Guidelines for the Management of Roadside Vegetation

Prepared by the Native Vegetation Council November 2012

Message from the Presiding Member

South Australia’s native vegetation is a significant and The conservation and protection of roadside native important asset. It not only is important for its source of vegetation is a shared responsibility. This document, biodiversity but also contributes significantly to our well- Guidelines for the Management of Roadside Vegetation, being, creating a sense of place, ameliorating extremes of has been produced as part of a package of guides and weather and contributing to sustainable agriculture. As a management templates to assist councils, government result of the high levels of clearance of native vegetation, agencies and members of the public to embrace and steps have been taken to ensure the ongoing preservation manage roadside native vegetation. It also encourages and regeneration of what remains of our native vegetation. them to work in partnership with the Native Vegetation Council, through the Native Vegetation and Biodiversity The Native Vegetation Act 1991 ensures that remnant native Management Unit of the Department of Environment, Water vegetation is protected and that clearance is subject to and Natural Resources, for the preservation and appropriate a thorough assessment process. The Native Vegetation management of roadside vegetation. Council is responsible for providing advice and making decisions about the removal and management of native We look forward to working with you to protect remaining vegetation in line with the Act. fragments of South Australia’s native vegetation. In some parts of the State, roadside vegetation is the only remaining native vegetation in an extensively cleared landscape, when compared to pre-European settlement. Native vegetation along roads and tracks provides essential habitat for native flora and faunal species. It takes only a brief walk in a patch of roadside native vegetation to begin Dennis Mutton, to appreciate its diversity and importance as habitat. Presiding Member, Native Vegetation Council Native vegetation along roadways serves as a natural, November 2012 sustainable and minimal maintenance ground cover which helps prevent soil erosion, reduces stormwater run-off and provides diversity in the landscape. However, roadside native vegetation is under potential threat through pressures from development and degradation. Contents

Message from the Presiding Member...... 02 1 Introduction...... 04 1.1 PROTECTING ROADSIDE VEGETATION...... 04 1.2 PURPOSE OF THESE GUIDELINES...... 05 1.3 CONSULTATION AND APPROVAL PROCEDURES – “CLEARANCE APPROVAL”...... 05 1.4 QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE TO LEGAL REQUIREMENTS...... 06 2 Local Council Roadworks...... 07 2.1 ROADSIDE MAINTENANCE...... 07 2.2 NEW ROADWORKS...... 08 2.3 GENERAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES...... 08 3 Pest Plant and Animal Control...... 11 4 Bushfire Protection...... 13 5 Clearance for Fencelines...... 14 6 Clearance for Access to Adjoining Land...... 15 7 Installation and Maintenance of Services...... 16 8 Grazing of Roadsides...... 17 9 Removal of Plant Material...... 18 9.1 COLLECTION OF DEAD TIMBER...... 18 9.2 CUTTING OF LIVE TIMBER...... 19 9.3 BRUSH-CUTTING...... 19 9.4 SEED COLLECTION...... 19 9.5 FLOWER HARVESTING...... 19 10 Maintaining Biodiversity on Roadsides...... 20 10.1 ECOLOGICAL PRESCRIBED BURNING...... 20 10.2 MISTLETOE INFESTATION...... 21 10.3 LERP INFESTATIONS...... 21 10.4 PLANT DISEASES...... 22 10.5 GARDEN ESCAPEES...... 23 11 Undeveloped Road Reserves...... 24 11.1 LEASED ROADS...... 24 11.2 ROAD CLOSURES...... 24 12 Recreational Trails on Road Reserves...... 25 13 Restoration of Roadside Vegetation...... 26 14 Assistance for Roadside Vegetation Management...... 27 15 Formation of Local Roadside Vegetation Advisory Groups...... 28 16 Variations to Guidelines...... 29 17 Glossary...... 30

This document is part of an initiative for the effective Management of Roadside Vegetation. The accompanying documents: • Preparing Roadside Vegetation Management Plans: a guide to assist local councils • Roadside Vegetation Management Plans Template • Instructions to the RVMP template can be found online at www.environment.sa.gov.au/nativevegetation 1 Introduction

1.1 PROTECTING ROADSIDE VEGETATION Native vegetation along roadsides is significant for many reasons. For the most part, it has never been cleared or grazed, and in some areas is virtually the only remaining example of the original vegetation. It provides habitat for native wildlife, and often supports populations of threatened1 species. Roadside trees can be very old and contain resources (e.g. hollows) less common in younger surrounding vegetation. Along with other remnant vegetation and scattered paddock trees, roadside vegetation can facilitate movements of wildlife, particularly birds, through the landscape. Roadside vegetation can also provide a source of seed for revegetation projects and, for adjoining landholders, it provides a shelterbelt that usually Fig 1. Roadsides provide habitat for wildlife Fig 2. Remnant woodland requires little maintenance. on roadside, South East SA Reflecting this importance, native roadside vegetation is protected in South Australia through This publication, Guidelines for the Management both the Local Government Act 1999 and the of Roadside Vegetation, has been prepared to Native Vegetation Act 1991. Under the Local fulfil the requirements of part (ii) of regulation 5(i)(y) Government Act any removal or disturbance of above. The guidelines do have legal status and roadside vegetation requires the permission of the must be followed by local councils who do not local council. Under the Native Vegetation Act such have roadside vegetation management plans3 removal or disturbance also requires the permission approved by the Native Vegetation Council. of the Native Vegetation Council (the Council) unless a specific exemption applies through one Note of the Native Vegetation Regulations 2003. There are other Regulations under the Native Regulation 5(1)(y) Vegetation Regulations 2003 where clearance Roadside Vegetation allows for clearance by a of native roadside vegetation may occur. local council, or someone acting on behalf of the local council where: These include the following: i. the clearance complies with a roadside • Regulation 5A which allows clearance of native management plan prepared by the local vegetation for the purposes of fire protection, council and approved by the Native subject to permission from the SA Country Fire Vegetation Council; Services under the Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005; OR • Regulation 5(1)(d) which allows clearance for ii. the clearance complies with guidelines the construction and expansion of a building or issued by the Native Vegetation Council. infrastructure (e.g. supply of water or electricity, gas, telecommunications, the drainage or removal of wastewater or sewage, and the construction of new roadworks or railways); • Regulation 5(1)(h) which applies to vegetation clearance undertaken by or on behalf of the Commissioner of Highways, including new and maintenance works; and • Regulation 5(1)(lb) which allows reasonable clearance of whole trees for safety reasons.

See A Guide to Exemptions under the Native Vegetation Regulations 2003 for further information: http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/Conservation/Native_Vegetation/Managing_native_vegetation

1 Threatened species are those plant and animal species considered to be at risk of extinction in the wild. 2 Clarke et al (2010). Aging mallee eucalypt vegetation after fire: insights for successional trajectories in semi-arid mallee ecosystems. Australian Journal of Botany 58: 363 – 372. 3 Local councils should also refer to the Native Vegetation Council publication, Preparing Roadside Vegetation Management Plans: a guide to assist local government.

4 Guidelines for the Management of Roadside Vegetation Fig 3. Councils are responsible for many thousands of hectares of native vegetation on roadsides, on both sealed Fig 4. Roadsides can and unsealed rural roads support a diversity of native plant species 1.2 PURPOSE OF THESE GUIDELINES Consultation with the Native Vegetation and The intent of these guidelines is to clearly outline Biodiversity Management Unit will determine when clearance can be undertaken without whether a formal clearance or regulation seeking approval from the Native Vegetation application is necessary. Council and to encourage good management of Additionally, clearance of roadside native native vegetation in road reserves. vegetation may require permission from other Under the Local Government Act 1999, local organisations. councils in South Australia are responsible for 1.3 CONSULTATION AND APPROVAL managing, in an ecologically sustainable PROCEDURES – “CLEARANCE APPROVAL” manner, many thousands of hectares of native The guidelines which follow include a section vegetation on roadsides. There is also a community Both the Native expectation that environmental factors will be entitled Consultation and Approval Procedures. Within this section there is reference to the need Vegetation and considered. These guidelines aim to assist local Biodiversity councils to make environmentally responsible for clearance approval. This should be interpreted as follows: Management Unit decisions about native vegetation clearance and and the Native management within road reserves. • native vegetation clearance approval is Vegetation Council The guidelines discuss specific issues regarding needed under the Native Vegetation Act; can be contacted at: the management of roadside vegetation. Some • the Native Vegetation and Biodiversity GPO Box 1047 issues, such as road construction, are of direct Management Unit should be the first point ADELAIDE 5001 relevance to local councils; others, such as of contact regarding such clearance, as a boundary fencing, are of concern to adjoining Delegate of the Native Vegetation Council T (08) 8303 9777 landholders; while a further category, power may be able to approve clearance of a small F (08) 8303 9780 lines and other services, relates to government amount of vegetation known to be common E [email protected] agencies and other service providers. to an area and that would not impact on the www.environment. The guidelines involve three levels of operation: biodiversity of the area. sa.gov.au/ nativevegetation i. works that may be undertaken without • the Unit will determine whether the proposed reference to the Native Vegetation Council clearance requires formal clearance approval or Native Vegetation and Biodiversity from the Native Vegetation Council in the form Management Unit; of a Clearance or Regulation Application. ii. works requiring at least consultation with Planning of major roadworks programs well in and endorsement by the Native Vegetation advance will help to ensure that the required and Biodiversity Management Unit; and consultation and environmental assessment can take place in a co-ordinated manner without iii. works that require the consent of the causing undue delays. Native Vegetation Council, by means of a clearance application or application to clear under one of the Native Vegetation Regulations 2003.

