralroadsides.Utilityandserviceproviders,forexample,wantclearaccesstotheirassets,whichcanmeannativevegetationremovalandsoildisturbance.Utilityassetscanalsobedamagedbyroadworks.Landholdersneedtomanagevegetationalongtheirfencelinesandthereissomelackofagreementonanappropriateclearzone.Emergencypersonnelandvehiclesusetheroadsideduringemergenciesandwantclearaccesswhereverpossible.Theriskofnegativeimpactsonbiodiversityfromfireprotectionworksishighandneedstobeproperlymanagedbyallparties.

Third Party AccessThereisaccessforallroadsideusersandresponsibilitiesareknownandaccepted.Risksaremitigated.

ThereisarangeofworksandactivitiesthatareundertakenbyathirdpartyratherthandirectlybyCouncil.Theseruralroadsideusersinclude:

• Utilityserviceprovidersandtheircontractors–installationandmaintenanceofservices(electricity,telecommunications,water,sewageandgas).

• Fireandotheremergencyservices–accesstopropertiesandfrontlinecontrol.

• Landholders–livestockdrovingandgrazing,machinerymovement,accesstoproperties,cattleunderpasses.

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5.2 Fire preventionSouth-westVictoriaisafireproneareaduetoahighaveragerainfallcontributingtohighfuelloadsalmosteveryyear.Ontheotherhand,extremeanddangerousfireriskisalsoassociatedwithpersistentlowrainfallandtheoccurrenceofhotdryconditions,coupledwithdepletedwatersuppliesincommunities.GrassfiresaremoreprevalentinthenorthernpartoftheShirewhereasforestfiresarealsoahighriskinthesouthernregions.

UnderSection43oftheCountryFireAuthorityAct1958itisCouncil’sresponsibilityto‘takeallpracticablestepstopreventtheoccurrenceoffireson,andminimisethedangerofthespreadoffiresonanyroadunderitscareandmanagement’.

TheCorangamiteShire’sMunicipalFirePreventionPlan2008–2011(lastamended2010)outlinesareasofresponsibilitybetweenstakeholders,afirepreventionandmitigationworksprogramanddocumentsanetworkofstrategicfiremanagementroadsthroughouttheShire.ThePlanarticulatesthat‘firepreventionisawholeofcommunityresponsibilityandnopersonorsingleorganisationcanexpectto,orbeexpectedto,assumefullresponsibility’.

FireprotectionworksareplannedinconjunctionwiththeMunicipalFirePreventionOfficerandCFARegionalOfficers,andallworksarecarriedoutinaccordancewiththeCorangamiteMunicipalFireProtectionPlan.

Councilissuespermitsforsomeroadsidegrazingforfirepreventionpurposes.Currently,permitsareonlyissuedforgrazingonruralroadsidesoflowconservationvalueduringthefiredangerperiod(1October–30April).Councildoesnotpermitgrazingonruralroadsidesoutsideofthesetimesduetopotentialdamagetotheroadsideduringthewettermonths,i.e.pugging.

Followingthehearingsatthe2009VictorianBushFiresRoyalCommission,newguidelines,RoadsideFireManagementWorks:CFAguidelinesandprocedures(CFA2010)provideaprocessforbrigadesandCFAAreastofollowwhenplanningnon-emergencyroadsidefiremanagementworks.Theyareintendedtoassistthosewithalegalresponsibilitytomaintainroads,byprovidingadviceandinformationonplanningeffectiveroadsidefiremanagement.AnamendmenttothePlanningScheme(VC83)wasalsogazettedinNovember2011,whichintroducesnewbushfireexemptionsforprivateland,publiclandandroadsides.

Themainfireprotectionissuesare:

• Fire prevention as a shared responsibility–thatrequirescooperationbetweenCouncil,allroadsideusers,theCFAandadjoininglandmanagers.

• Fire prevention works (grazing/slashing/spraying/maintaining fire breaks/cleaning up fallen timber)–cannegativelyimpactonnativevegetationandhabitatvalues.

• Differences in opinion–abouthowbesttomaintainroadsas‘relativelysafecorridors’intheeventofwildfire(e.g.toreducefuelloads,burningispreferableoversprayingwhichadverselyimpactsonnativespeciesandcanleadtoweedinfestationswhichcansubsequentlyincreasefuelloads).

• Plains Grassland & Plains Grassy Woodland native communities–requireregularburningtomaintainbiodiversity.

5.3 Utility and service provisionServiceprovidersincludeallutilitycompaniesthatdistributecommunications,water,sewer,electricityandgasservices.Thereisanintensiveprogramofgasexplorationandpipelinesintheregion.ConsultationwithCouncilisrequiredbeforeundertakinganyworksrelatedtoinstallationormaintenanceofservices(exceptinanemergency).Whereverpractical,utilitiesareencouragedtolocateservicesonlowconservationvalueruralroadsidesorclearedlandadjacenttoruralroadsides.

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ToensurethattheobjectivesofgoodroadsidemanagementaremetcommunicationbetweenserviceprovidersandCouncilneedstobeclearandeffective.Utilitycompaniesarerequiredtoobtainaplanningpermitwhenundertakingnewworks,however,theremovalofvegetationto‘theminimumextentofnativevegetationnecessarytomaintainutilityservices’isexemptunderClause52.17oftheVictorianPlanningProvisions.

Themainutilityandserviceprovisionissuesare:

• Communication between Council and providers–toensurethebestoutcomesforprotectionofnaturalandheritageassetsonruralroadsides.

• Working within an identified code of practice–thatfollowedbyallserviceproviders,withCouncilnotifiedofplannedworksonlocalroadsides.

5.4 Adjoining landholdersRuralroadsidesusuallytraversefarmingland,whichmeansthattherearepressuresfromtheactivitiesoflandholdersonadjoiningproperties.

Themainadjoininglandholdersissuesare:

• Stock movement or grazing –whenpoorlytimedormanaged,grazingcanhavehighrisks,forexample,causinggrounddisturbanceandcompaction,weed,pathogenanddiseasespread,increasednutrientlevels,andlossordamagetonativevegetation.

• Maintenance of fence lines–workstoconstructorrepairfencelinespresentsahighriskofdamage,inparticularwherethereisexcessiveclearing,dumpingofspoiloruseofmachineryontheroadside.

• Property access–poorsitingofnewaccesspointsand/orexcessiveclearingandtrimmingofvegetationtoenableaccessorrestorationofsightlinescancausedamage.

5.5 Recreational usersRuralroadsidesprovideacommonlyusedresourceforinformalrecreationbywalkers,cyclists,horseridersandothers.Thisincludestheuseofbothformalandinformaltrails.

Themainissuesassociatedwithrecreationaluseofruralroadsidesare:

• Safety–visibilityofusersandseparationfromvehiclemovements,aswellassafetyfromhiddenobstacles,e.g.rocksintallgrass,holesleftbyroadorutilitymaintenancecrews.

• Improved access–ruralroadsideprovideanunderutilisedresource,whichcouldbebetterdevelopedandincorporatedintoexistingtrailnetworks.

5.6 Strategies in managing third party access risksStrategiesfortheachievementofbalancedoutcomeshavebeenidentifiedasfollows:

Fire prevention

1. Councilwillpromoteacooperativeapproachtofirepreventionbetweenallinterestedparties,especially landholders,CFA,DSEandCouncil.

2. CouncilwillintegrateroadsidefuelreductionandecologicalburnswithCFAtrainingtomeetmultiple objectivesoffirepreventionandbiodiversityconservation.

3. Councilwillencouragecontrolledarrangementsforlandholderstoreducefuelloadsonsome lowconservationvalueroadsides(slashing,haymaking,mowingandgrazing,forexample).

4. Councilwillreviewthelocallawregardinggrazingolocalroadstoextendthepermittedgrazingperiod from1Septemberto30April.

5. CouncilwillreviewoutcomesoftheVictorianBushFiresRoyalCommissionandtheimplicationsfor Council’sobligations.

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Utility and service provision

6. CouncilwilladvocateforareviewofelectricalclearanceworkswithintheShiretoensurethatthey areconsistentwiththeElectricitySafety(ElectricalLineClearance)Regulations2010andPlanning Provisions.

7. Councilwillencourageutilityandserviceproviderstoplanworksinadvancetoproperlyallowfor consultationwithallinterestedparties.

8. Councilwillencourageutilityandserviceproviderstoadoptrouteselectionthatconsidersroad infrastructure,significantfloraandfauna,andsitesofculturalorheritagesignificance.

9. Counciltoincreasecommunicationwithutilityandserviceproviderstoensureworksareundertaken accordingtobestpracticeinrelationtoaspectsincludingsiterehabilitation,vehiclehygieneand minimumvegetationclearance.

Adjoining landholders

10. Councilwilladvocateforareviewoftheextentofnativevegetationclearancepermittedforfenceline maintenanceundertheStatePlanningProvisions.

11. Councilwillestablishapilotprogramtotrialroadsidemanagementpartnershipswithadjoining landholdergroups.

12. CouncilwillworktoensurethatlandholdersareawarethatStateplanningprovisionsapplytoactivities thatremove,lopordestroynativevegetationonruralroadsidesandthatlandholdersmustcontact Councilpriortoundertakinganyremovals.

13. Councilwillworktoensurethatlandholdersareawarethatploughing,cultivatingorgradingonrural roadsidesisonlypermittedonfirebreaksthathavebeenpreviouslyregularlymaintainedusingthese methods

14. Councilwillraiseawarenessoflocallawpermitrequirementsandthoseforroadsiderevegetationto ensurethatrevegetationisappropriateforthesite.

15. Councilwillreviewtheconditionsonpermitsforstoringequipmentandfodderonroadsides.

Recreational users

16. Council,throughitsTrailsandLinksStrategy,willexploreopportunitiestobetterintegraterural roadsidesintotheexistingtrailnetwork.

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6 Goal 4: Provide leadership and promote the value and function of rural roadsides

6.1 Introducing the leadership goal

What is the goal?

6.2 Community awarenessWiderpromotionofthevaluesofruralroadsideswilldiscouragedamagingpractices.Providingaccessibleinformationandcleardirectioninthefollowingareaswillencouragecommunityinvolvementandacceptance:

• Conservation value mapping–madeavailableinareadableformatandreadilyaccessible.

• Guidance on roadside revegetation–madeavailabletocommunitygroupsandotherstoensureplantingiscompatiblewithotherroadsideuses,suchasutilitiesprovision.

• Third party permits–partiesneedtobeawareofthoseactivitiesthatrequireapermite.g.consentforworks,livestockpermits,andsystemsneedtobeinplacetoissuethem.

6.3 Stakeholder cooperationTheimplementationoftheRuralRoadsideManagementPlanwillrequirecoordinationandengagementwithregionalagenciesandauthoritiesthathavecorrespondingareasofresponsibility.Therolesofmajorstakeholderswithrespecttotheplanareasfollows:

Country Fire Authority

TheCFAisavolunteerandcommunitybasedorganisationthatrespondstoavarietyoffireandemergencyincidentsincludingwildfires,structurefiresandtransportrelatedfires.TheyrequireaccesstothelocalroadnetworkatalltimesandplanandinstigatefirepreventionworksinconsultationwithCouncils’MunicipalFirePreventionofficer.

Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CCMA) & Glenelg-Hopkins Catchment Management Authority (GHCMA)

CCMAandGHCMAarestatutoryauthoritiesestablishedbytheVictorianGovernmentandhavealeadroleinworkingwithcommunityandGovernmenttoenhanceland,andbiodiversityacrossalllandtenure.

Council is a leader in good roadside managementPromotionofthewidervalueandfunctionofroadsidesmeanslessdamagingactivitiesandbetteroutcomesfortheenvironment.

Ruralroadsidemanagementneedstorecognisethemanydifferent(andoftenconflicting)needsofthecommunity.AtthesametimeCouncilaimstopromotethewidervalueandfunctionsofroadsidesandencouragewiderstakeholderownershipoftheplan.

What are the issues?

Unauthorisedworksanddamagingactivitiesinroadreserveswilloftentakeplacebecauseofalackofawarenessbythirdpartyroadsideusersandcommunitymembers.Ifthecommunityismoreawareofthepotentialforimpactsandhowtoavoidthemthereislikelytobebetteroutcomesfortheenvironment.

Council’sgoalistopromotethewidervalueandfunctionofruralroadsidestoenablebetteroutcomesforboththeenvironmentandroadusers.

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Corangamite community and community groups

TheCorangamitecommunityandcommunitygroupsisamajorstakeholderoftheplan.

Department of Primary Industries (DPI)

DPIhasresponsibilityforbiosecurityincludingpestplantandanimalplanningandcontrol.

Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE)

DSEhasresponsibilitytoenhanceland,waterandbiodiversityofStateownedlandandisVictoria’sleadgovernmentdepartmentforsustainablemanagementofland,waterandbiodiversityresources.

Service providers e.g. Telstra, Powercor and Water Authorities

Serviceprovidersincludeallutilitycompaniesthatdistributecommunications,water,electricityandgasservices.ConsultationwithCouncilisrequiredbeforeundertakinganyworksrelatedtoinstallationormaintenanceofservices(exceptinanemergency).

6.4 Strategies in promoting the value and function of rural roadsides

Strategiesfortheachievementofbalancedoutcomeshavebeenidentifiedasfollows:

1. Councilwillconductpromotionalactivitiesandmakeinformationavailablethatwillimprovethe community’sawarenessofroadsidevalues.

2. Counciltoadvertiseasthefirstpointofcontactwhenlandholders,communitymembersorutilityand serviceprovidesareplanningtoundertakeworksonruralroadsides.

3. Counciltoimplementanaccessiblepermitssystemsothatthirdpartyuserscanaccessinformation andapplyforpermitsasnecessaryinastreamlinedmanner.

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PART DImplementation through strategic actions

Aroadsiderevegetationproject25

7 Goal 5: Monitor the effectiveness of the Rural Roadside Management Plan

7.1 Introducing the monitoring and effectiveness goal

What is the goal?

7.2 Implementation Plan Theplanisastrategicratherthanprescriptivedocument.Thiswillhelptoretainitsrelevanceoverthefullfour-yearsofimplementation.Anannualimplementationplanwillbedeveloped,whichwillspecifytheannualsactionstoachievetheplan’sstrategicactions(Table7-1).

TheImplementationPlanwillinclude:

• Specificannualactionstoachievetheplan’sstrategicactions.

• Timelineforcompletionofspecificactions.

• Targetoutputsforeachspecificaction.

• Responsibilitiesforeachspecificaction.

TheannualimplementationplanwillbedevelopedbyCouncilstaffinconsultationwithrelevantstakeholders(i.e.governmentagencies).TheimplementationplanwillbedevelopedwithconsiderationtostrategicactionprioritiesandfundingavailabilityandwillassistCounciltotargetgrantfundingopportunities.

7.3 Monitoring and reportingCouncilproposesthatthemonitoringandevaluationoftheplanfocusontheimplementationofactionsandtheoutcomesofthese.Thiswilloccurintwotimeframes:anannualreviewtocoincidewiththeCouncil’sbudgetreviewanddevelopmentprocess,andafinalreviewafterfouryears.

Theannualreviewwouldconsistof:

• Assessingtheprogressofactionsintheimplementationplanagainsttargetoutputs.

• Assessingtheprogressofstrategicactionsintheplan.

• Developinganewannualimplementationplanthatincludes:

o Strategicactionstobetargetedintheyear’simplementation.

o Specificactionstoachieveselectedstrategicactionsforinclusioninforthcomingbudget.

o Specificactionsthatcanpotentiallybefundedthroughgrantfunding.

A Roadside Management Plan that is accountable and effectiveAchievementandprogressismeasuredagainstthegoalsandactionsoftheplan

Theeffectiveimplementationoftheplanwillrequire:

• Engagementwithregionalagenciesandauthorities,utilityandserviceproviders,landholdersandcommunitymembers

• Processesputinplaceformonitoringandevaluation.

Monitoringthesuccessofthisplanwillbebasedaroundprogressagainstthefirstfourgoalsandtheiractions.

Astrategicactionplanidentifiesactionsforeachofthefivegoalsoftheplan.

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• Forcompletedstrategicactions,evaluationoftheefficacyinachievingtheintendedoutcomes.

• ReportingofprogressoftheplaninCouncil’sAnnualreport.

• AnnualprogressreportprovidedtoCouncil.

Thisevaluationofcompletedspecificactionsshouldinclude,wherepossible,assesshowsuccessfultheactionwasandwhetheritachieveditstargetoutputsandobjectives.Theevidencerequiredineachcasewilldiffer,butmayincludemeasuringitemssuchas:

• Attendanceofstaffattrainingsessionsandknowledgegained.

• ApplicationofnewknowledgethroughitsinclusioninCouncil’smanagementplans.

• Levelofstakeholderengagementindevelopmentofspecificmanagementplansorprotocols.

• Externalfundingachievedforruralroadsidemanagementprojects.

Thefinalreviewwillbeconductedin2016andwillcombinetheannualreportingto:

• Assessoverallimplementationoftheactions.

• Identifyoutcomesachievedbytheplan.

7.4 Strategic action planTheruralroadsidemanagementactionplanprovidesaframeworkforactionoverthenextfouryears.Table71identifieslonger-termstrategiesandactionsthatwillenabletheCorangamiteShireCounciltoachievetheirobjectivesaroundruralroadsidemanagement.AnestimateofthetimelinefortheirimplementationisalsoincludedintheActionPlan.

Table 7 1 Strategic action plan: Corangamite Rural Roadside Management Plan

E&ED:Council’sEnvironment&EmergencyDepartment

P&B:Council’sPlanningandBuildingDepartment

WO:Council’sWorksDepartment

AS:Council’sAssetsDepartment

ES:Council’sExecutiveServicesDepartment

HR/R:Council’sHumanResourcesandRiskDepartment

REC:Council’sRecreationDepartment

DSE:DepartmentofSustainabilityandEnvironment

AAV:AboriginalAffairsVictoria

HV:HeritageVictoria

CFA:CountryFireAuthority

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No. Strategic Action Responsibility Timeframe

Goal 1: Maintain a safe local road network

1.1 CouncilwilladvocatetoDSEforareviewofthelocalgovernmentpublicroadsexemptiontoincludeallmaintenanceworkswithinthedefinedmaintenanceenvelope,includingtheroad’sdrainagesystem.

E&E,DSE Year1

1.2 CouncilwillworkwithDSEtostreamlineadministrativeprocessesformeetingnativevegetationrequirementsofprojectsthatarenotcoveredbytheexemptione.g.approvedoffsetmanagementplans.