Introduction 5 1.4 QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE TO LEGAL REQUIREMENTS The table below is a quick reference guide to the legal requirements of clearing native roadside vegetation, as detailed more fully in the following sections.

CLEARANCE APPROVAL

NOT REQUIRED REQUIRED ACTIVITY (Does not require approval under the (Approval is required from either the Native Vegetation Act 1991.) Native Vegetation Council or the Native Vegetation & Biodiversity Management Unit.)

Maintenance Maintenance of existing clearance Increased clearance or high impact (see Section 2.1) with low impact methods methods to be used

New Roadworks Very minor clearance All but very minor clearance (see Section 2.2) e.g. pruning of branches or removal of one or two saplings or shrubs known to be common in the area

Pest Plant and Very minor clearance All but very minor clearance Animal Control (see Section 3) e.g. pruning for access

Bushfire All bushfire protection works which Any other clearance for fire prevention Prevention are carried out under an approved (see section 4) Bushfire Management Plan or Formal NVC approval required unless equivalent under the Fire and in accordance with a District Bushfire Emercency Services Act 2005 Management Plan under the Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005, or through an application to the CFS Regional Prevention Officer

Fencelines Trees on boundary; branches over/ Any clearance exceeding standards (see Section 2.5) through fence; where shrubs or bushes are growing through the fence, those within 1m of the fence may be cleared

Access to Maximum 5m wide – normal Any clearance exceeding standards Note Adjoining Land access. Maximum 10m wide – (see Section 2.6) machinery. (Careful site selection As well as the above to minimise clearance) requirements under the Native Vegetation Grazing Long-standing grazing practices. Any direct clearance or increased Act 1991, ANY removal (Leased Roads) pressure on native vegetation through of roadside native (see Section 11.1) changed grazing vegetation, including dead material, needs Grazing No native vegetation or only native Where understorey or regenerating local council approval (general) trees & exotic grasses present vegetation present and may require (see section 8) approval under other legislation, such as the Removal of Dead vegetation other than Live timber, flowers or other vegetation Environment Protection Plant Material that defined in the Native removed e.g. brush-cutting and Biodiversity (see Section 9) Vegetation Regulations Conservation Act 1999. Clearance of dead plants of a class declared by Regulation to be included If in doubt about any in the definition of native vegetation. of these requirements, consultation with the Maintaining Any measures involving burning, relevant authority is Diversity lopping or other disturbance of recommended. (see section 10) native vegetation.

6 Guidelines for the Management of Roadside Vegetation 2 Local Council Roadworks

2.1 ROADSIDE MAINTENANCE Roadside Maintenance refers to the clearance of regrowth vegetation (native and introduced) in order to maintain a road corridor or other established cleared or disturbed areas on road reserves. Adequate height and lateral clearance of roadside vegetation is needed for the safe movement of legal height vehicles across the full width of the traffic lanes and additional clearance is usually needed at intersections, crests, the inside of curves, and around roadside furniture such as signs and delineation devices. The degree of clearance needed will vary according to the standard of the road, the type and amount of traffic and the characteristics of the vegetation. Along most rural roads, clearance to the necessary safety standard Fig 5. Clearance envelopes can be maintained with has already taken place, but regrowth may be “living verges”, Kangaroo Island encroaching back into the clearance space, often referred to as the clearance envelope In areas where there are concerns about the rapid (across the full width of the carriageway) or regrowth of vegetation into the clearance space, secondary clearance envelope (adjacent to the it is desirable that specific management strategies carriageway). Regrowth may also be occurring on be developed in consultation with the Native cleared or disturbed sites such as borrow pit sites Vegetation and Biodiversity Management Unit. and designated spoil heap sites. Low shrubs, native grasses and groundcovers This regrowth may be removed without clearance generally do not affect road safety and, where approval, provided that low-impact methods are possible, should be retained in the clearance used4 (e.g. slashing, rolling, chainsaws) and the areas. These species help prevent weed regrowth vegetation is less than 5 years old. invasion and erosion and can reduce roadside management costs.

CONSULTATION AND APPROVAL PROCEDURES FOR ROADSIDE MAINTENANCE If in doubt, check with the Native i. Clearance approval is not generally needed for maintenance of existing roadside Vegetation and vegetation clearances by low-impact methods if the vegetation is less than 5 years old. Biodiversity Management ii. Clearance approval is needed where: Unit for advice. • clearance exceeding previously established safety standards is proposed, such as construction of new open drains; new stockpiles or work areas outside approved clearance envelope; or other maintenance requiring increased clearance, in which case - regrowth vegetation between 5 and 10 years old requires consultation with, and approval from, the Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Management Unit. In situations where a longer clearance cycle can be justified it is likely to be approved and noted on file; and - regrowth vegetation older than 10 years usually requires assessment and Native Vegetation Council approval either under Regulation 5(1)(lb) (for safe sight distance) or 5(1)(d) (for reasons other than safe sight distance) or • regrowth has reached the stage where high-impact methods (e.g. bulldozing) are proposed; OR • new works are proposed (see Section 2.2).

4 Excluding regrowth on the road formation including the shoulder and other areas where existing methods are high-impact, in which case high-impact can continue to be used, however, where possible low-impact methods should be considered in order to reduce soil disturbance and associated weed growth.

Local Council Roadworks 7 2.2 NEW ROADWORKS CONSULTATION AND APPROVAL PROCEDURES Local councils sometimes need to undertake FOR NEW ROADWORKS new roadworks that will result in the clearance of native vegetation, some of which may be of Clearance approval under Regulation 5(1)(d) high biodiversity value. These works can include is required for new roadworks (such as construction of new roads along previously construction, widening, realignment, undeveloped road reserves, and the widening or new drains or stockpile sites) that involve realignment of existing roads. New roadworks also clearance of native vegetation. Note include the construction of new drains, stockpile that clearance of native vegetation sites, and borrow pits or any other new works associated with borrow pits requires a incidental to road construction or roadwork as formal clearance application, as opposed defined in the Local Government Act 1999. to approval under Regulation 5(1)(d). These activities could have significant environmental Where clearance is required for public impacts and it is important that the vegetation safety, Regulation 5(1)(lb) may apply. be assessed prior to the works. If significant vegetation is present it may be possible to modify NOTE: the roadworks to reduce or avoid critical impact. 1. This requirement does not apply to very minor and localised clearance, such as pruning of branches or removal of one or two tree saplings or shrubs that are known to be common in the area. If in doubt as to what constitutes minor clearance, consultation with the Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Management Unit is recommended. 2. Prior to any work being undertaken, it is recommended that the Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Management Unit or a suitably qualified person with good plant identification skills be consulted. It is possible that the site may contain small, visually insignificant plant species, such as orchids or native grasses that are of particular conservation significance. Local councils are asked to contact Particular attention the Native Vegetation and Biodiversity needs to be given Management Unit early in the planning to shrub and and design stages of new roadworks, in groundcover plants, order to obtain information about potential as these types native vegetation issues and any associated of plants include clearance approval requirements under many of the State’s the Native Vegetation Act 1991, therefore threatened species. minimising delays.

Fig 6. Native roadside vegetation is vulnerable 2.3 GENERAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES to roadworks Native vegetation along roadsides needs careful management if it is to be conserved for future generations. Because of its linear nature, it is susceptible to gradual degradation through weed invasion. This degradation can be compounded if soils are disturbed or compacted by machinery or if low native shrubs or native grasses are driven over or cleared. Not only can native plants be unnecessarily destroyed, but conditions can be made unsuitable for natural regeneration and management problems can be created for adjoining landholders.

8 Guidelines for the Management of Roadside Vegetation Fig 7. Markers can highlight the presence of native Fig 8. Native Spear-grass (dark green) amongst invading African Love grass (larger tussocks) species, which can be threatened by encroaching roadworks

For reasons such as these, it is important for local – materials should similarly be stockpiled at a councils to develop and implement works practices limited number of designated sites which do that assist the conservation of roadside vegetation. not have native vegetation; This could be, for example, in the form of a Code of Practice for council staff and contractors. Training of – equipment should be cleaned on site before staff in basic native vegetation management is also moving to other sites: this particularly applies recommended. The development of a Roadside where machinery is operating in weed-infested Marker Scheme may also assist identification of or Phytophthora cinnamomi areas; native vegetation along roadsides (Figure 7). – any required tree-trimming should Important roadside vegetation management be in accordance with recognised principles include: arboriculture standards; • Care should be taken in grading works to ensure – any debris from trimming operations should that the grader does not intrude beyond the not be deposited on or amongst other native required carriageway width (grading a little further vegetation but should be disposed of in a each time can have significant impact over a manner that does not affect native vegetation, number of years). unless it is useful as habitat for wildlife, or is scattered sparsely amongst the remaining • Water cut-off drains must be located in areas vegetation; and devoid of native vegetation (unless clearance approval is given): care is also needed to ensure – roadsides containing threatened plant that they do not deposit sediment into native species should be documented where vegetation or on to the neighbouring private land. possible and roadworks at those sites must be carefully planned to avoid any impact • Soil disturbance and general intrusion outside of to those plants: installation of roadside the designated carriageway should be kept to a markers to identify sites with threatened minimum as disturbance will encourage weeds plant species is recommended. that compete with native species, leading to potential increases in the level of maintenance beyond that required for stable native ecosystems. More specifically: – machinery should be parked or turned at a limited number of designated sites which do not have native vegetation;

Local Council Roadworks 9 Roadside vegetation management principles specific to bushfire protection include: Clearance methods • Low impact methods of clearance (e.g. minimal ground disturbance, cutting cleanly rather than breaking branches, slashing, trimming, mowing, or rolling) should be used wherever possible when clearing vegetation to reduce potential weed invasion and erosion problems. • Grazing and herbicide use should only be contemplated where no or minimal impact upon native vegetation is likely such as where there are mature native trees over exotic grasses (i.e. no native understorey and no evidence of natural Fig 9. Weeds regenerating after fire regeneration of the tree species). • Limit the use of herbicides to spraying: – around roadside furniture; – for selective control of particular weeds where it is the most appropriate means of control; – to control growth of invasive introduced weeds on firebreaks (subject to the approval of the SA Country Fire Service Regional Prevention Officer); or – when weather conditions will minimise the likelihood of spray drift affecting non-target plants. Fig 10. Pincushion (*Scabiosa atropurpurea) an environmental weed growing along • Only remove vegetation that is referred to in road verge in disturbed soil adjacent to healthy roadside vegetation the approved Bushfire Management Plan (e.g. strategic clearance, removal of fine fuel) and increasing fire hazard within a short time, and retain all other vegetation including dead timber. if used too frequently or at the wrong time or • Such work should preferably be combined with a intensity, can lead to loss of biodiversity over time. native vegetation re-establishment program. • Strategic bushfire prevention works should • In the majority of cases, adequate fuel reduction be carried out under an approved Bushfire on roadsides can be achieved by selective Management Plan. planning focusing on the removal of exotic • Advice can be sought from the CFS Regional vegetation. Particular care should be taken to Prevention Officer. avoid areas of native grasses, which can be difficult to distinguish from exotic grasses. Other considerations

Prescribed Burning for Fuel Reduction • Where a well-vegetated road reserve adjoins Note cleared farmland, any required fuelbreak should • Prescribed burning of native vegetation (if be established on the cleared land rather than Visit CFS website for followed up with weed control methods such as through clearance of roadside vegetation. contact information; selective spraying or hand weeding) can be a http://www.cfs.sa. useful management tool for lowering fuel levels, • Any applications to revegetate roadsides must gov.au/site/ thereby minimising the threat of a bushfire burning be assessed and approved by the Council contact_us.jsp and extensively across the landscape. Fire Prevention Officer to ensure bushfire risk is for information on not increased for areas that are designated as approved Bushfire • Careful planning and management is required strategic fuel reduced zones. before implementing a prescribed burn, including Management Plans; http://www. preparation of a prescribed burn plan that is • Slashing programs should begin with clean cfs.sa.gov.au/site/ approved by the SA CFS Regional Prevention machinery in areas of less degraded vegetation fire_safety/bushfire_ Officer.Fire can encourage weed invasion, thus and work towards the more degraded sites. management_area_ This will assist in the prevention of plans.jsp further spread of weeds.

10 Guidelines for the Management of Roadside Vegetation 3 Pest Plant and Animal Control

Pest plants and pest animals can invade rural land or natural habitats and can cause economic, ecological, physical or aesthetic problems, often with significant potential impacts on local and regional biodiversity. The linear and semi-disturbed nature of many roadsides means that they are susceptible to invasion by plant and animal pests. Without appropriate control and preventative measures in place pest plants, in particular, can invade and degrade native vegetation areas both on and adjacent to the roadside, as well as more distant areas via the road network. Pest plants and animals can be categorised Fig 11. Montpellier Broom infestation, Adelaide Hills as those that require control under legislation (“declared” species) and those that, whilst still There is a legal requirement under the NRM Act damaging, are currently under review. Further (Chapter 8 – Control of plants and animals, Section information is available in the guiding principles 192 – Protection of certain vegetation and habitats) document regarding declared weeds5. In short, that a person must, in taking measures for the the use of ‘risk assessment’ guides decision-making control of animals or plants, take all reasonable and provides clearer information. steps to ensure: The management of declared species on roadsides i. that native vegetation is not cleared except in falls under the jurisdiction of the local Natural accordance with guidelines prepared by the Resources Management (NRM) Boards under the Native Vegetation Council under Section 25 of the guidance of the Natural Resource Management Native Vegetation Act 1991; and Council. Local councils also have a role in the effective and environmentally sustainable control ii. that damage to or destruction of other and management of weeds on roadsides. vegetation is kept to a minimum (unless the vegetation is subject to destruction or control The Natural Resources Management Act 2004 (the under this Chapter). NRM Act) states that NRM Boards (or NRM Groups, where they exist) have the responsibility to control A wide range of low-impact pest control methods on road reserves any declared pest plant or pest has been developed. For example, for rabbit animal and that the Minister has empowered them control, using a combination of poisoning, to require landowners to control elsewhere on private ripping accessible warrens and fumigation of and public land. inaccessible warrens makes it possible to control rabbits economically and provide adjacent crop Within some local council areas, landholders may protection without causing undue damage to be required to contribute to the control of pests roadside vegetation.6 on adjacent roadsides. Where landholders opt to control the pests on adjacent roadsides they must It is also important to note that plants other than seek approval of the NRM Board and the local declared pest plants can create management council. Local councils can only give consent if they problems on roadsides. These include pasture are acting in accord with the Native Vegetation Act grasses and non-local Australian natives. While there 1991 and have the relevant approvals or exemptions is no requirement that these plants be controlled, regarding clearance. it is important that they be controlled to reduce competition with the local native plants.

5 http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/files/90695762-2e4c-4006-a562-a0f200dd8160/hys-dpr-guiding-principles.pdf 6 Cooke, B.D. (1981). Rabbit control and the conservation of native mallee vegetation on roadsides in South Australia. Aust. Wildl. Res., 8, 627 – 36.

Pest Plant and Animal Control 11 Some important basic principles are: CONSULTATION AND APPROVAL PROCEDURES FOR PEST PLANT • small infestations of weeds or weeds in AND ANIMAL CONTROL sensitive native vegetation may be best dealt with using minimum disturbance techniques i. Clearance approval is required where a proposed animal or plant such as hand-pulling (while still minimising soil control program is likely to cause significant damage to native disturbance) and ‘cut-and-swab’ with herbicide; roadside vegetation. • it is usually best to work from the best areas of “Significant” in this context includes: bush or areas of low weed infestation towards • ripping of warrens where native vegetation will be affected; denser infestations; • non-selective spraying in mixed weeds/native vegetation; and • spot-spray and selective herbicides should be used carefully to avoid off-target damage of • burning of native vegetation to assist pest control. native plants; It does not include minor damage, such as removal of branches to • where natural regeneration of native species is not gain access to pests. occurring, revegetation with local native species can be an effective long-term means of weed The Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Management Unit is able control; and to determine whether the proposed clearance is of a sufficiently significant nature to warrant referral on to the NVC for decision. • pest-control methods usually require an integrated approach using several ii. In districts where there are serious problems with roadside methods to both control the pests, and pest control, local Boards are encouraged to develop overall minimise impacts on native vegetation. management strategies in consultation with the Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Management Unit. This can avoid the need for Advice on pest control methods is freely available consultation with the Unit on a case-by-case basis. This approach from the local NRM Boards. has been adopted in several local council areas. iii. Where pest control works are planned that could affect roadside native vegetation, the local authorised Natural Resources Management Officer should be the first point of contact. The need for consultation with the Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Management Unit can then be determined.