E&E,DSE Year4

1.3 Councilwillworkwithlandholderstoensurethatroaddrainsintoprivatepropertyandnaturalwatercoursesaremaintainedanddrainagefromprivatelanddoesnotadverselyimpactonroaddrains

WoAdjoininglandholders

Ongoing

1.4 Wherepossible,Councilwillintegratemajordrainagemaintenanceworkswithplannednon-routineroadupgrades.

Wo Ongoing

1.5 Councilwilldevelopadecisionsupporttooltoassistwithsettingprioritiesforschedulingdrainagemaintenanceworksaswellasimplementingproactivemaintenanceprograms.

Wo Year2

Goal 2: Protect natural and heritage assets

Biodiversity conservation and enhancement

2.1 CouncilwillworkwithadjoininglandholdersandLandcaretosupportrevegetation/regenerationontheroadsideoronadjoiningpropertieswhereappropriateandwhereitenhancesroadsidecorridors.

E&EAdjoininglandholders,Landcare

Ongoing

2.2 Councilwillinvestigateestablishingapermitsystemforfirewoodcollectionfromroadsideswithconsiderationtopotentialpublicliabilityissues.

E&EHR/R Year1

2.3 Councilwillincreaseawarenessamongstcommunityandroadsideusersofallavailableinformationonroadsidebiodiversityvalues.

E&E,Landcare Year2

2.4 Councilwillmonitorroadsidevegetationconditionandidentifyhighestvaluebiologicalassetsincollaborationwithagencieswithexpertiseandresources.

E&E Year3

2.5 CouncilwillworkwithDSEtoinvestigatetheuseofstrategicruralroadsidesfornativevegetationoffsets.

E&E,DSE Year2

Invasive plants and animals

2.6 CouncilwillcontrolweedsonroadsidesinaccordancewithAppendix7,workinginpartnershipwithothergovernmentorganisationsinvolvedininvasiveplantandanimalmanagement(DSE,DPI,ParksVicandtheCCMA)acrossalllandtenures.

E&E Ongoing

2.7 Councilstaffwillbetrainedinrecognisinghigh-riskweedspeciesandhigh-riskpathwaysofentryandspreadofinvasivespeciese.g.adherencetoappropriatevehiclehygienepractices.

E&E,Wo Year1

28

No. Strategic Action Responsibility Timeframe

2.8 CouncilwillworkwithDPItoraiseawarenessabouttheriskofnewhighriskweedspeciesbeingintroducedviafoddercomingintotheregion,particularlyduringorfollowingemergencieslikedroughtorfire.

E&E,DPI Year3

2.9 Councilwilltrainstaffinrabbitandweedidentificationandconductcommunityweedidentificationandcontroltrainingprogramstominimisetheintroductionofnewhighriskspeciesandincreasethelikelihoodthattheywillbedetectedearly.

E&E,Landcare,DPI

Year1

2.10 Councilwillsupportpartnershipswithlandholdergroupsandotheragencies(i.e.ParksVictoria)toundertakeweedandrabbitcontrole.g.fundingincentivesforlandholders,whereappropriate.

E&E Year2

2.11 Councilwillmaproadsideweedinfestationsandtheirtreatmentinpartnershipwithcommunitygroupsandrelevantagencies(i.e.DPI)

E&E,Communitygroups,Landcare,DPI

Year3

2.12 Councilwilldeveloparegisterofknowncertifiedorganicpropertiesandwherepossible,avoidroadsidesprayingadjoiningtheseproperties.

E&E,WO Year4

Aboriginal and non Aboriginal heritage assets

2.13 CouncilwillencourageallruralroadsideuserstoconsulttheAboriginalandnon-Aboriginalheritageregisters(theVictorianAboriginalHeritageRegisterandtheVictorianHeritageRegister)forinformationaboutanyon-siteculturalheritagepriortoworkingontheroadsidetoensurenon-AboriginalheritagesitesandAboriginalplacesarenotharmed.

E&E,AAV Year4

2.14 Councilwillincreaseawarenessandconsistency,andfullyimplementestablishedprocessesfortheidentification,reportingandmanagementofAboriginalplaces,inaccordancewithrelevantlegislation,onruralroadsidesintheShire.

P&B,AAV Ongoing

2.15 Councilwillestablishasiteidentificationandmanagementprocessfornon-Aboriginalheritagesites.

P&B,HV Year4

Goal 3: Manage third party access

Fire prevention

3.1 Councilwillpromoteacooperativeapproachtofirepreventionbetweenallinterestedparties,especiallylandholders,CFA,DSEandCouncil.

E&E Ongoing

3.2 CouncilwillintegrateroadsidefuelreductionandecologicalburnswithCFAtrainingtomeetmultipleobjectivesoffirepreventionandbiodiversityconservation.

E&E,,CFA Ongoing

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No. Strategic Action Responsibility Timeframe

3.3 Councilwillencouragecontrolledarrangementsforlandholderstoreducefuelloadsonsomelowconservationvalueroadsides(slashing,haymaking,mowingandgrazing,forexample).

E&E Year3

3.4 Councilwillreviewthelocallawregardinggrazingoflocalroadstoextendthepermittedgrazingperiodfrom1Septemberto30April.

E&E Year1

3.5 CouncilwillreviewoutcomesoftheVictorianBushFiresRoyalCommissionandtheimplicationsforCouncil’sobligations.

E&E Year1

Utility and service provision

3.6 CouncilwilladvocateforareviewofelectricalclearanceworkswithintheShiretoensurethattheyareconsistentwiththeElectricitySafety(ElectricalLineClearance)Regulations2010andPlanningProvisions.

E&E,AS Year2

3.7 Councilwillencourageutilityandserviceproviderstoplanworksinadvancetoproperlyallowforconsultationwithallinterestedparties.

E&E,AS Ongoing

3.8 Councilwillencourageutilityandserviceproviderstoadoptrouteselectionthatconsidersroadinfrastructure,significantfloraandfauna,andsitesofculturalorheritagesignificance.

E&E,AS Ongoing

3.9 Counciltoincreasecommunicationwithutilityandserviceproviderstoensureworksareundertakenaccordingtobestpracticeinrelationtoaspectsincludingsiterehabilitation,vehiclehygieneandminimumvegetationclearance.

E&E,AS Year3

Adjoining landholders

3.10 CouncilwilladvocateforareviewoftheextentofnativevegetationclearancepermittedforfencelinemaintenanceundertheStatePlanningProvisions.

E&E,DSE Year2

3.11 Councilwillestablishapilotprogramtotrialroadsidemanagementpartnershipswithadjoininglandholdergroups.

E&E,WO Year2

3.12 CouncilwillworktoensurethatlandholdersareawarethatStateplanningprovisionsapplytoactivitiesthatremove,lopordestroynativevegetationonruralroadsidesandthatlandholdersmustcontactCouncilpriortoundertakinganyremovals.

E&E,DSE Year1

3.13 Councilwillworktoensurethatlandholdersareawarethatploughing,cultivatingorgradingonruralroadsidesisonlypermittedonfirebreaksthathavebeenpreviouslyregularlymaintainedusingthesemethods.

E&E Ongoing

3.14 Councilwillraiseawarenessoflocallawpermitrequirementsandthoseforroadsiderevegetationtoensurethatrevegetationisappropriateforthesite.

E&E Year3

3.15 Councilwillreviewtheconditionsofpermitsforstoringequipmentandfodderonroadsides.

E&E Year2

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No. Strategic Action Responsibility Timeframe

Recreational users

3.14 Council,throughitsTrailsandLinksStrategy,willexploreopportunitiestobetterintegrateruralroadsidesintotheexistingtrailnetwork.

REC Year3

Goal 4: Provide leadership and promote the value and function of rural roadsides

4.1 Councilwillconductpromotionalactivitiesandmakeinformationavailablethatwillimprovethecommunity’sawarenessofroadsidevalues.

E&E Ongoing

4.2 Counciltoadvertiseasthefirstpointofcontactwhenlandholders,communitymembersorutilityandserviceprovidesareplanningtoundertakeworksonruralroadsides.

E&E,P&B Year1

4.3 Counciltoimplementanaccessiblepermitssystemsothatthirdpartyuserscanaccessinformationandapplyforpermitsasnecessaryinastreamlinedmanner.

E&E,P&B Year3

Goal 5: Monitor the effectiveness of the plan

5.1 ProgressinimplementingroadsidemanagementstrategieswillbereportedinCouncil’sAnnualreport

E&E,ES Ongoing

5.2 Councilwillconductafinalreviewin2016toassesstheoveralllevelofimplementationofstrategiesandtoidentifytheoutcomesoftheplan.

E&E Year4

31

References

CorangamiteCatchmentManagementAuthority(2005),CorangamiteNativeVegetationPlan.Corangamite CatchmentManagementAuthority,Colac,Victoria.

CorangamiteCatchmentManagementAuthority(2010),CorangamiteInvasivePlantandAnimal ManagementStrategy.CorangamiteCatchmentManagementAuthority,Colac,Victoria.

CorangamiteShire(2010),MunicipalFirePreventionPlan.CorangamiteShireCouncil,Camperdown, Victoria.

CountryFireAuthority(2010),RoadsideFireManagementWorks:CFAguidelinesandprocedures.Country FireAuthority,Melbourne,Victoria.

DepartmentofSustainabilityandEnvironment(2009),ManagingNativeVegetationonRoadsides. Aguidelineforimplementingagreementsunderthelocalgovernmentpublicroadexemption. DepartmentofSustainabilityandEnvironment,EastMelbourne,Victoria.

UniversityofBallarat(2008),Areviewofbiodiversitymanagementandconditiononroadsidesandrail reservesinsouth-westVictoria.ReportpreparedfortheCorangamiteandGlenelgHopkinsCatchment ManagementAuthoritiesbyBiodiversityServicesandtheCentreforEnvironmentalManagement, UniversityofBallarat,MtHelen,Victoria.

VictorianBushfiresRoyalCommission(2010),2009VictorianBushfiresRoyalCommissionFinalReport. StateofVictoria,Melbourne,Victoria.

RoadsideWeedsandPestWorkingParty(2011).RoadsideWeedsandPests-Recommended responsibilitiesforAction.ReportfortheVictorianMinisterforAgricultureandFoodSecurity.

VEAC.(2010).RemnantNativeVegetationInvestigationDiscussionPaper–forpubliccomment.Victorian EnvironmentalAssessmentCouncil.

32

Appendix 1: Stakeholder reference group members

Surname First name Position Organisation Town

Austin Geoff HeritageVictoria EASTMELBOURNE

Bailey Keith Communityrepresentative

TIMBOON

Bond Lyall EnvironmentandEmergencyManager

CorangamiteShire CAMPERDOWN

Crocker Brad Telstra BALLARAT

Cumming Steve Councillor CorangamiteShire CAMPERDOWN

Curwell Richard EnvironmentCoordinator VicRoads GEELONG

Farquharson Ken Communityrepresentative

ELINGAMITENORTH

Farrell Ray WorksManager CorangamiteShire CAMPERDOWN

French Vicky Communityrepresentative

VITEVITE

Gibb Ian SustainableDevelopmentDirector

CorangamiteShire CAMPERDOWN

Green Alex WorksandServicesDirector

CorangamiteShire CAMPERDOWN

Grist Charles Communityrepresentative

BRADVALEviaSKIPTON

Hanks Craig ParksandGardensCoordinator

CorangamiteShire CAMPERDOWN

Holland Russell Communityrepresentative

viaTIMBOON

Lang Val Communityrepresentative

LISMORE

Laurenson Ian Communityrepresentative

COBDEN

Lawson Yvonne Communityrepresentative

PRINCETOWN

Manson Dean OperationsOfficer CFA COLAC

McDougall Steve TeamLeader-BiodiversityServicesBarwonOtway

DepartmentofSustainability&Environment

COLAC

Melville Ryan SeniorProjectOfficer GreeningAustralia COLAC

Melville Georgia HeritageProjectOfficer AboriginalAffairsVictoria

BALLARAT

Molan Kevin Communityrepresentative

TERANG

Morrison Ian VegetationManagementOfficer

CFA COLAC

Mulholland Les Communityrepresentative

COBDEN

Nash Ian Communityrepresentative

SKIPTON

O'Keefe Karen LandcareCoordinator LismoreLandProtectionGroup

LISMORE

Rees Nicholas RegionalAssetManager Powercor WARRNAMBOOL

33

Surname First name Position Organisation Town

Reichman John TeamLeader CorangamiteShire CAMPERDOWN

Reiley Peter TechnicalSupportOfficer CorangamiteShire CAMPERDOWN

Robilliard Lance Communityrepresentative

CAMPERDOWN

Rollinson Geoff LandcareCoordinator Heytesbury&DistrictLandcareNetwork

TIMBOON

Sargeant Tim Communityrepresentative

TERANG

Scally Jackie NaturalResourceManagementOfficer-LocalGovernment

CorangamiteCMA COLAC

Smith Geoff Councillor CorangamiteShire CAMPERDOWN

Stanley-Eyles Kim TeamLeader GreeningAustralia COLAC

Stewart Warren LocalLawsOfficer CorangamiteShire CAMPERDOWN

Treble Kylie Communityrepresentative

SIMPSON

Trigg Douglas Communityrepresentative

TIMBOON

Vermeeren Saul BiodiversityOfficer DepartmentofSustainability&Environment

COLAC

Wade Lance WorksEngineer CorangamiteShire CAMPERDOWN

Walsgott Peter VVFRegionalManager VictorianFarmersFederation

Whiteside Bill DepartmentofPrimaryIndustries

BALLARAT

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Appendix 2: Local rural roads in the Shire of Corangamite