12 Guidelines for the Management of Roadside Vegetation 4 Bushfire Protection

Fig 12. Invasive grassy weeds, in particular, can create a fire hazard on roadsides

The Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005 places Native Vegetation Act Regulations 2003, provide NOTE: an onus on rural councils to take reasonable steps provisions to enable clearance and management to prevent or inhibit the outbreak of fire on roadsides of native vegetation for Bushfire Protection works, i.e. 1. Reference to a and the spread of fire through roadsides, i.e. Part under Regulation 5A Part 1(b) – Fire Prevention and Bushfire Prevention 4A, Division 3 105G, states: Control, native vegetation can be cleared if – Plan is deemed to be that referred 1. A council that has the care, control or i. the purpose of the clearance is to reduce to under the Fire management of land – combustible material on land; and and Emergency a. in the country; or ii. the clearance – Service Act 2005, as a Bushfire b. in a designated urban bushfire risk area, must a. is required or authorised by, and undertaken Management Plan. take reasonable steps – in accordance with, a bushfire prevention plan; or 2. For the purpose c. to prevent or inhibit the outbreak of fire on of part ii(b) left, the land; and b. is undertaken in accordance with the written approval is from approval of the Chief Officer of SACFS; the Chief Officer of d. to prevent or inhibit the spread of fire SACFS or authorised through the land; and delegate – i.e. e. to protect property on the land from fire; the CFS Regional and Prevention Officer. f. to minimise the threat to human life from a fire on the land.

CONSULTATION AND APPROVAL PROCEDURES FOR BUSHFIRE PROTECTION NOTE: A Bushfire Management Plan (or equivalent) under theFire and Emergency Services Act There may be 2005 that has been endorsed by the Regional Bushfire Management Committee, is the constraints under best mechanism for strategic planning of bushfire protection works across the district and other legislation that landscape. need to be complied with, such as the If any proposed bushfire prevention works are not included under such a plan, advice and Commonwealth written approval from the SACFS Regional Prevention Officer is required. Environmental Protection and Consultation with the SACFS should normally occur through the District Bushfire Prevention Biodiversity Officer or Regional Bushfire Management Committee. Conservation Act 1999.

Bushfire Protection 13 5 Clearance for Fencelines

A landholder who wishes to clear native vegetation on a road reserve, to enable construction or maintenance of a boundary fence, requires local council consent. In granting any consent, the local council must comply with the following standards: • Where the roadside vegetation consists largely of trees, only branches protruding through or overhanging the fence, or trees growing on the actual fence alignment, should be removed. • Where shrubs or bushes are growing through Fig 13. Examples of fenceline construction/design which facilitates the retention of trees. the fenceline, those plants growing within one metre of the fence alignment can be removed. CONSULTATION AND APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CLEARANCE FOR FENCELINES If rare or threatened plant species7 are present, reasonable care should be taken to protect them. Clearance approval is required for any native vegetation clearance If necessary, contact the Native Vegetation and along fencelines that exceeds the above standards. Consultation with Biodiversity Management Unit for advice. the Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Management Unit should occur through the local council. These standards take into account that the adjoining landholder can usually clear up to five metres in width on the private land abutting the NOTE: road, thus allowing for vehicular access to the fence – refer to Regulation 5(1)(s). 1. It is recognised that greater fenceline clearance may be justified in some districts which have high bushfire risk or fence maintenance problems associated with vigorously growing shrubs. Local councils can seek variation of the above standards to suit local conditions (refer to see Section. 16 – Variations to Guidelines). 2. In many areas, landholders are re-locating new fencing three to five metres into their properties so as to conserve roadside vegetation and reduce construction costs. This is strongly supported. 3. An alternative to the removal of trees in line with the property boundary may include constructing a simple strut arrangement that allows a fence to deviate a short distance around a tree. Wires are not attached directly to the tree, thus minimising potential damage to the tree (Figure 13).

Fig 14. Fenceline arrangement – Note: this approach may not be appropriate for all trees, and an effort should be made to avoid structural roots when placing the post hole for the strut next to the tree.

7 Rare and threatened plant species are defined in the Schedule of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 or the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Removal of plants listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 may require approval under that Act.

14 Guidelines for the Management of Roadside Vegetation 6 Clearance for Access to Adjoining Land

From time to time a new access point will be needed from the road to adjoining land. For rural areas, a primary producer may need new access to a paddock, possibly to cater for wide farm machinery. In other situations (e.g. semi-urban) it may be normal vehicular access to a residential allotment. In these situations, the safety of the access- user needs to be the primary consideration, but the conservation of native vegetation is also a high consideration. If there is more than one option that will provide safe access, the option which involves least disturbance of native vegetation or vegetation of lower conservation significance, should be selected. Where some clearance of native vegetation is unavoidable, this should not exceed the following standards: Fig 15. Clearance for safe property access

• For normal vehicle access: five metres wide CONSULTATION AND APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS plus minimum clearance along the road FOR ACCESS TO ADJOINING LAND reserve to provide adequate sight distance. Clearance of roadside vegetation to provide • For wider farm vehicles: ten metres wide plus access to adjoining land requires the consent minimum clearance along the road reserve of the local council. needed to provide adequate sight distance. In addition, approval is needed through 8 If rare or threatened plant species are present, the Native Vegetation and Biodiversity reasonable care should be taken to protect them. Management Unit for any proposed If necessary, contact the Native Vegetation and clearance of native vegetation for access Biodiversity Management Unit for advice. that exceeds the above standards.

8 Rare and threatened plant species are defined in the Schedule of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 or the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Removal of plants listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 may require approval under that Act.

Clearance for Access to Adjoining Land 15 7 Installation and Maintenance of Services

Traditionally, services such as powerlines, Note water supplies, gas and telecommunications have often been established along road For reserves. Construction of these services can Telecommunications, involve clearance of native vegetation, as can a carrier authorised ongoing maintenance of these services. by the Australian Communications New Services Authority under the Any new services require a submission to the Telecommunications Native Vegetation Council under Native Vegetation Act 1997 to install a Regulation 5(1)(d) – Building or provision of low impact facility (e.g. infrastructure. This regulation permits clearance of underground cable) native vegetation for the construction or expansion is immune from some of a building or infrastructure, provided that it State and Territory is located such that it avoids or minimises the environmental laws, impact on significant areas of native vegetation. including the Native Vegetation Act 1991. Maintenance of Services However, the carrier Maintenance works associated with electricity must comply with the supply and other infrastructure, such as water requirements of the and gas, are permitted under Native Vegetation Telecommunications Regulations 5(1)(f) – Maintenance works Act and the associated with electricity supply and 5(1)(g) – Telecommunications Repair or Maintenance of Infrastructure. Code of Practice 1997.

Fig 16. Tree pruning may be required to maintain powerlines along roadsides

See A Guide to Exemptions under the Native Vegetation Regulations 2003 for further information: http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/Conservation/Native_Vegetation/Managing_native_vegetation

CONSULTATION PROCEDURES FOR CLEARANCE ASSOCIATED WITH INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF SERVICES NVC approval is required for clearance associated with any new services or maintenance clearance in excess of existing standards (excluding carriers authorised under the Telecommunications Act 1997 to install a low impact facility); Refer to Regulation 5(1)(d). NVC approval is not required for maintenance of existing clearances – refer to Regulations 5(1)(f) and 5(1)(g).

16 Guidelines for the Management of Roadside Vegetation 8 Grazing of Roadsides

Grazing of stock in areas of native vegetation can have severe impact: damaging plants, assisting weed invasion, preventing natural regeneration and compacting and polluting the soil. The Native Vegetation Act 1991 controls the grazing of native vegetation. Roadside grazing can also be controlled by local councils using by-laws under the Local Government Act 1999. Grazing of roadsides devoid of native vegetation requires only the consent of the local council. Grazing can be an acceptable form of roadside management in some situations, such as where exotic grasses like Phalaris have replaced native understorey and have created a fire hazard. Grazing of areas comprising native species (including native grasslands) requires clearance approval under the Native Vegetation Act 1991. Native grasslands in particular may be difficult to distinguish from introduced grasses, and care must also be taken to avoid small or visually insignificant species such as annuals, orchids and other small native ground cover species. The droving of stock is recognised as a necessary practice in some areas, but routes which contain Fig 17. Stock droving along roadside important stands of native vegetation should be avoided if possible, and stock must be kept moving Consultation with, at all times. CONSULTATION AND APPROVAL PROCEDURES FOR GRAZING OF ROADSIDES and confirmation Where the movement of livestock is to occur over from, the Native a long distance, consultation should be held Clearance approval is required for Vegetation and with the local council, the local Natural Resource any grazing (other than associated Biodiversity Management Authorised Officer, and the Native with droving) likely to cause damage Management Unit is Vegetation and Biodiversity Management Unit. to native roadside vegetation. recommended. The grazing of leased roads is treated differently This includes roadsides where: and this is discussed in Section 11. • native shrub and understorey species are present; or • there is evidence of recent or periodic regeneration of native plant species. Grazing on roadsides does not require approval where: • no native vegetation is present; or • there are native trees over only exotic shrub and understorey species.