35

Appendix 3: Relevant legislation

Commonwealth Legislation

• Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999Providefortheprotectionoftheenvironment,especiallythoseaspectsoftheenvironmentthataremattersofnationalenvironmentalsignificance,promoteecologicallysustainabledevelopment,conservationofbiodiversity,co-operativeapproachtomanagementoftheenvironmentincludinggovernments,community,landholdersandindigenouspeople.

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984ThepurposesofthisActarethepreservationandprotectionfrominjuryordesecrationofareasandobjectsinAustraliaandinAustralianwaters,beingareasandobjectsthatareofparticularsignificancetoAboriginalsinaccordancewithAboriginaltradition.

State Legislation

• Archaeological and Aboriginal Relics Preservation Act 1972 Providesforthecareandprotectionofrelicsincludingthelandtheyarelocatedin.

• Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 Landholdersmusttakereasonablestepstocontrolregionallycontrolledweedsandestablishedpestanimals,onroadsidesthatadjointhelandownersland.(Excludinghighways,declaredroadsandunleasedcrownland).TheDepartmentofNaturalResourcesandEnvironmentisresponsibleforStateProhibitedandRegionallyProhibitedspecies.Reasonableprecautionsmustbetakentoensurethatequipmentisfreefromnoxiousweeds,includingseeds,orplantmattercapableofgrowing,beforemovinganymachineryorequipmentfromlandontoaroad.

• CFA Act 1958Municipalitiesareresponsibleformanagingroadsidevegetationforfireprevention.

• Conservation, Forests and Lands Act 1987PriortoworksbeingundertakenwhichmaydisturbcriticalhabitataplanofworksmustbesubmittedtoDepartmentofNaturalResourcesandEnvironment.

• Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978GivesCrownownershiprightsoverallvegetationonroadsides,andthepowertoreservelandforpublicpurposes.

• Electricity Safety Act 1998Stipulatesthemaintenanceoflandaboveorbelowelectricallines.

• Environment Protection Act 1970Providesforthecontrolofpollutedrunofffromdisturbedroads.

• Extractive Industries Development Act 1995Ownershipofstoneonprivateandcrownland.Coverspermitsrequiredtosearchorextractstoneoncrownland.Protectsreferenceareasfrombeingeligibleforanyextractionwork.

• Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988Floraandfaunaconservationandmanagementwithminimaladversesocialandeconomicimpact.Publicauthoritiesmusthaveregardforfloraandfaunaconservationandmanagementobjectives,whichaimtoensurethatVictoria’sfloraandfaunacansurvive,flourishandretaintheirpotentialforevolutionarydevelopmentinthewild.ItplacesresponsibilityonGovernment,businessorganisationsandthecommunitytoactinawaysoastoconserveVictoria’sfloraandfaunaandtheirgeneticdiversity.

• Forests Act 1958 Giveslocalmunicipalitiesresponsibilityformanagingvegetationonmostroadsides.

• Land Act 1958Allowsprosecutionforremovaloftimberfromroadsides.

• Local Government Act 1989Giveslocalgovernmentresponsibilityformanagementofundeclaredroads.GivesCouncilpowertocreatecertainlocallawsrelatingtoroadsides.

• Mineral Resources Development Act 1990Offencetosearchorfossickonanylandwithouttheappropriatelicences.Conditionsregardingrehabilitationoftheland,protectionoftheenvironmentandgroundwater.

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• Planning and Environment Act 1987 SetsguidelinesforremovalofnativevegetationfromroadsidesundertheNativeVegetationRetentionControlsandseekstoencouragetheretentionofnativevegetationonprivateandpublicland.Priortoremoving,destroyingorloppinganareaofnativevegetationonroadsidesapplicationsmustbereferredtotheDepartmentofNaturalResourcesandEnvironment.

• Road Management Act 2004Defines‘works’undertakenbyathirdpartyontheroadreserveandrequireswrittenconsentofthecoordinatingauthorityandissuingofa‘consentforworksinaroadreservepermit’.

• Servicing Acts Permitsservicingauthoritiestolocateassetsonroadsidesandgivesthemrightsofaccessformaintenanceworks.

• State Conservation Strategy 1987 Recognisedthevalueofroadsidevegetationandcommitsthegovernmenttoprepareroadsidemanagementplans.

• Transport Act 1983 VicRoadsisresponsibleformanagementofdeclaredroads.

• Wildlife Act 1975 DefineswildlifeinVictoriaandspecifiesconditionsforholdersofawildlifelicence.AlicenceholdermustalsocomplywithanyrelevantStateorFederallegislationandby-lawsorotherrequirementsofthelocalcouncil.

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Appendix 4: Management guidelines

1. Vegetation management

Objectives:

o Protect and enhance remnant vegetation, maximising the retention of rare and threatened flora and fauna species or communities, and value the importance of all habitat components.

o Re-establish indigenous vegetation with a preference for natural regeneration where appropriate.

o Assess vegetation for removal where it poses a safety risk or impedes road drainage function.

o Manage roadside vegetation in order to minimise fire risk to life and property and negative impacts on flora and fauna.

o Increase the local community’s appreciation and understanding of the value of roadside vegetation through awareness raising and education.

1.1 Native vegetation removal

GUIDELINES

o Activitiesthatrequireremoval,destructionorloppingofnativevegetationaretobeconductedin accordancewiththeCorangamiteShirePlanningScheme.Thisrequiresaplanningpermittobe issuedbyCouncilunlessexemptunderthePlanningScheme.Councilmustbecontactedpriortoany nativevegetationbeingremoved,destroyedorloppedonroadsides.Considerthefollowingprocedures whenplanningnativevegetationremoval;

• Markforremovalonlytheminimumvegetationnecessarytomeetrequiredworks

• Removevegetationthatistobefelledinamannerthatminimisesdamagetosurroundingvegetation

• Retaindeadtreesandnaturallyfallentimberonroadsidestoprovidehabitatforwildlife,unlesstheyposeasignificanthazardasspecifiedbytherelevantShireofficer

• Operatorsremovingvegetationaretobetrainedincorrecttechniques.AllpruningofnativevegetationmustbeundertakeninaccordancewithAS4373-2007:PruningofAmenityTrees.

o FirepreventionworksaretobecarriedoutinaccordancewiththeCouncil’sMunicipalFirePreventionPlan 2008-2011.

1.2 Slashing, spraying and burning programs

GUIDELINES

o Sprayingofroadshouldersandroaddrainshouldbelimitedwherepossible(seeAppendix5).Widespread sprayingofroadsidesisnotpermitted.

o Slashingroadshouldersisrecommendedoversprayingwherethereisnativevegetationpresent.

o Machineryandvehiclehygienepracticesshouldbeimplementedtoavoidthemovementofsoilandplant materialtoavoidaccidentalspreadingweedseeds.

o Weedcontrolshouldbeundertakenonmediumandhighconservationroadsfollowingburningwhere practicable.Wherepracticable,roadsideburningshouldhaveatimingandfrequencythatenhancesnative vegetationcommunitiesaswellasreducingfirerisk.

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1.3 Revegetation and enhancement

GUIDELINES

o Landholders,communitygroups,contractorsandothersplanningtoconductworksonaroadreserve(i.e. seedcollectionandrevegetation)shouldseekapermitfromCouncil.

o Worksshouldencouragenaturalregenerationasthepreferredformofrevegetationoruseseedoflocal vegetationfordirectseedingortubestockplanting.

o Useonlyindigenousspeciesoftheappropriatevegetationtype(EVC)forthesiteexceptonlow conservationroadsideswherewrittenconsenthasbeenprovidedbyCouncilofficers.

o Appropriatesetbackdistancesneedtobeappliedfromboththeroadformation,fencelineandutilities

o Preferenceshouldbegiventothoseprojectsthatenhancethequalityofremnantvegetation,provide linkageswithotherremnantsorenhancethreatenedspecieshabitat.

1.4 Livestock movement and droving

GUIDELINES

o Apermitisgenerallyrequiredforlivestockmovementanddroving,andtheremaybeconditionsappliedto permits.

o Proposalsforthedrovingoflivestockshouldberestrictedtolowconservationvalueareas.Careshouldbe takentoavoidaccesstoexistingwaterholesandmarshareas.

o Livestockmovementshouldbeavoidedwhengroundconditionsarewettoavoidpuggingand compaction.

o Vehiclesshouldnotbedrivenonroadsideswherepracticable.

o Livestockshouldnotremaininroadreservesovernight.

1.5 Livestock grazing

GUIDELINES

o Councilissuespermitsforgrazingand/orcuttingofsilage/hayonroadsidesforfirepreventionpurposes. Anapplicationmustdemonstrateaproposedreductioninfuelloadpriortothecriticalfireperiods.

o Grazingofroadsidesisnotpermittedonhighandmediumconservationroads(exceptingexisting permits).

o Nosupplementaryfeedingofstockinroadreserves.

o Grazingisonlypermittedunderapermitduringthefiredangerperiod(1October-30April),althougha reviewofthislocallawisrecommended(seeAction3.4).

1.6 Fence maintenance

GUIDELINES

o Vegetationclearancecanbeundertakentoconstructormaintainfencesalongroadsidesprovideditis restrictedtothe‘minimumextentrequiredtoundertaketheworks’.Theclearingwidthmustnotexceed 2montheroadsideofthefence.

o LandholdersmustcontactCouncilpriortoremovinganynativevegetationforfencelinemaintenance.

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1.7 Other activities

GUIDELINES

Otheractivitiesthatrequireapermitinclude:

• Theuseoftheroadsidetostore/stockpileequipment,machinery,fencingmaterial,stockfeed,vehiclesetc.

• Anybuilding/worksactivityincludingconstructionofvehicleentrancestopropertiesandstockcrossingpoints.

• Ploughing,cultivationandgradingisnotpermittedonroadsidesunlessmanaginganexistingfirebreakthathasbeenregularlymaintainedusingthattechnique.

• Newroadaccessorwideningofexistingroadaccesstoproperties.

o Landholdersareresponsibleformaintainingdrivewayaccess,exceptwherenativevegetationneedstobe removed(becomesresponsibilityofCouncil).

2 Roadside weed controlObjectives:

o Employ surveillance to ensure the prevention of new invasive weeds from becoming widespread.

o Eradicate or contain specific high risk weeds in a manner that minimises disturbance to indigenous vegetation.

o Protect high priority areas from high risk invasive weeds.

o Prevent the spread of weeds and soil pathogens during road and roadside maintenance.

o Encourage control measures to be undertaken in partnerships with neighbouring landholders when appropriate.

GUIDELINES

o Weedcontrolmeasuresthatminimisedisturbancetotheroadsideenvironmentshouldbeadopted.

o Onlowconservationvalueroadsides,slashingcanbeanappropriateweedcontrolmechanismandthe frequencyandtimingisdeterminedbythespeciespresent.Tominimisethespreadofintroducedspecies andtoassistintheregenerationofdesirablenativespecies,slashingofplantsthatcontainviableseeds shouldbeavoided.

o Onhighormediumconservationvalueroadsides:

• Treatisolatedweedinfestationpatchesfirst.

• Controlmajorweedinfestationbystartingfromtheedgeoftheweedinfestationandworkingtowardsthecentre.

o Operateconstructionandmaintenancemachinerysoastominimisethespreadofweedsorsoil pathogens.(Seeroadconstructionandmaintenanceguidelines).

o Encouragecooperativeactionforweedcontrol.Controlworksundertakenbyonelandowneroragency shouldbesupportedbyadjoininglandowners.

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3 Cultural and heritage sites

Objectives:

To ensure the protection of roadside sites that have been identified as having cultural, heritage, archaeological, aboriginal or geological significance.