Grazing of roadsides 17 9 Removal of Plant Material

The removal of plant material from roadsides includes collection of dead timber for firewood; cutting of live timber; brush-cutting; seed collection; and harvesting of flowers or fruits. All such activities require the consent of the local council and other constraints may also apply, as set out below. 9.1 COLLECTION OF DEAD TIMBER Dead timber generally refers to woody debris from standing or fallen dead trees or branches. It does not usually encompass fine fuels9 – which generally refer to grass, leaves, bark and twigs less than 6mm in diameter. Dead timber on roadsides is not controlled under the Native Vegetation Act 1991, except in the case of dead plants in some parts of the state that provide habitat for nationally threatened Fig 18. Fallen timber is important in the recycling of species, which are defined as native vegetation nutrients and can provide habitat for various organisms under Section 3(1) of the Act10. Contact the Native (Courtesy J. MacDonald Jones) Vegetation and Biodiversity Management Unit for further details, including a fact sheet, Dead trees as Collection of dead timber should not be permitted native vegetation, also available at: unless necessary for fuel reduction in the District http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/ Bushfire Management Plan11; to assist rabbit control; nativevegetation/Managing_native_vegetation/ or to remove timber which is hazardous to traffic or Clearance_guidelines fencing. If dead timber collection is permitted, care should be taken to prevent damaging surrounding However, local councils are encouraged to native vegetation in the process of removal, and control this activity under the Local Government where possible should not be permitted in areas of Act 1999. Dead timber, both standing and fallen, vegetation of high conservation significance. provides cover and foraging places for native fauna, it shelters young seedlings and small plants Useful information on the value of dead timber and from severe sunshine and drying winds, and is alternatives to the collection of timber from road also important in the recycling of nutrients. The reserves can be found at: development of hollow timber takes many years and is a limited resource for wildlife, and therefore http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/management- timber with hollows should not be collected for and-protection/conservation-on-other-lands/ firewood. Retention of dead timber (and fallen roadside-conservation/roadside-conservation- leaves, bark and twigs) should also be encouraged committee-publications.html so that soil disturbance and the creation of open and areas suitable for weed invasion is minimised. http://www.environment.gov.au/land/pressures/ firewood/

9 http://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/site/home.jsp 10 Dead plants (under the definition of native vegetation in Section 3(1) of the Act), means the class of plants, or parts of plants, comprising trees of a species indigenous to South Australia – (a) that have a trunk circumference (measured at a point 300 millimetres above the base of the tree) of – (i) in the case of a tree located on Kangaroo Island – 1 metre or more; or (ii) in any other case – 2 metres or more; and (b) that provide or have the potential to provide, or are a [part of a group of trees or other plants (whether alive or dead) that provide, or have the potential to provide, a habitat for animals of a listed threatened species under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 of the Commonwealth, is declared to be included in that definition. 11 This refers to a Bushfire Management Plan (or equivalent) under the Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005 that has been endorsed by the Regional Bushfire Management Committee.

18 Guidelines for the Management of Roadside Vegetation Fig 19. Illegal cutting of roadside tree Fig 20. Daviesia leptophylla – flower harvesting on Fig 21. Roadsides can roadsides requires approval be a source of seed for restoration projects

9.2 CUTTING OF LIVE TIMBER The collection of seeds, cuttings and specimens Any cutting of live timber, other than that from roadsides requires the consent of the local allowed for roadside management under council. A permit is also needed under these guidelines, requires the consent of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 and can local council and also clearance consent be requested from the Permit Unit, Department under the Native Vegetation Act 1991. of Environment Water and Natural Resources, (08) 8463 4841 or online at http://www. 9.3 BRUSH-CUTTING environment.sa.gov.au/Do_It_Online/Plant_ permits. The Unit can also provide guidance on The cutting of brush (Melaleuca uncinata) seed collection methods. (On private land, seed on roadsides requires clearance approval collection requires the consent of the landholder unless it is undertaken in accordance with and, if the plant is a prescribed species under the other sections of these guidelines. National Parks and Wildlife Act, a permit from the 9.4 SEED COLLECTION Department is also needed). Revegetation programs using local native species 9.5 FLOWER and FRUIT HARVESTING are strongly supported and roadsides are often The harvesting of flowers or fruits from roadsides ideal sites for seed collection. However, care is requires the consent of the local council and needed to minimise the damage to the parent clearance approval. The local council should be plant and to avoid depleting the seed supply to the first point of contact. In general, harvesting such an extent that natural regeneration of plants of roadside flowers and fruits, particularly for on the roadside is affected. commercial purposes, is not favoured because of its impact on the vegetation and on the landscape or amenity of the area.

CONSULTATION AND APPROVAL PROCEDURES FOR REMOVAL OF PLANT MATERIAL In the case of seed collection, a permit Removal of plant material from road reserves requires clearance approval under the Native is also needed from Vegetation Act 1991 in the following instances: the Department of Environment – removal of “dead plants” as defined under theNative Vegetation Regulations 2003; Water and Natural – cutting of live timber (outside the scope of the guidelines or a roadside vegetation Resources, Permit management plan); Unit, who can also provide guidance – the cutting of brush (Melaleuca uncinata) unless it is undertaken in accordance with other as to how to guidelines or a roadside vegetation management plan; and collect seed. – the harvesting of flowers or fruits. Removal of plant material from road reserves also requires the consent of the local council.

Removal of Plant Material 19 10 Maintaining Biodiversity on Roadsides

Along some roadsides there is evidence of a 10.1 ECOLOGICAL PRESCRIBED BURNING steady decline of native vegetation not associated Prescribed burning for ecological purposes with direct clearance. Several factors may be requires careful planning and management. contributing to this, many of which are exacerbated Proposed works are to be carried out under a by the long-narrow shape of roadside vegetation. management plan that has been approved by the These include, but are not limited to: Native Vegetation Council. The following is a list of • senescence (old age) and lack of natural information that should be included in the plan: regeneration; • a clear demonstrated focus on biodiversity • herbicides or other chemicals used on adjoining outcomes, such as a tool for managing farmland, or used for weed control on roadsides; threatened species, enhancing ecological communities, managing pest species, • animal pests and methods used to control them; maintaining a diversity of vegetation age classes or preventing large areas of habitat burning • root-rot fungi such as Phytophthora cinnamomi; across the landscape in a single fire event;

• mistletoe infestation; • site survey information identifying flora and fauna Fig 22. Sudden death • lerp infestation; species present; of Manna Gums, Adelaide Hills • competition from exotic species (garden • detailed aerial map(s) identifying vegetation escapees, illegal dumping of garden waste, communities, topography and areas identified invasion from adjacent land); for burning; • inappropriate fire regimes; and • an environmental risk assessment table identifying impacts and mitigating actions; • Mundulla Yellows. • any Environment Protection and Biodiversity Local councils and others who are concerned Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) matters also about declining roadside vegetation are need to be addressed; encouraged to discuss the matter with the Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Management Unit. • a logistic prescribed burn plan to be approved by SA Country Fire Service; and In some cases a form of disturbance (such as burning or pollarding (pruning) may be proposed • a monitoring program that will assist in the as a means of enhancing vegetation health evaluation of the effects of fire on vegetation or diversity in the longer term. Such activities communities and for planning future adaptive constitute clearance in terms of the Native management strategies. Vegetation Act 1991 and therefore require Advice can be sought from the Native Vegetation & clearance approval under the Act or the Native Biodiversity Management Unit. Vegetation Regulations 2003. For example burning an area may be required to promote natural regeneration in an area where species are declining. Or, removal of mistletoe or lopping of limbs may be proposed as a short-term means of protecting unhealthy host trees heavily infested with mistletoe. Such activities must be carefully planned and the results must be monitored. There are Regulations that allow for the clearance of native vegetation to address some of these problems. Refer to A Guide to the Exemptions under the Native Vegetation Regulations 2003 for more information, http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/ Nativevegetation/Managing_native_vegetation.

20 Guidelines for the Management of Roadside Vegetation Fig 23. Amyema miquelii in a pink gum, Mt Lofty Ranges Fig 24. Close-up of mistletoe

10.2 MISTLETOE INFESTATION In severe cases, the removal of mistletoe or Mistletoes are flowering plants that use other plants lopping of affected limbs may be acceptable to obtain water and mineral nutrients; but provide as a short-term means of protecting the host their own photosynthetic products. tree. These actions constitute clearance, and require clearance approval under the Native The species of mistletoe found along rural Vegetation Act 1991 or the Native Vegetation roadsides are native to South Australia and are Regulations 2003 (photos may be emailed protected under the Native Vegetation Act 1991. to the Native Vegetation and Biodiversity They provide important habitats for many fauna Management Unit who can then issue advice species, such as birds, butterflies, possums, ants or grant clearance approval). Protection and/ and other insects. In particular, mistletoes are a or enhancement of the health of affected trees, summer food source for nectar feeding animals by fencing-off from livestock and restoring the such as honeyeaters, and a food source for native affected area through natural regeneration or butterflies like the rare Genoveva Azure whose revegetation with a range of indigenous plants, larvae eat the leaves and flowers of the Box is seen to be the best overall approach. Mistletoe (Amyema miquelii) on Eucalyptus species and the Drooping Mistletoe (Amyema pendula 10.3 LERP INFESTATIONS ssp. pendula) on Eucalypts and Blackwood. Lerp insects are native leaf-sucking insects which frequently attack red gums (e.g. in the Mt Lofty In some areas of the State, mistletoe infestations Ranges) and pink gums (e.g. in the South East). The appear to be contributing significantly to tree visual impact can be severe with entire trees being decline. The factors involved in these infestations defoliated. In some cases, trees already stressed by are not well understood but appear to be linked other factors may die, but usually they will recover. with the extent of general vegetation clearance and the accompanying loss of wildlife habitat. In a natural bushland setting, lerps are generally An imbalance has somehow been created. kept in check by native birds such as pardalotes, Often trees are in poor health due to degradation which feed on the waxy scale-like covering of surrounding vegetation and are perhaps (the “lerp”), beneath which the immature insect more susceptible to the impacts of mistletoes. shelters and feeds. In disturbed environments Higher germination and establishment rates of such as roadsides – and particularly where mistletoes on trees with less canopy, as well as understorey plants have been reduced – bird greater dispersal of seed by the Mistletoebird populations are depleted and problems in open woodlands, have been suggested such as lerp infestations are more likely to as possible explanations of the association occur. Restoration of roadsides is therefore the of high levels of mistletoes on trees that are recommended management approach. in poor health (Ward and Paton, 2004)12.