GUIDELINES

o Allroadsideactivities,includingrevegetationandweedremoval,shouldrecognisesitesofcultural, heritage,archaeologicalorAboriginalsignificance.Priortocommencinganactivity:

• SeekadvicefromCouncilastotheknownlocationofnonAboriginalheritagesites;

• RefertoAAV’swebsitehttp://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/indigenous/heritage-toolstodeterminewhethertheproposedactivityisinthevicinityofaknownAboriginalculturalheritageplaceorinanareaofdefinedAboriginalculturalheritagesensitivity.Ifso,itmaybenecessarytoarrangeanon-sitemeetingwithAAVstaffand/ortoapplyforaculturalheritagepermit;

• UsetheAboriginalAffairsVictoria’s(AAV)HeritagePlanningToolonthesamewebsitetodetermineanyrequirementforaculturalheritagemanagementplanfortheproposedactivity;

• Ensuretherelevantagencyiscontacted,whereevidenceofasite/placeisknownorsuspected.ForAboriginalheritageplacescontactAAVBarwonGrampiansHeritageProgramson0353272800;

• Onlyproceedwithworksonknownsitesafterreceivingapprovaltodoso.

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Appendix 6: Conservation value mapping on rural roadsides

43

Ap

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Appendix 8: Glossary and acronyms

Asset Anaturalresourcethatprovidesservices(ecosystemservices,productionservicesor socialservices).

Asset-basedapproach Involvesprioritisingcontrolactionsforanumberofthreatsbasedontherelativevalue ofidentifiedassetsthatwillbeprotectedbytheactions.Prioritisationshouldbe basedonmaintainingtheviabilityofimportantenvironmentalassetsandoptimising outcomesforassetprotectionandmanagement.

Biodiversity Thevarietyoflifeforms:thedifferentplants,animalsandmicroorganisms,thegenes theycontainandtheecosystemstheyform.

Biosecurity Aprocessdesignedtomitigatetherisksandimpactstotheeconomy,the environment,socialamenityorhumanhealthassociatedwithinvasivespecies anddiseases.

Containment Theapplicationofmeasuresinandaroundaninfestedareatopreventthespread ofaninvasiveplantoranimalspecies.Thismayincludereductionofthedensityor areaoftheinfestationwhereappropriate.Acontainmentprogrammay includeeradicationofsatelliteinfestations.

Control Inrelationtoorganisms,thisincludes:reducingthenumberofthoseorganisms– preventinganincreaseinthenumberofthoseorganisms–reducingtheactivity orappetiteofsomeorallofthoseorganisms–modifyingthebehaviouror characteristicsofsomeorallofthoseorganisms.

Eradication Whenaspecies(including,foraplant,itspropagules)hasbeenremovedorkilled andnolongeroccursatthatsite.Inpractice,thismeansthatitcannolonger bedetectedbyrecommendedmethodsofsurveyforadefinedperiodoftime.

Establishedspecies Aspeciesthat,fortheforeseeablefuture,willperpetuatewithinanareaafterentry.

Exotic Introducedfromanotherareai.e.maybeintroducedfromoverseasorinterstate.

Habitat Theenvironmentinwhichaplantoranimallives.

Highriskspecies Atermusedtodescribeinvasivespeciesthat,ifnotmanaged,wouldhavealarge impactontheenvironment,economy,socialamenityorhumanhealth.Theymaybe declaredundertheCaLPActorundeclaredspecies.

Indigenous Nativeorendemictoaspecificarea.

Invasivespecies Aspeciesoccurringasaresultofhumanactivities,beyonditsacceptednormal distributionandwhichthreatensvaluedenvironmental,agriculturalorother socialresourcesbythedamageitcauses.Speciesmaybepestanimalsor noxiousweedsdeclaredundertheCaLPAct,orotherspeciesthatthreaten theregion’sassetsincludingsomewild(feral)populationsofdomesticanimals.

Nativespecies AspeciesthatisbelievedtohaveoccurredinaspecifiedpartofAustraliapriorto Europeansettlement.

Nativevegetation PlantsthatareindigenoustoVictoria,includingtrees,shrubs,herbsandgrasses.

Noxiousweed Aspeciesdeclaredas‘noxious’inschedulesundertheCaLPAct.TheActdefines fourcategories:stateprohibited,regionallyprohibited,regionallycontrolled andrestricted.Anoxiousweedmaybeanagriculturaland/orenvironmentalweed.

Pestanimal AnanimalspeciesdeclaredundertheCaLPActinoneoffourpestanimalcategories: prohibitedpestanimal,controlledpestanimal,regulatedpestanimalandestablished pestanimal.

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Appendix 8: Glossary and acronyms

Pestanimal AnanimalspeciesdeclaredundertheCaLPActinoneoffourpestanimalcategories: prohibitedpestanimal,controlledpestanimal,regulatedpestanimalandestablished pestanimal.

Rareorthreatened Floraorfaunaspeciesorcommunitythatisrareinoccurrenceorwhosecontinuing existenceisthreatenedforawiderangeofreasons.Speciesmaybelisted asnationallyrareorthreatened(AROT)orataStatelevel(VROT).Specieslistscanbe foundinlegislationorontheDSEwebsite.

Risk Riskisthechanceofsomethinghappeningthatwillhaveanimpactonobjectives.

Species-ledapproach Prioritisingactionsthatwillbemosteffectiveinpreventing,eradicating,containing orreducingatargetinvasivespecies,ratherthanthosethatwillbestprotect orenhanceaspecificasset(seealsoassetbasedapproach).

Weed Aweedisaplantthatrequiressomeformofactiontoreduceitseffectsonthe economy,theenvironment,humanhealthandamenity.

Widespreadspecies Aspeciesthathasspreadtomanyoftheplacesthataresuitableforitsgrowth withinaspecifiedarea.Itmayoccurathighorlowdensity.Containmentmay stillbepossibleonasmallscale,butexclusionfromremaininguninvadedareasor reductionislikelytobemoreappropriateresponses.

Acronyms

AAVAboriginalAffairsVictoria

CCMA CorangamiteCatchmentManagementAuthority

CaLP CatchmentandLandProtectionAct

CFACountryFireAuthority

EVCEcologicalvegetationclass

DSEDepartmentofSustainabilityandEnvironment

IPA Invasiveplantsandanimals

PV ParksVictoria

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CORANGAMITE SHIRE COUNCILCivic Centre, 181 Manifold Street, Camperdown VIC 3260

Telephone 03 5593 7100 Facsimile 03 5593 2695 Email shire@corangamite.vic.gov.auwww.corangamite.vic.gov.au