12 Ward, M. and Paton, D. (2004). Box Mistletoe (Amyema miquelii) occurrence and host condition in Eucalypts woodlands of the Mount Lofty Ranges, South Australia. Report for the Native vegetation Council, South Australia. School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Adelaide.

Maintaining Biodiversity on Roadsides 21 10.4 PLANT DISEASES In South Australia P.cinnamomi has been identified There are no legal requirements under the at locations throughout the Mount Lofty Ranges, Native Vegetation Act 1991 in relation to the Fleurieu Peninsula, Kangaroo Island, and possibly control of diseases of plants along road reserves. in the lower Eyre Peninsula. In 2011 it was identified However, councils are encouraged to require near Broken Hill in sandy soil over clay following a that activities in areas infested with Phytophthora higher than average annual rainfall. cinnamomi or Mundulla Yellows, will only be The best way to control Phytophthora is to prevent granted if they are conducted according to the transfer of infested soil or plant material. appropriate guidelines of best practice. Councils in vulnerable areas should follow 13 Phytophthora Phytophthora Management Guidelines , which provides a framework for the ‘Dieback caused by the root-rot fungus management of Phytophthora by all Phytophthora cinnamomi’ is listed as a ‘key Government and non-government organisations, threatening process’ in Schedule X to the landholders, community groups and individuals. Commonwealth’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Some general principles include: Phytophthora is a microscopic, soil and water • avoid driving, riding or walking in areas when soils borne organism that attacks the roots and basal are wet and sticky; stem tissue of some native and introduced plants. • stay on designated roads and tracks because Please report the It is often referred to as a “fungus”. Phytophthora vehicles, bikes and people moving off roads death of groups of infects the roots and basal stem tissue preventing into infested areas may pick up infested soil and susceptible native the uptake of water and nutrients by the plant, transfer it to uninfested areas; plants to your causing dieback and death. Any movement of local Department soil, water and/or plant material has the potential to • brush soil off vehicles, bikes, boots and camping of Environment spread Phytophthora to new areas. Once an area is gear before entering an uninfested area and Water and Natural infested with Phytophthora it is always infested. There after leaving an infested area – do not take them Resources office. are many species, but the most widespread and home to clean; destructive to native vegetation in South Australia is Phytophthora cinnamomi (P.cinnamomi). • obey road signs because roads or tracks may be closed, sometimes permanently, to help Vulnerable areas are those sites where susceptible stop the spread of Phytophthora; vegetation is present and where environmental conditions are such that there is the potential • use wash down or hygiene stations when for P.cinnamomi to become established. Such provided; conditions include average annual rainfall of • protect your bush and your garden by 400mm or more and neutral to acid soils, and soil ensuring that purchased plants are free of with poor drainage and temperature of at least 15 Phytophthora; and degrees Celsius. • report any unusual plant death.

13 Phytophthora Technical Group, Phytophthora Management Guidelines (2006, 2nd edition)

22 Guidelines for the Management of Roadside Vegetation Mundulla Yellows 10.5 GARDEN ESCAPEES Mundulla Yellows is a relatively recent plant die- Intentional dumping of garden waste on back syndrome known to predominantly affect roadsides can create new weed infestations. eucalypt species and other native plant species. Garden plants can also escape into bushland and Mundulla Yellows was first discovered in the onto roadsides adjacent to properties. Residents southeast of South Australia in the 1970s, and has adjacent to good roadside vegetation should since been recorded in other parts of the state select garden plants with a low potential to spread, and interstate. Eucalypts with Mundulla Yellows are or consider using local native species instead. identifiable initially by the presence of small clusters of bright yellow leaves (actually yellowing between the veins of the leaves) within the tree canopy, followed by a progression of yellowing towards the trunk and a progressive dying back of the tree (or shrub) and a slow deterioration in health, before death. The symptoms exhibited by plants affected by Mundulla Yellows are similar to symptoms presented due to other environmental factors, hence diagnosis can be difficult. In South Australia, Mundulla Yellows is generally For further found on alkaline soils. It is caused by a information on complex interaction of soil properties (i.e. Phytophthora increased alkalinity and salinity, reduced water and Mundulla availability, increased compaction and a few Yellows contact the others) resulting in a deficiency of available DEWNR Biosecurity iron, manganese and other micronutrients Fig 25. Arum lilies growing on roadside from illegal Ecologist, Nature to the plant. Hygiene guidelines for Mundulla dumping of garden waste Conservation Yellows are no longer considered necessary; Unit on 8552 0306 however, amenity trees (or trees deemed to or contact the be of significant value to warrant treatment) Native Vegetation CONSULTATION PROCEDURES FOR within the local council can be treated with iron MAINTAINING BIODIVERSITY and Biodiversity chelates or implants to reverse the symptoms. Management Unit ON ROADSIDES for advice. Maintaining roadside vegetation diversity can be a complex issue and close consultation with the Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Management Unit is recommended. Where modification of roadside vegetation using measures such as lopping, burning or other disturbance of native vegetation is proposed as a tool in maintaining diversity, clearance approval is required.

Maintaining Biodiversity on Roadsides 23 11 Undeveloped Road Reserves

Throughout South Australia there are many surveyed 11.2 ROAD CLOSURES road reserves that have never been developed as Proposed road closures by local councils need roads. Some are totally cleared and pass unmarked careful consideration as these sites are often through farm paddocks. Although of low ecological important for native vegetation conservation or as value, these areas may be suitable for revegetation potential revegetation corridors. projects. Other undeveloped road reserves have relatively undisturbed native vegetation and are of Sale of these areas into private ownership could high conservation value. expose significant vegetation to increased risk of degradation unless provisions for protection are put The standards and information in these Guidelines in place, such as a Heritage Agreement or Land apply equally to undeveloped roads. Management Agreement. 11.1 LEASED ROADS The Minister for Environment and Conservation Many undeveloped road reserves are leased to may enter into a Heritage Agreement with a adjoining landholders for grazing or cropping. In this local council, including in relation to a road situation, any clearance of native vegetation (e.g. reserve that is under care, control and for cropping purposes) would require clearance management of a local council. Fig 26. Undeveloped approval, as would any change in grazing practice road reserves can have which increased the pressure on native vegetation. CONSULTATION AND APPROVAL PROCEDURES conservation value Where important native vegetation is FOR UNDEVELOPED ROAD RESERVES identified on leased roads, it should be The consultation and approval requirements protected through a Land Management 14 15 of these guidelines apply generally to Agreement or Heritage Agreement , or undeveloped road reserves. In addition, local through removal of the area from the lease. councils should advise the Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Management Unit about any proposed road closures. Modification of native vegetation on leased roads, by direct clearance or changed grazing practice, requires clearance approval.

14 Under the Development Act 1993 and Development Regulations 2008 15 Under the Native Vegetation Act 1991

24 Guidelines for the Management of Roadside Vegetation 12 Recreational Trails on Road Reserves

Road reserves (both developed and undeveloped) are subject to a range of recreational pressures. For example, there is an expanding network of walking trails on roadsides in many areas of the State. Horse and bike trails are being established on some roadsides. All of these activities have the potential to significantly disturb native vegetation. Recreational vehicle activities on roadsides should not be permitted, but walking and horse trails may be acceptable provided that certain principles and practices are adhered to, such as the following: • Any trails need to be part of an overall district or regional trails plan developed with the local council. Fig 27. Trail adjacent to native vegetation • Trails should not be established where clearance of native vegetation would result. Only if the CONSULTATION AND APPROVAL PROCEDURES trail is a vital part of a network and if there is no FOR RECREATIONAL TRAILS ON ROAD RESERVES reasonable alternative should any clearance of native vegetation be contemplated. Should The development of any recreational any proposed trail pass through or immediately trails along road reserves must include adjacent to roadside native vegetation, consultation with the local council consultation with the Native Vegetation and and with the Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Management Unit must occur. Biodiversity Management Unit where the Clearance Approval is required for any trail would pass through or immediately clearance of roadside native vegetation. alongside native vegetation. • Trails must not be established where Clearance approval is required the soil type and/or slope could result for any trail development involving in erosion, unless specific measures to clearance of native vegetation. prevent the erosion are implemented. • Trails must not be established where their use is likely to introduce or assist the spread of weeds or plant diseases on the road reserve unless there is a clear commitment to weed eradication or disease control programs. • Effective monitoring programs must be incorporated into any trail development.

Recreational Trails on Road Reserves 25 13 Restoration of Roadside Vegetation

Restoring roadside vegetation by revegetation of previous clearance or the rehabilitation of degradation is encouraged. Roadsides are well suited for this, although the scope of replanting on narrow (e.g. one chain) roads is limited and care is needed to not create future road safety concerns through inappropriate plantings. It is essential, and a legal requirement, that the permission of the local council be obtained for roadside revegetation programs. Rehabilitation of existing roadside vegetation is usually seen as the priority for restoration work. However, depending on the desired goals, reconstruction of habitat from scratch may be implemented. Revegetation programs on rural roadsides should use seed collected from the local area (preferably within 10km of the site). Using non-local plants will disrupt the roadside ecology and may displace local species. Within townships, Fig 28. Bush Care site, Adelaide Hills a wider range of plants may be used, but care is needed to avoid species which could spread into General advice regarding restoration can be bushland. In addition: obtained from local NRM Boards and organisations such as Trees For Life (Bush Care Sites), and advice • Replanting near powerlines must comply with the about local native species can be obtained legislation and guidelines of SA Power Networks from the Native Vegetation and Biodiversity (while at the same time selecting local native Management Unit. Further information can also plant species where possible). be found in ‘Habitat Restoration Planning Guide for Natural Resource Managers’16 on the State • On roadsides containing some remnants of native government website: vegetation it may be possible to encourage natural regeneration through control of exotic http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/Knowledge_ weeds and grasses. Bank/Science_research/Seascapes_ landscapes_and_communities/Landscape_ • Direct seeding of native species, using seed restoration/Publications collected locally, can be a cheap and effective approach. • Particular care is needed in dealing with open areas (i.e. areas possessing few if any trees or shrubs) as some areas of the State naturally supported areas of open grassland, sedgeland and wetland. It may be inappropriate to plant trees and shrubs in such sites. These naturally occurring open areas may be difficult to recognise if the site is now a cleared roadside. • Revegetation or rehabilitation programs should have a clear goal and appropriate monitoring in place in order to determine if the goal is being achieved.

16 Clarke, I., Stokes, Z. and Wallace, R., (2010). Habitat Restoration Planning Guide for Natural Resource Managers. Government of South Australia, through Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Adelaide.

26 Guidelines for the Management of Roadside Vegetation 14 Assistance for Roadside Vegetation Management

Fig 29. Blue Marker indicating significant vegetation

While the Native Vegetation Act 1991 includes Previous advice from the Department of general controls over the clearance of native Environment Water and Natural Resources vegetation, it also includes provisions designed to roadside mapping group has included a caution promote and assist good management of native against undertaking more than approximately vegetation. For example, the Act establishes the 600 km of survey at a time, as larger surveys Native Vegetation Fund from which grants are place an unreasonable burden on individual made available for the preservation, enhancement consultants. This then means that the local and management of native vegetation. council needs to make a decision about how to prioritise the roads to survey. Two options are to: As part of the Native Vegetation Council’s commitment to the coordination and delivery of i. prioritise according to vegetation cover with the actions to improve landholder and community most vegetated roads being surveyed first; or involvement in natural resource management, the Native Vegetation Incentives Program has ii. prioritise according to the probability that been established. This program administers a there will be a request to undertake some range of grants including Heritage Agreement activity on the roadside verge, such as in grants and fencing assistance, research grants, more settled areas or along major roads. Significant Environmental Benefit (SEB) Grants, The Roadside Marker scheme has previously and also Roadside Vegetation Grants. been partly supported by the NVC funding the Roadside Vegetation Grants are available cost of materials, with the local council erecting to local councils and community groups the markers. Councils have generally relied associated with local councils for roadside on volunteer labour with a focus on protecting projects such as Roadside Markers and/ threatened species. Any new application for a or Roadside Vegetation Surveys. contribution towards funding a Roadside Vegetation Marker scheme will be assessed on its merits. The Native Vegetation Council usually funds up Such an application should include information to 50% of the cost of undertaking Roadside about how the local council intends to use the Vegetation Surveys. It has a firm policy that marker scheme within its management systems. funding is conditional upon the survey being For example, the marker system could be part of undertaken using the standard Guide to Roadside an internal check system for works on roadsides Vegetation Survey Methodology in South Australia17. or part of a permit system for members of the This is a detailed methodology that includes how public undertaking activities on roadsides. data is collected in the field and then stored and mapped. The standard methodology allows the Roadside Vegetation grant applications are data collected to be incorporated into a state- assessed by the NVC Grants Subcommittee, with For further wide layer of roadside vegetation mapping. advice on applications provided by the Native information and Vegetation and Biodiversity Management Unit. advice contact the Native Vegetation Funding assistance may also be available through and Biodiversity other programs/grants/incentives such as Natural Management Unit. Resource Management Community Grants.

17 Stokes, A.L., Heard, L.M.B., Carruthers, S., and Reynolds, T. (2006). Guide to Roadside Vegetation Survey Methodology in South Australia. Draft report. Department for Environment and Heritage, Adelaide. Working Document.

Assistance for Roadside Vegetation Management 27 15 Formation of Local Roadside Vegetation Advisory Groups

Fig 30. Well managed native roadside vegetation can be a distinct feature of a rural road.

Within South Australia, some local councils have Councils are encouraged to adopt this approach, formed groups or sub-committees to advise on the and representation could include: management of native vegetation on road reserves and other council lands. This can prove useful in: • Councillors (1 or 2); • promoting community interest and involvement in • Natural Resources Management officer; roadside vegetation management; • Fire Prevention Officer; • providing direct access to local expertise; • Natural Resources Management Boards • resolving roadside management issues; representative(s); • involving the community in roadside vegetation • representative(s) of local naturalists group (e.g. projects and other management programs; and Trees for Life, Field Naturalists); and • preparing applications to relevant funding bodies. • representative(s) of local community with interest in native vegetation management.

28 Guidelines for the Management of Roadside Vegetation 16 Variations to Guidelines

Fig 31. Orchids growing amongst leaf litter

These guidelines need to be generally applicable The proposal may be in the following format: across the State and are therefore broad in nature. It is likely that some of the standards and policies “ The District Council of proposes in this publication will not be appropriate for local that Section Of the Guidelines for the conditions in some council areas. For example, Management of Roadside Vegetation be in areas where growth or regrowth of vegetation amended to make the guidelines more is vigorous, a one-metre clearance standard for appropriate for the local conditions. fencelines (Section 5) may be inadequate. The proposed change is as follows Specific variations of this type can be addressed 18 The reasons for the proposed change are in a roadside vegetation management plan . as follows .” Alternatively, a local council may simply seek a variation of the relevant guideline(s) Once the proposed amendment is to suit its situation. This can be done by approved by the Native Vegetation writing to the Native Vegetation Council, Council, it becomes applicable in the setting out the proposed change(s). council district and replaces the relevant guideline in these Guidelines. Local councils proposing to vary the Guidelines in this way are encouraged to contact the Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Management Unit as the first step.

18 Refer to the document “Preparing Roadside Vegetation Management Plans – a guide to assist local councils”

Variations to Guidelines 29 17 Glossary

Local council – is a ‘council’ constituted under the Local Government Act 1999; the principal role being “…to provide for the government and management of its area at the local level and, in particular – a. to act as a representative, informed and responsible decision-maker in the interests of its community; and b. to provide and co-ordinate various public services and facilities and to develop its community and resources Fig 32. Typical Cross-Section of a rural road in a socially just and ecologically sustainable manner; and Some of the terms commonly used in relation to roadside vegetation management in c. to encourage and develop initiatives South Australia are listed below and, in the case of road construction, illustrated in the within its community for improving the following diagram unless specifically referenced; these terms have been defined for the quality of life of the community; and purpose of these guidelines. d. to represent the interests of its community to the wider community; and Biodiversity or biological diversity – Clearance envelope – the area where means the variety of life forms represented vegetation clearance is required to allow e. to exercise, perform and discharge the by plants, animals and other organisms for the passage of legal height vehicles powers, functions and duties of local and micro-organisms, the genes that across the full width of the carriageway. The government under this and other Acts they contain, and the ecosystems and secondary clearance envelope includes in relation to the area for which it is ecosystem processes of which they form the outer edges of the road formation – constituted”(Local Government Act 1999, a part (Native Vegetation Act 1991). shoulders, road verge, drains and around Chapter 2, Section 6). roadside furniture and signs. Borrow pit – rubble pit, an excavation from Native Vegetation – means a plant which earth material (borrow) is dug for use Dead plants – under the definition of or plants of a species indigenous to as fill elsewhere. Native Vegetation in Section 3(1) of the Act, South Australia including a plant or means the class of plants, or parts of plants, plants growing in or under waters of Carriageway – that portion of a comprising trees of a species indigenous to the sea but does not include – road or bridge devoted particularly South Australia – to the use of vehicles, inclusive of the a. a plant or part of a plant that is dead shoulders and auxiliary lanes (Austroads, a. that have a trunk circumference unless the plant, or part of the plant, is 2010). (Shown on diagram). (measured at a point 300 millimetres of a class declared by regulation to be above the base of the tree) of – included in this definition; or Catch drain – a surface channel constructed along the high side of a i. in the case of a tree located on b. a plant intentionally sown or planted by a road or embankment, outside the batter Kangaroo Island – 1 metre or more; or person unless the person was acting – to intercept surface water (Austroads, 2010). (Shown on diagram). ii. in any other case – 2 metres or more; i. in compliance with a condition imposed by the Council under this and Clearance – within context of the Native Act or by the Native Vegetation Vegetation Act 1991) means – b. that provide or have the potential to Authority under the repealed Act, or with the order of a court under this Act a. the killing or destruction of native provide, or are a part of a group of or the repealed Act; or vegetation; trees or other plants (whether alive or dead) that provide, or have the ii. in pursuance of a proposal b. the removal of native vegetation; potential to provide, a habitat for approved by the Council animals of a listed threatened species under Part 4 Division 2; or c. the severing of branches, limbs, stems under the Environment Protection and or trunks of native vegetation; Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 of iii. in compliance with a condition the Commonwealth, is declared to be d. the burning of native vegetation; imposed by a Minister, statutory included in that definition. authority or prescribed person or e. any other substantial damage to body under – Dead timber (firewood) – generally refers to native vegetation, woody debris from standing or fallen dead a. the River Murray Act 2003; or and includes the draining or flooding of land, trees or branches. It does not encompass or any other act or activity, that causes the fine fuels – such as grass, leaves, bark and b. the Water Resources Act 1997; or killing or destruction of native vegetation, the twigs less than 6mm in diameter (SA CFS c. any other Act prescribed by the severing of branches, limbs, stems or trunks web-site). regulations for the purposes of this of native vegetation or any other substantial Formation – The surface of the finished paragraph; damage to native vegetation. earthworks, excluding cut or fill batters (Native Vegetation Act 1991). (Austroads, 2010). (Native Vegetation Act 1991, Section 3(1)).

30 Guidelines for the Management of Roadside Vegetation Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Road – is Road reserve – means land set aside for Management Unit (NVBMU) – is a unit the purposes of a public road, whether or within the South Australian Government a. a public road within the meaning of not it is being used for that purpose (Natural Department of Environment, Water and Section 4 of the Local Government Act Resources Management Act 1999; and Natural Resources (DEWNR). This unit services 1999; or extends from property boundary on one side the Native Vegetation Council. to property boundary on the other side. ab. an alley, laneway, walkway or other Native Vegetation Council – is an similar thoroughfare vested in a Roadside – Is defined as the strip of land independent body established under the council; or between the road formation and the Native Vegetation Act 1991. It has broad boundary of the road reserve. b. in relation to a part of the State not within representation, including Local Government, a council area – the SA Farmers Federation, the Natural Roadside vegetation – Is any vegetation growing on a road reserve, and includes Resource Management Council and the i. a road or street delineated and vegetation on a roadside, and vegetation Conservation Council of SA. shown on a public map or plan of the growing on an unmade or undeveloped State as laid out for public purposes Pavement – That portion of a road designed road reserve; this includes native vegetation by the Crown; or for the support of, and to form the running of conservation value and vegetation surface for, vehicular traffic (Austroads, 2010). ii. a road or street opened under this dominated by introduced species. (Shown on diagram). Act or any other Act relating to the Secondary clearance envelopes – are opening of new roads and streets; or Public road – is areas required to be kept clear of vegetation iii. a road or street transferred or adjacent to the carriageway for adequate a. any road or land that was, immediately surrendered to the Minister of Local visibility of other traffic, signs and other before the commencement of this Government or the Crown by the roadside furniture. Act, a public street or road under the owner or lessee for use as a public repealed Act; or Shoulder – The portion of formed road or street; or carriageway that is adjacent to the traffic b. any road – iv. a road or street declared or lane and flush with the surface of the pavement (Austroads, 2010). (Shown on i. that is vested in a council under this or dedicated under any other Act to be diagram). another Act; or a public road or street, and includes part of a road. [Roads (Opening and Sight Triangle – The area of land between ii. that is placed under a council’s care, Closing) Act 1991] two intersecting roadways over which control and management as a public vehicles on both roadways are visible to road after the commencement of this Roadwork – means each driver (Austroads, 2010). Act, but not including an alley, laneway, a. the construction of a road; or walkway or other similar thoroughfare Table drain – The side drain of a road vested in a council; or b. the maintenance or repair of a road; or adjacent to the shoulder, having its invert lower than the pavement base and being c. any road or land owned by a council, c. the alteration of a road; or part of the formation (Austroads, 2010). or transferred or surrendered to a (Shown on diagram). council, and which, subject to this Act, is d. the construction of drains and other declared by the council to be a public structures for the drainage of water from Travelled way – That portion of a road; or a road; or carriageway ordinarily assigned to moving traffic, and exclusive of shoulders and d. any land shown as a street or road on a e. the installation of fences, railings, parking lanes (Austroads, 2003). plan of division deposited in the Lands barriers or gates; or Titles Registration Office or the General Traffic Lane – A portion of the carriageway f. the installation of traffic control devices, Registry Office and which is declared by allocated for the use of a single line of traffic islands or parking bays; or the council to be a public road; or vehicles. (Shown on diagram). g. the improvement of a road including e. any land transferred or surrendered to Unmade road – Means a road that is not (for example) – the Crown for use as a public road that sealed with bitumen (or other surfacing was, immediately before the transfer, i. landscaping and beautification; or material) for use by motor vehicles. (Roads held by a person in fee simple or under (opening and closing) Regulations 2006). a lease granted by the Crown, ii. installation of road lighting; or Undeveloped road – A surveyed road (and includes any such road that is within h. the installation of amenities or reserve which has never been developed as the boundaries of a public square); (Local equipment on or adjacent to a a road (some are totally cleared and pass Government Act 1999, Section 4). road for the use, enjoyment or unmarked through farm paddocks, and protection of the public; or others retain native vegetation). Property Line – The boundary between a road reserve and the adjacent land i. the installation of signs on or adjacent Verge – That portion of the formation not (Austroads, 2010). to a road for the use or benefit of the covered by the carriageway or footpath public; (Local Government Act 1999, (Austroads, 2010). (Shown on diagram). Regrowth vegetation – is any vegetation Chapter 1, Section 4). growing after clearance, this includes re-growing from root-stock, or Road Furniture – A general term covering all germination of new plants from seed signs, streetlights and protective devices for in the area previously cleared. the control, guidance and safety of traffic, and the convenience of road users.

Glossary 31 This publication, Guidelines for the Management of Roadside Vegetation, replaces the booklet of the same title produced by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in July 1997 on behalf of the Native Vegetation Council. It reflects changes to Government structure and in the relevant Act and Regulations. The Native Vegetation Council is an independent body established under the Native Vegetation Act 1991. It has broad representation, including Local Government, the SA Farmers Federation, the Natural Resource Management Council and the Conservation Council of SA. The Native Vegetation Council is serviced by the Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Management Unit of the SA Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR). General information regarding the Native Vegetation Act 1991 and the Native Vegetation Regulations 2003 is available from the Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Management Unit, DEWNR website www.environment.sa.gov.au/Conservation/Native_vegetation or by contacting the Unit on (08) 8303 9777. Prepared by the South Australian Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources on behalf of the Native Vegetation Council GPO Box 1047 ADELAIDE 5001 T (08) 08 8303 9777 F (08) 8303 9780 E [email protected] www.environment.sa.gov.au/nativevegetation November 2012 Restrictive Licence © State of South Australia through the Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources. Apart from fair dealings and other uses permitted by the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth), no part of this publication may be reproduced, published, communicated, transmitted, modified or commercialised without the prior written approval of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Written requests for permission should be addressed to: Native Vegetation & Biodiversity Management Unit Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources GPO Box 1047 Adelaide SA 5001 Disclaimer While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the contents of this publication are factually correct, the Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources makes no representations and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or fitness for any particular purpose of the contents, and shall not be liable for any loss or damage that may be occasioned directly or indirectly through the use of or reliance on the contents of this publication. Reference to any company, product or service in this publication should not be taken as a Departmental endorsement of the company, product or service. Photography Fig 18. Judith MacDonald Jones; all other figures © Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources