Roadside Conservation Strategy SHIRE OF CAMPASPE ROADSIDE CONSERVATION STRATEGY

This Strategy uses the data available from a 2007 assessment of the conservation value of all roadside reserves in the Shire of Campaspe.

It will result in an improved decision making Disclaimer process by Council when assessing works that This publication is intended to be of assistance may threaten biodiversity values, and it will to all persons involved in the management of lead to the protection and enhancement of the roadsides, but the Shire of Campaspe, its staff important biodiversity values in the Shire’s and consultants do not guarantee that this roadside reserves. Implementing measures document is without fl aw of any kind or that it is to avoid the chances of adverse environmental wholly appropriate for the particular purposes of effects should be standard practice and individuals, and therefore disclaim any liability everyone’s responsibility. for any error, loss or other consequence that may arise from reliance on information in this publication. This Roadside Conservation Strategy has been developed under the direction of the Shire of Campaspe.

The scope of this Strategy is the management of rural roadsides under the management of the Shire of Campaspe. It specifi cally excludes urban roads, roads controlled by VicRoads and forest roads controlled by the Department of Sustainability & Environment.

SHIRE OF CAMPASPE PO Box 35, Echuca 3564 Telephone: (03) 5481 2200 Email: [email protected] © 2010 SHIRE OF CAMPASPE

ROADSIDE CONSERVATION STRATEGY Roadside Conservation Strategy

CONTENTS

1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4 5.1 Vegetation Communities and 1.1 How to Read this Roadside Revegetation 19 Conservation Strategy 4 5.2 Regeneration 20 1.2 Background 4 5.3 Removing Native Vegetation on 1.3 The Value of Biodiversity in Roadsides 20 Roadsides 4 5.4 Threatened Flora and Fauna 20 1.4 Campaspe Roadside Conservation 5.5 Protecting Native Fauna and Wildlife Values Assessment Map 5 Habitat 22 1.5 Implementation 5 5.6 Protecting Wetlands and Waterways 23 1.6 Community Education 6 5.7 Unused Road Reserves 23 2 INTRODUCTION 7 5.8 Road Maintenance & Road Construction 2.1 Strategy Objectives 7 and Widening & Service Installation and 2.2 Who is the Strategy for? 7 Maintenance 23 2.3 Who will manage this Strategy? 7 5.9 Fire Management 23 2.4 The Importance of Roadsides 8 5.10 Protecting Cultural Heritage 24 2.5 The Conservation Values of 5.10.1 Aboriginal Heritage 24 Roadsides in the Shire of 5.10.2 Non-indigenous Heritage 24 Campaspe 8 6 GUIDELINES FOR SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES 2.6 Roadside Conservation Values ON ROADSIDES 25 Assessment 9 6.1 Firewood Collection and Timber Removal25 3 COUNCIL’S RESPONSIBILITIES AND 6.2 Fire Prevention and Management 25 ROADSIDE CONSERVATION 12 6.3 Pest Animal Control 26 3.1 Legislative Requirements and Council 12 3.2 Implementation 13 6.4 Pest Plant Control 26 3.3 Strategic Objectives 14 6.5 Fencing 27 Campaspe Shire Planning Scheme 14 6.6 Farming and Associated Activities 27 Municipal Strategic Statement 14 7 MONITORING AND EVALUATION 32 4 TAKING ACTION FOR ROADSIDE REFERENCES 33 CONSERVATION 16 GLOSSARY OF TERMS 34 4.1 What can Council do? 16 Appendix 1. Shire of Campaspe Works on 4.2 The Roadside Biodiversity Risk Roadsides Permit Form 36 Management Protocols 17 Appendix 2. Noxious Weeds and Environmental 4.3 Implementing the Shire of Campaspe Weeds in the Shire of Campaspe 38 Roadside Conservation Strategy 18 Appendix 3. Statewide Map of Registered 4.4 Community Education 18 Aboriginal Parties by Local 4.5 Review 18 Government Area 40 5 GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR PROTECTING ROADSIDE CONSERVATION VALUES 19

ROADSIDE CONSERVATION STRATEGY 3 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.1 How to Read this Roadside native vegetation types. Conservation Strategy Most remnants now only remain on road This Roadside Conservation Strategy consists reserves and along the Campaspe and Goulburn of three documents targeted to particular River corridors. These represent the few audiences: remaining examples of ecosystems where the remnant vegetation provides fauna habitat, Document 1 – the ‘Roadside Conservation corridors and connections between isolated Strategy’ areas of bushland. Designed for Council management and services. Roads primarily provide transport and access The Strategy will be a reference document in the routes for people, goods and services. However Campaspe Planning Scheme. they also function as reserves for native fl ora Document 2 – the ‘Community Roadside and fauna. Some roads, or more specifi cally Management Handbook’. roadsides, support high levels of biological diversity and areas of high conservation value. Designed for the general community, including The implications of climate change increase landholders, fi re prevention agencies and the signifi cance of these areas for biodiversity Landcare groups. conservation. Document 3 - the ‘Roadside Environmental This Strategy covers all rural roads within the Code of Practice Handbook’ Shire of Campaspe that are not under the Tailored to the requirements of road direct control of VicRoads. Roads inside town construction and maintenance contractors boundaries are not included. The Strategy and workers. To be used in conjunction with focuses on the management of remnant the Goulburn-Broken Catchment Roadside vegetation located on roadsides and recognises Biodiversity Risk Management Protocols (G- the opportunities to protect and enhance BCRBRMPP, 2007) and Public Works existing indigenous vegetation. processes and procedures. While the Strategy focuses on native vegetation it also involves identifying a range of other biodiversity ‘assets’ on roadsides (including 1.2 Background habitats and threatened fl ora and fauna), Prior to European settlement a diverse range of cultural sites, wetlands and waterways. native vegetation types existed across the fl at to gently undulating landscape of the Shire of Campaspe. 1.3 The Value of Biodiversity in Roadsides Most of the municipality had Grey Box, Yellow The depletion of native vegetation and habitats Box, Black Box and River Red Gums as the in other land tenures has accentuated the dominant species. The understorey was importance of roadsides for providing a range often diverse with shrubs, wildfl owers and of habitats for fl ora and fauna, including native grasses present. The Northern Plains threatened species and vegetation types. Grasslands also occupied a large area of the Native vegetation and habitats on roadsides can western part of the Shire. include many of the few remaining examples in highly developed landscapes, as well as some These Woodlands and Grasslands have been of the higher quality examples, where there extensively cleared for agriculture and the have been fewer disturbances. They often substantial irrigation throughout the municipality provide the only connectivity to other remnants has led to a signifi cantly modifi ed landscape and also the framework to support revegetation contributing to almost total removal of some

4 ROADSIDE CONSERVATION STRATEGY Roadside Conservation Strategy

and restoration efforts in other land tenures. In the Shire of Campaspe there are fl ora species known only to remain on roadsides and fauna that would otherwise not exist in some areas without roadside habitats.

1.4 Campaspe Roadside Conservation Values Assessment Map

Complementing this Strategy is the Shire of Campaspe Roadside Conservation Values Assessment Map that details the existing conservation values of roadsides throughout the Figure 1: Conservation Value of Roadsides in Shire. legislativethe Shire requirementsof Campaspe and strategies. Awareness, understanding and compliance with In 2007 assessments of the conservation responsibilities required by these controls can value of all roadside reserves within the address many of the issues associated with Shire of Campaspe was conducted. This biodiversity conservation in road reserves. data has been incorporated into the Council’s Geographic Information System (GIS) for use by Implementation of this Roadside Conservation all departments. This data, in conjunction with Strategy will be achieved by proposed more detailed assessments and other available changes to the planning scheme, local laws, biodiversity information, can be used as a additional clauses in tender documentation and guide when determining appropriate roadside performance works contracts. Implementing management. The general public can access the Strategy will require ongoing monitoring and roadside conservation values information by evaluation to ensure appropriate direction of contacting Council. funding, compliance with reporting requirements and the achievement of Council’s goals. The Shire of Campaspe is responsible for the management of around 3,520 kilometres of This Strategy provides signifi cant opportunities for local roads which equates to 7,040 kilometres the Shire of Campaspe to develop and implement of road length when each side of the roadside new internal procedures for council works and is measured separately. This equates to a processes (such as Local Laws) to regulate and combined total road and roadside area estimated manage third party activities in road reserves. at around 12,700 ha. All of the roadsides in the The Strategy will be a reference document in the Shire have been assessed for their conservation Campaspe Planning Scheme. values. As percentages of total roadside length, Within Council, implementation of this Strategy only 8% of roadsides are rated as having very started while the document was being drafted. high conservation value. From fi gure 1, only half Staff undertook the unit of competency of the roadsides within the Shire of Campaspe RTC2702A Observe environmental work have conservation values of medium or higher, practices from Certifi cate II in Conservation meaning only half of the roadsides can be and Land Management, a good introduction to considered to have adequate native vegetation. environmental management and works planning for roadsides, focussing on environmental factors, management issues, work practices and planning. 1.5 Implementation All Council staff have access to the GIS based The Shire of Campaspe is the responsible Roadside Conservation Values Assessment. This authority for municipal roads and has a enables all staff to include roadside conservation responsibility to manage risks to biodiversity values in their planning of projects. in road reserves under its care. This role is determined to an extent by a range of

ROADSIDE CONSERVATION STRATEGY 5 1.6 Community Education Community education will accompany this Strategy so that all stakeholders have a clear understanding of the value of native vegetation on roadsides and their responsibilities in relation to any work that may impact on roadsides. By gaining a better understanding of the issues relating to biodiversity conservation, improving practices and implementing simple processes, the Shire of Campaspe can improve its environmental performance, increase effi ciencies and reduce costs. The Community Roadside Management Handbook initiates the education process by providing important information to the community about Roadside Conservation and guidelines for activities on roadsides as well as when and who to contact when activities require a permit.

6 ROADSIDE CONSERVATION STRATEGY Roadside Conservation Strategy

2. INTRODUCTION

2.1 Strategy Objectives • Document 1: Council management and services (the Strategy contains This Roadside Conservation Strategy aims to: strategic information based on the • Ensure that key stakeholders objectives along with general principles are aware of this Strategy and to and actions necessary to implement encourage their participation and this Strategy as well as specifi c commitment to its implementation, information to assist Council offi cers in their task of protecting roadside • Enhance community awareness and biodiversity assets in the performance knowledge of roadside issues, of their duties), • Increase the adoption of best practices • Document 2: The community (which by all land managers, includes landholders, fi re prevention • Control and reduce the spread, and agencies and Landcare groups who where possible, eradicate priority pest have a separate handbook to focus on plants and animals the issues relevant to their activities), and; • Maintain and enhance biodiversity, on both public and private land, • Document 3: Road maintenance and encouraging revegetation on adjoining construction contractors/service land to compliment roadside values, providers (which will assist their roadside activities by implementation • Protect and enhance the of best practice). environmental, amenity and cultural values of roadsides, • Prevent further land degradation on This Strategy has been designed so that Council linear roadside reserves, is able to distribute to a specifi c group only the specifi c sections to act as targeted working • Improve water quality, documents. This format allows for a distinction • Increase awareness of the importance between the strategic, tactical and operational of Northern Plains Grasslands (which levels of decision making. is endangered in Victoria), 2.3 Who will Manage this Strategy? • Minimise the risk and impact from fi re, The Conservation Offi cer, Public Environment • Promote minimum disturbance Department will manage this Strategy. Copies techniques, and; of the Strategy (and handbooks) along with the Shire’s Roadside Conservation Values • Protect service assets located on Assessment Map are available to all service roadsides while maintaining a safe providers, contractors and public works road network for vehicle transit as staff. The community (e.g. Landcare groups) detailed in the Shire of Campaspe also plays a role in protecting and enhancing Road Safety Plan. roadsides within the municipality and will be provided with access to the Strategy. The Strategy and handbooks will be accessible from 2.2 Who is the Strategy for? the Shire of Campaspe website This Roadside Conservation Strategy for a range www.campaspe.vic.gov.au. of stakeholders. The following target groups have been identifi ed in each separate Strategy document:

ROADSIDE CONSERVATION STRATEGY 7 Image: 2.4 The Importance of Roadsides can provide protection for livestock on adjoining Roadside within this Shire of properties, assist in erosion control and Roadsides provide: Campaspe with leaf litter infl uence water quality. • Links for fauna movement, • Locations for service assets, • Wildlife habitat, • Biological diversity (roadsides often contain endangered native plants and animals), • Foundations and framework for landscape connectivity and restoration, • Important historic, cultural and natural landscape values, • Aesthetic values for tourism, 2.5 The Conservation Values of Roadsides • Assistance with the control of land in the Shire of Campaspe degradation and road integrity (erosion, watertable control etc), All of the 7,040 km of roadsides in the Shire have been assessed for their conservation • Areas for planned fi re management (as values. Table 1 shows the total roadside per Municipal Fire Prevention Plan), length for each of fi ve different conservation • Windbreaks and shelter belts, and; values. Very high conservation value roadsides comprise 8% of the Shire’s total • Access for pedestrians and cyclists (in roadside length. This is complemented by some cases). high conservation value roadsides (21% of all The primary goal identifi ed for native vegetation roadsides) and medium conservation value management in Victoria’s Native Vegetation roadsides (19%). These fi gures provide a useful Framework – A Framework for Action (DNRE, indicator of the direct contribution roadsides 2002) is ‘A reversal, across the entire make to biodiversity conservation. landscape, of the long-term decline in the extent Table 1: Conservation Value of roadsides in the and quality of native vegetation, leading to a Net Shire of Campaspe Gain.’ Conservation Roadside Percentage (%) Within the Shire of Campaspe approximately Value Length (km)* roadside length 90% of the land has been cleared for in the Shire of in the Shire of agriculture. With a large percentage of this Campaspe Campaspe land being irrigated, a signifi cantly modifi ed landscape exists, contributing to almost total destruction of some native vegetation types. Very High 589 8 This increases the signifi cance and importance High 1,498 21 of what remains. Medium 1,343 19 Our road reserves often represent some of the few remaining examples of ecosystems where Low 947 13 the remnant vegetation provides many services. Minimal 2,665 38 These include important fauna habitat corridors (Degraded/No and connections between isolated areas Vegetation) of bushland. They can provide a store for important genetic fl ora and fauna resources Total (both sides7,042 and are a source for seeds. Furthermore they of the road)

*Note this fi gure relates to roadside length and road length will be half this value.

8 ROADSIDE CONSERVATION STRATEGY Roadside Conservation Strategy

2.6 Roadside Conservation Values does not exclude the possibility that its rating Assessment could improve in the future, particularly with management intervention. The conservation values assessment was based on a range of attributes including: With each roadside within the Shire of Campaspe assigned a conservation value, this information • The proportion of remnant native has been displayed on a map, the Roadside vegetation including grasslands, Conservation Values Assessment Map. The • Percentage of weed cover, map is designed for use in conjunction with management guidelines and is available in • Degree of site disturbance, Geographic Information System (GIS) format. • Potential habitat value, Figure 2 provides an example of the fi nal Shire of • Width of road reserve, and; Campaspe Roadside Conservation Values Map product. The fi nal roadside conservation value, • The presence of any threatened species weed points and photo points are displayed. The of fl ora or fauna. map also indicates: From the assessment, the conservation values • Roads (from publicly available data), were classifi ed into fi ve categories, ranging from very high to minimal. The categories used • Cultural points (registered cultural sites represent a simplifi ed assessment of the method from data supplied by North Central used for determining conservation signifi cance Catchment Management Authority), and; in Victoria’s Native Vegetation Framework. The • Biosite points (data supplied by the conservation value evaluates the vegetation Department of Sustainability and condition as well as vegetation status (e.g. Environment) endangered or vulnerable). This tool allows straightforward access to the It is important to note that the 2007 survey is a information used to create the fi nal product. point-in-time assessment. Just because a length of roadside is rated medium conservation value Figure 2: Sample section from the Shire of Campaspe Roadside Conservation Values Assessment Map (available as a GIS map product).

ROADSIDE CONSERVATION STRATEGY 9 Image 1: (3) Medium Conservation Value (coloured Example of roadside with orange in Figure 2) also indicates signifi cant Very High Conservation ecological assets; however these sections do Value due to the presence of not currently have the same critical range as trees, shrubs, groundcovers high conservation value sites. Vulnerable and and grasses and rare rare vegetation of medium conservation value species. is at the lower end of the condition range. Vegetation condition may be higher for depleted Image 2: vegetation than on other high conservation Roadside of Medium value roadsides where the vegetation is of Conservation value due to endangered, vulnerable or rare status. the high level of disturbance and introduced plant species.

(1) Very High Conservation Value (coloured purple in Figure 2) and (2) High Conservation Value (coloured red in Figure 2) indicates signifi cant ecological assets, i.e., endangered vegetation and/or threatened species. These two categories can be grouped together for management purposes as both categories indicate roadsides with native vegetation present in good condition. Features of very high and high conservation value vegetation may include: • Relatively lower level of disturbance (may have been subjected to disturbance historically, but has since Features of medium conservation value regenerated), vegetation may include: • Various vegetation layers (such • Moderate disturbance and weed levels as trees, shrubs, grasses and (levels could be high at times if annual groundcovers) present, although grassy weeds dominate seasonally), not necessarily all layers (as native vegetation such as grasslands are • Native vegetation occurs mainly in characterised by their lack of trees), patches, some capacity for natural regeneration, and; • Native vegetation occurs across much of the area, • Few other habitat features. • Low weed levels (may be seasonally (4) Low Conservation Value (coloured green in high due to annual weeds), Figure 2) indicates ecological assets that are depleted or least concern status. This category • Support for a range of habitats, also indicates scattered tree sites. • Forming of a wildlife corridor that Features of low conservation value vegetation is linked to other adjoining native may include: vegetation, • Poor condition substantially disturbed • Provision of habitat for rare or and or modifi ed, predominantly non- threatened fl ora and fauna species, native vegetation,

10 ROADSIDE CONSERVATION STRATEGY Roadside Conservation Strategy

• Little if any native vegetation on site or Image 3: adjacent, low natural regeneration Roadside of Low Conversation Value due • Few habitat features. to the low level of native vegetation present, high level of disturbance and high level of weeds. Image 4:

Roadside of Minimal Conservation Value due to the lack of native vegetation and high level of weeds.

(5) Minimal / Degraded Treeless Vegetation (light green in Figure 2) indicates almost no native vegetation exist, below 25% understorey cover and no tree cover.

ROADSIDE CONSERVATION STRATEGY 11 3. COUNCIL’S RESPONSIBILITIES AND ROADSIDE CONSERVATION

The responsibilities for biodiversity conservation legislates for the conservation of in road reserves do not lie solely with the threatened species and communities Shire of Campaspe. Council does have a and for the management of potentially responsibility for biodiversity conservation and threatening processes, improving roadside conservation outcomes • Planning and Environment Act by developing networks and cooperative 1987 governs development and relationships with agencies, other councils and administration of Planning Schemes the community. and includes native vegetation removals and required for Municipal Strategic Statement, 3.1 Legislative Requirements and Council • Country Fire Authority Act 1958 aims There is an array of legislation and policy to prevent and suppress fi res and relevant to biodiversity and road management. protect life and property in the case of The following Commonwealth Acts infl uence fi r e , Council’s management of road reserves: • Forest Act 1958 control and • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander management of trees, saplings and Heritage Protection Act 1984, shrubs and the selling of forest • Environment Protection and product, and; Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. • Transport Act 1983 details the use The Victorian Acts that infl uence Council’s of freeways, highways, main roads, management of road reserves includes: tourist roads and stock routes. • Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 which provides for the protection of Aboriginal Victoria’s Biodiversity Strategy 1997 (to be culture, renewed 2010) and Victoria’s Native Vegetation • Road Management Act 2004 assigns Management – A Framework for Action 2002 are Council as the responsible authority for two Victorian strategies that infl uence Council’s local roads, management of road reserves. • Heritage Act 1995 provides for the Under the Road Management Act 2004, protection and conservation of places Council is the responsible authority for all and objects of cultural heritage, local roads within the municipality. Council is also responsible for the management of third • Catchment and Land Protection Act party activities on those roads. VicRoads is 1994 recognises responsibilities for the responsible authority for state highways, the control of proclaimed noxious freeways, main roads and tourist roads and the weeds and pest animals, Department of Sustainability and Environment • Local Government Act 1989 allocates (DSE) manages the majority of forest roads. responsibilities to Councils, including DSE is also a referral authority for native the care and management of roads, vegetation removal on roadsides. • Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 It is also Council’s responsibility under Section

12 ROADSIDE CONSERVATION STRATEGY Roadside Conservation Strategy

43 of the Country Fire Authority Act 1958 to ‘take responsibility to manage risks to biodiversity all practicable steps to prevent the occurrence in road reserves under its care. This role is of fi res on, and minimise the danger of the determined to an extent by a range of legislative spread of fi res on, any road under its care and requirements and strategies. management’. Many issues associated with biodiversity • Council,• in consultation with other reserve conservation in road reserves will be addressed • •authorities,•• manages road reserves to meet by increasing awareness and understanding of the •requirements• • of State and Federal legislation in a values of biodiversity on roadsides. Compliance • • number• of areas including: with this Roadside Conservation Strategy will be • • • • achieved by adopting this Strategy and ensuring • • • •• • • • all tender documents and performance works •• Road safety, contracts comply with this Strategy. Implementing this Strategy will require ongoing monitoring and • Protection of native fl ora and fauna, evaluation to ensure appropriate direction of • Protection of biodiversity, funding, compliance with reporting requirements and the achievement of Council’s goals. • Management of cultural heritage sites and sites of aboriginal or archaeological The Roadside Conservation Strategy further signifi cance, develops Council policies in relation to environmental sustainability and the responsible • Water quality, management of natural resources encapsulated • Weed control, and; in the Municipal Strategic Statement and the Council Plan 2009-2013. It acknowledges • Environmentally sustainable that the primary function of roads is to provide development. safe vehicle transit, and is complementary to the Campaspe Road Safety Plan 2003 and the Campaspe Road Management Plan 2009. The responsibility of who manages weeds on roadsides is unclear. Currently the Department of The Strategy falls within a complex legal context Primary Industries and the Municipal Association and complies with Victoria’s Native Vegetation of Victoria are negotiating who is responsible Management - A Framework for Action 2002. to control weeds on roadsides. The confusion The Strategy will be a reference document in the has arisen due to different interpretations of the Shire of Campaspe Planning Scheme. Figure 3 Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. indicates the relationship between the Roadside Conservation Strategy, Council Plan and Municipal Strategic Statement. 3.2 Implementation The Shire of Campaspe is the responsible authority for municipal roads and has a

Figure 3: Diagram of the relationship between Municipal Strategic Roadside Conservation Council Plan Roadside Conservation Statement • Social Strategy, Council Plan Strategy Planning and Environment • Built and Municipal Strategic Act 1987 Roadside Management • Economic Victoria’s Native Vegetation Statement. Act 2004 • Natural Management – A Framework for Action Local Government Act 1989 2002

ROADSIDE CONSERVATION STRATEGY 13 3.3 Strategic Objectives The Municipal Profi le within the MSS highlights the signifi cant landscape modifi cation from The natural environment is an identifi ed priority pastoral and irrigation activities that has led of the 2009-2013 Council Plan. The strategic to the loss of 90% of native vegetation across objectives of the Council Plan are: the Shire. Most remnant native vegetation is • Protect our biodiversity and land, now in poor condition, with the most signifi cant stands being primarily limited to the confi nes of • Respond to climate change, waterway and road reserves. • Improve water quality and A central focus of the environmental issues of conservation, and; the MSS is the conservation and management • Minimise waste to landfi ll. of areas of remnant native vegetation and natural fl oodplains. The MSS acknowledges the importance of The development of this Roadside Conservation managing roadsides. This Strategy assists Strategy directly contributes to three of Council to meet the Biodiversity objectives listed Council’s strategic objectives for the natural within the MSS (clause 21.04): environment (fi rst three listed above). This Strategy will also assist Council to achieve • To protect, manage and restore native actions listed against key goals for ‘Protect our vegetation, including grasslands and biodiversity and land’ and ‘Respond to climate wetland vegetation, and; change’. • To protect and enhance indigenous roadside vegetation.

Campaspe Planning Scheme The Campaspe Planning Scheme sets out Further strategic work listed on page 14 of 33 policies and requirements for the use, of clause 21.04 recommends: development and protection of land. It • Complete a Roadside Management contains State and local planning policies and Strategy. frameworks, zones and overlays and other provisions that affect how land can be used and • Develop a Vegetation Protection developed. Overlay for private land and roadsides. This Strategy is a reference document to the planning scheme. Reference documents This Roadside Conservation Strategy has been explain why particular requirements are in the prepared to refl ect all MSS levels: scheme, substantiate a specifi c issue or provide background information to specifi c decision • Objectives: To maintain and enhance guidelines in the local planning policies and/or biodiversity of native fl ora and fauna schedules. communities, • Strategies: Protect remnant areas of native vegetation, streamlines, Municipal Strategic Statement wetlands and other environmentally The Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS) sensitive features, and; provides direction for the environmental, • Implementation: Utilise this Plan social and physical development of the Shire and Roadside Conservation Values of Campaspe. The MSS is the key planning Assessment Map. tool for decision making, outlining the planning objectives, strategies and implementation mechanisms. Through these mechanisms, Council aims to provide long-term commitment to ensure that

14 ROADSIDE CONSERVATION STRATEGY Roadside Conservation Strategy

there is a visible and measurable improvement to roadside reserves throughout the municipality in terms of: • Safety, • Quality, viability and quantity of fl ora and fauna, • Aesthetics, • Reversing land degradation, and; • Best management practices.

Image: Box-Woodland on roadside at Corop

ROADSIDE CONSERVATION STRATEGY 15 4. TAKING ACTION FOR ROADSIDE CONSERVATION

This Strategy aims to guide a responsible Training / promotion land manager in taking the required action to 8. Developing awareness, knowledge and address a particular roadside management commitment to sound environmental issue. It has been designed to allow for a clear management in all Council staff. distinction to be made between the strategic (management), tactical (planning, engineering 9. Encouraging communication and and local laws) and operational levels of sharing of responsibilities between all decision making. Council functions. 10. Providing regular environmental management awareness and technical 4.1 What can Council do? training with a focus on a whole of The Council can contribute to biodiversity organisation approach rather than just conservation in the Shire’s road reserves a section such as road crews. through: 11. Including other sectors such as Strategy customer service, administration, planning, local laws, infrastructure, 1. Providing direction and support through management and Councillors, as they Council Plans, strategies and policy. all infl uence roadside management. 2. Integrating roadside environmental management into systems, procedures, processes and practices. Operation 3. Implementing systems and controls 12. Identifying and documenting to manage and ensure compliance biodiversity asset information, with Council consent for third party threatening processes and activities in road reserves, such as management requirements. Ensure ‘Consent for Works’ and livestock this is accessible, well known and permits. used by operational staff. 4. Developing, implementing and 13. Developing and resourcing Council reviewing incident response revegetation/rehabilitation projects. procedures. 14. Providing skilled environmental 5. Reviewing existing practices and technical support for staff. procedures (controls) for strengths 15. Sourcing and providing technical and weaknesses and modify where information. necessary. 16. Supporting inter-council and agency 6. Ensuring adequate reserves. cooperation, information sharing and joint projects.

Legislation 17. Improving the management of weeds (therefore reducing the extent of 7. Ensuring compliance with legislative weeds). and other regulatory responsibilities.

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18. Encouraging community involvement and activity. Any assessment should follow the steps acceptance in: outlined in Figure 3. - Providing information with clear Figure 3: Steps in the direction from Council, Roadside Biodiversity Risk - Ensuring informed and consistent Management Process responses from Council staff to enquiries, - Ensuring systems are in place and implemented to manage third party activities in road reserves e.g. consent for works, livestock permits, and; - Discouraging unauthorised activities in road reserves.

4.2 The Roadside Biodiversity Risk Management Protocols

The Roadside Biodiversity Risk Management Protocols (RBRMP) was developed by a joint local government and Goulburn-Broken Catchment Management Authority (GBCMA) project, led by Moira Shire Council. The project aims to conserve biodiversity related with roadsides by improving the capacity of local government to manage associated activities and risks. Image: Roadside within the Shire of Campaspe. The protocols provide general guidelines and There are limited shrubs simple measures that can be easily adapted and and regeneration present implemented by local government and others amongst the Grey Box trees. to mitigate potential impacts to biodiversity as a result of works and other activities in road reserves. The guidelines and checklists are about adopting and implementing measures to avoid and minimise the chances of adverse environmental effects. The assessment process focuses on identifying a range of biodiversity ‘assets’ rather than just native vegetation. Emphasis is given to identifi cation of various characteristics including; native vegetation, habitats, threatened species, wetlands and waterways. An essential element of the risk management process is good communication, monitoring and reporting from project concept to completion of works. The level or complexity of assessment and expertise required to undertake the assessment will vary considerably depending on the circumstances of each proposal, or the type of

ROADSIDE CONSERVATION STRATEGY 17 4.3 Implementing the Shire of Campaspe Strategy, Community Roadside Roadside Conservation Strategy Management Handbook and Roadside Environmental Code of Practice Once adopted by Council this Roadside Handbook and make copies available to Conservation Strategy will replace the Shire of all stakeholders. Campaspe Roadside Management Plan 2000 as a ‘Reference Document’ in the Campaspe 2. Ensure the Strategy and supporting Planning Scheme. handbooks are available electronically from Council’s website. To continue the implementation of this Strategy, after adoption by Council, the following actions 3. Actively promote the Strategy and and amendment to the Planning Scheme are the value of roadsides in the Shire recommended: to stakeholders (including service providers, Landcare groups and the Image: Mistletoe on • Investigate developing a Vegetation community) through: roadside reserve Protection Overlay to incorporate the Roadside Conservation Values • Press releases, embodied in this Plan. • Mayoral columns, • All tender and contract documentation • Workshops, to be cross-referenced to the Roadside Conservation Strategy. • Activities involving the Shire’s Environmental Projects Offi cer, Workshops for Council staff, targeting staff that work on roadsides will be run as part • Landcare Group meetings, of the implementation of this Strategy, the • Field days, and; Community Roadside Management Handbook and the Roadside Environmental Code of Practice • Other appropriate public forums. Handbook. 4. Encourage community involvement and 4.4 Community Education acceptance of this Strategy by: Community engagement will accompany this • Providing information and clear Strategy so that all stakeholders have a clearer direction. understanding of the value of native vegetation on • Ensuring informed and consistent roadsides and their responsibilities in relation to responses from Council staff to any work that may impact on roadsides. inquiries. Community education will encourage the • Ensuring systems are in place and adoption of best practices by all land managers implemented to manage third party and promote maintaining and enhancing native activities in road reserves e.g. consent vegetation on roadsides and adjoining properties. for works, livestock permits. Maintaining and enhancing biodiversity on public and private land is promoted through many • Discouraging unauthorised activities in projects, due to the wide benefi ts it provides in road reserves. the landscape. 4.5 Review Increasing knowledge of the issues relating to In order to refl ect changes to existing biodiversity conservation, improving practices management practices that contribute to a loss and implementing simple processes, the Shire or improvement to conservation rankings and of Campaspe can improve its environmental to meet changing community expectations, this performance, increase effi ciencies and reduce Strategy will be reviewed every four years to costs. coincide with the review of the Planning Scheme Council will: which is to be conducted every four years following the adoption of the Council Plan. 1. Launch the Roadside Conservation

18 ROADSIDE CONSERVATION STRATEGY Roadside Conservation Strategy

5. GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR PROTECTING ROADSIDE CONSERVATION VALUES

5.1 Vegetation Communities and action for designated priority Revegetation ecosystems to protect endangered species. The principal objectives and guidelines in Victoria’s Biodiversity Strategy 1997, Victoria’s 4. Improve connectivity by revegetating Native Vegetation Framework 2002 and potential wildlife corridors that form a the North Central CMA Native Vegetation link between isolated habitats. Management Plan (2005) and the Goulburn 5. Identify, protect and enhance remnant Broken CMA Native Vegetation Management vegetation including grasslands (note: Plan (2003) are recognised by this Strategy. the width of the road infl uences this Managing the vegetation of roadsides and opportunity with the wider ‘three-chain revegetating roadsides will be guided by the roads’ in the Shire presenting the best following principles: of these opportunities). 1. Native vegetation includes trees, 6. Grasslands are to be restored with shrubs, grasses and groundcovers. In grasslands fl ora (which excludes some cases, not all of these types of trees). plants are present (e.g. grasslands do 7. Recognise the importance of not feature trees). The highest priority understorey and species composition. is to retain existing native vegetation by avoiding clearance where feasible, minimising disturbance to fl ora and 5.2 Regeneration fauna while installing and maintaining service assets and ensuring the Regeneration of indigenous vegetation will be safe functioning of roads. Where protected and encouraged except where: removal is unavoidable the principle • It imposes a safety risk (including the of ‘Net Gain’ will be applied. Net Gain preservation of sight distances), or; simply requires that land managers responsible for losses in the extent Image: A landholder has or quality of native vegetation redress planted shrubs on their those losses by producing gains in property (right of the extent and quality elsewhere - overall fenceline) to complement gains to be greater than overall losses. the remnant vegetation of 2. Prevent the decline of indigenous the roadside. vegetation communities and fauna habitat by actively managing roadsides to protect remnants and to maintain visual amenity, landscape qualities as well as cultural and heritage values. 3. Enhance priority habitats by targeting

ROADSIDE CONSERVATION STRATEGY 19 • It interferes with the road, table drains, agricultural activities and environmental sign posting, road widening and road management activities. The guidelines are also construction or where overhead power appropriate for consideration by Council. lines exist.

5.4 Threatened Flora and Fauna 5.2 Regeneration The Flora and Fauna Guarantee (FFG) Act 1988 Regeneration of indigenous vegetation will be provides special protection for threatened protected and encouraged except where: species. Roadsides within Victoria contain 25% of all rare or threatened fl ora species • It imposes a safety risk (including the and communities listed under the FFG Act. preservation of sight distances), or; Within the Shire of Campaspe, there are more • It interferes with the road, table drains, than 27 native fauna species (including the sign posting, road widening and road Squirrel Glider, Striped Legless Lizard, Grey- construction or where overhead power crowned Babbler and Bush-stone Curlew) and lines exist. more than 32 native fl ora species (including the Red Swainson-pea, and Spiny Rice-fl ower) are listed as threatened. Table 2 displays 5.3 Removing Native Vegetation on a list of threatened fl ora and fauna that can Roadsides be found within the Shire of Campaspe with its conservation status in Victoria, whether Council has control of clearing of native it is listed under the FFG Act 1988 and its vegetation on road reserves under the Planning conservation status under the EPBC Act and Environment Act 1987. A permit may 1999. Table 2 is not a comprehensive list of be required to remove, lop or destroy native all threatened species present in the Shire of vegetation. This could include the following Campaspe. activities: • Pruning or cutting, Image: • Slashing or mowing, The Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolor) is endangered in • Grazing, the Shire of Campaspe • Spraying, (Image courtesy of Geoff • Clearing along fence lines, Dabb). • Ploughing, cultivation or grading, • Cropping, • Seed collection, and; • Firewood collection.

The principle of Net Gain is applied to all permit applications. This involves avoiding vegetation clearance where possible, and minimising and offsetting any vegetation clearance where permits are granted. VicRoads has produced guidelines (VicRoads, 2005) for the control of third party activities in road reserves that cover property and

20 ROADSIDE CONSERVATION STRATEGY Roadside Conservation Strategy

Australian Bittern Endangered Listed Bandy Bandy Near Listed Threatened Barking Owl Endangered Listed Blue-billed Duck Endangered Listed Brolga Vulnerable Listed Brown Toadlet Endangered Listed Brush-tailed Phascogale Vulnerable Listed Bush-stone Curlew Endangered Listed Carpet Python Endangered Listed Fat-tailed Dunnart Near Invalid or Threatened Ineligible Freckled Duck Endangered Listed Grey-crowned Babbler Endangered Listed Grey Falcon Endangered Listed Growling Grass Frog Vulnerable Listed Vulnerable Lace Monitor Vulnerable Little Egret Endangered Listed Macquarie Perch Endangered Listed Endangered

Murray Cod Endangered Listed Vulnerable Pale Sun Moth Critically Endangered Plains-wanderer Critically Listed Vulnerable Endangered Regent Honey Eater Critically Listed Endangered Endangered Squirrel Glider Endangered Listed Striped Legless Lizard Endangered Listed Vulnerable Superb Parrot Endangered Listed Vulnerable Swift Parrot Endangered Listed Endangered

Trout Cod Critically Listed Endangered Endangered Woodland Blind Snake Near Threatened

Annual Buttons Endangered Listed Ausfeld’s Wattle Vulnerable Invalid Broom Bitter-pea s.s. Rare Buloke Miseltoe subsp. Vulnerable

Cane Grass Vulnerable Catkin Wattle Restricted Chariot Wheels Vulnerable Vulnerable Club-hair New Holland Rare Daisy Kamarooka Mallee Restricted Long Eryngium Vulnerable Narrow Goodenia Vulnerable Listed Vulnerable Pale Spike-sedge Poorly known Pepper Grass Vulnerable Purple Diuris Vulnerable Listed Red Swainson-pea Endangered Listed Vulnerable Silky Swainson-pea Vulnerable Listed

ROADSIDE CONSERVATION STRATEGY 21 Little Egret Endangered Listed Macquarie Perch Endangered Listed Endangered

Murray Cod Endangered Listed Vulnerable Pale Sun Moth Critically Endangered Plains-wanderer Critically Listed Vulnerable Endangered Regent Honey Eater Critically Listed Endangered Turnip Copperburr Endangered Listed Endangered

Umbrella Wattle Endangered Listed Velvet Daisy Bush Vulnerable Listed

Weeping Myall Endangered Listed Waterbush Rare Western Bitter-cress Vulnerable Western Rat-tail Grass Vulnerable Western Silver Wattle Vulnerable Woolly Mantle s.s. Rare Yarram Wattle Endangered Listed Yellow-tongued Daisy Vulnerable Listed (adapted from DSE 2005, DSE 2007 and DSE 2009)

If a rare or threatened species is suspected Written consent from Council is required for to be present at a site, Council and/or the works in a Council road reserve and conditions Department of Sustainability and Environment apply. Council must be contacted to obtain a should be consulted for confi rmation and permit for works on roadsides. A copy of the appropriate management advice. It is an permit application form attached in Appendix offence to disturb or destroy species listed 1. The term works is defi ned by the Road under the FFG Act 1988 and Environment Management Act 2004, and many of the Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) activities listed in Table 3: Guideline Summary Act 1999. Heavy penalties apply for breaches for Roadside Activities. of the EPBC Act 1999 and/or FFG Act 1988. The following guidelines apply to protecting Removal of listed species requires a Permit to habitat for wildlife: Take Protected Flora and is available from the Department of Sustainability and Environment. • Natural regeneration on roadsides will be encouraged where they form wildlife corridors and these areas are 5.5 Protecting Native Fauna and Wildlife to be given fi rst priority in restoration Habitat programs,

Roadsides contain habitat for a range of • Dead trees or limbs containing native fauna. In particular, scattered large old hollows, that have fallen naturally will remnant trees that are features of the Shire of be retained to provide habitat unless Campaspe landscape contain hollows that are they are identifi ed as a safety risk, vital habitat for many species including gliders, • All habitat components will be retained possums, birds and bats. unless they pose a signifi cant hazard Other elements such as fallen timber, coarse as specifi ed by the Municipal Fire woody debris, leaf litter and native understorey Prevention Plan, form equally important habitat for other species • Check for nests or other fauna habitat, including lizards, insects and birds.

22 ROADSIDE CONSERVATION STRATEGY Roadside Conservation Strategy

and avoid disturbance to those areas, detrimental effect on native fl ora and fauna. • Retain all habitat such as rocks, dead standing trees, fallen timber and leaf litter unless they pose an identifi able 5.7 Unused Road Reserves risk in terms of road safety, Unused road reserves can provide some of the • Ensure that large old trees are protected best examples of remnant vegetation. In some from activities such as fi rewood cases they form part a corridor for movement of collection, and agricultural activities, fauna in between patches of remnant vegetation. • Do not slash or disturb regeneration, Where opportunities exist for projects to protect unless approved and for safety, and; and/or enhance native vegetation on unused road • Leave native vegetation undisturbed. Do reserves, they will be supported by Council. The not ‘tidy up’ areas of native vegetation or Department of Sustainability and Environment will fallen timber/leaf litter, on roadsides. be consulted regarding any projects on unused road reserves with the goal of obtaining long-term protection of these sites. 5.6 Protecting Wetlands and Waterways The Shire of Campaspe contains signifi cant 5.8 Road Maintenance & Road Construction wetlands including the Wallenjoe Wetland and Widening & Service Installation and Complex, Kanyapella Basin, Timmering Maintenance Depression and Kow Swamp. • The principles and guidelines in the Prior to any works being undertaken consultation VicRoads 2006 ‘Roadside Handbook: will take place with the North Central Catchment An Environmental Guide for Roads Management Authority (CMA), the Goulburn Construction & Maintenance’ should Broken CMA and the Department of Sustainability be included in tender and contract and Environment, where works may change a documentation. The principle of Net Gain natural wetland, including the interruption or including the requirement for offsets will diversion of fl ows into wetland areas. apply to all works. The North Central CMA or the Goulburn Broken • The list of Council designated locations CMA should be contacted and a ‘Works on for site stockpiles will be used and Waterways permit’ obtained before undertaking monitored. any works within the bed and banks of designated waterways. Refer to the Loddon Campaspe • Any maintenance proposal that may Wetland Management Plan (NCCMA) and the involve removal of native vegetation Goulburn Broken Wetland Implementation Plan must include consideration of the (GBCMA) for further details. Victorian Native Vegetation Framework (2002). Designated waterways may be named or unnamed, permanent or seasonal and range in size from a river to a natural depression. 5.9 Fire Management Wetlands and waterways are to be protected by appropriate practices based on minimum Reviews of Municipal Fire Prevention Planning disturbance principles: will refl ect the changes made to the Roadside Conservation Strategy. Refer to section 6.2 Fire • W etlands will be identifi ed, protected Prevention and Management for further details of and enhanced and the status will be activities. recorded, and;

• Artifi cial wetland areas on roadsides will be retained if they do not have a

ROADSIDE CONSERVATION STRATEGY 23 5.10 Protecting Cultural Heritage Registered Aboriginal parties must be advised of any proposed works that may affect Indigenous and non-indigenous cultural heritage Aboriginal sites. If proposed works are a provides a sense of community identity. high impact activity and are in an area of Heritage sites include archaeological sites, cultural heritage sensitivity, a Cultural Heritage buildings or structures, created landscapes and Management Plan may be required under the community values or beliefs. Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.

Image: There are three Registered Aboriginal parties within the Shire of Campaspe; Dja Dja Wurrung A cultural heritage site in Clans Aboriginal Corporation, Taungurung Clans the Shire of Campaspe. Aboriginal Corporation, and Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation. Refer to Appendix 3 for the statewide map of Registered Aboriginal Parties by local government area and contact details for the Dja Dja Wurung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, Taungurung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, and Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation.

5.10.2 Non-indigenous Heritage All Victorian non-indigenous historical sites are protected by the Victorian Heritage Act 1995. Heritage Victoria administers the Act and maintains the Victorian Heritage Register. The act prohibits the destruction or disturbance As activities on roadsides have the potential of any cultural heritage site, place, or object, to impact on heritage sites, it is important whether on private or public land. Where to identify heritage issues to ensure impacts harm is unavoidable this legislation provides are avoided, minimised or mitigated, and to legal mechanisms for resolution via permit understand that there is a legal obligation to do application for proposed works. so as indicated below.

5.10.1 Aboriginal Heritage All registered and unregistered Victorian Aboriginal archaeological sites are protected by the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006. In Victoria it is mandatory to contact Aboriginal Affairs Victoria if you discover an Aboriginal site or object. A primary objective of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 is to recognise Aboriginal people as the primary guardians, keepers and knowledge holders of Aboriginal cultural heritage, and accords appropriate status to traditional owners in protecting their heritage through a system of Registered Aboriginal parties.

24 ROADSIDE CONSERVATION STRATEGY Roadside Conservation Strategy

6. GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES ON ROADSIDES

Under the Road Management Act 2004, of fi res on, and minimise the danger of the written consent is required from Council before spread of fi res on, any road under its care and undertaking works in a road reserve. This management’. written consent is provided by Council in the Specifi c road reserves have been used as form of a permit for working on roadsides which fuel reduced corridors for many years. Fire can place conditions on the works undertaken prevention measures outlined in the Municipal (for example timing of works, minimising Fire Prevention Plan include periodic fuel environmental impacts, etc). Refer to Appendix reduction and fi rebreaks. 1 for permit form. Refer to ‘Community Roadside Management Handbook’ and the The objectives of roadside fi re management, ‘Roadside Environmental Code of Practice after road user safety, are: Handbook’ for detailed guidelines on specifi c • Prevent fi res on roadsides (which activities. includes education, regulation and provision of fuel free areas including fuel free shoulder), 6.1 Firewood Collection and Timber Removal • Contain roadside fi res,

Firewood collection is not permitted on • Manage safety of road users, roadsides. Dead and fallen timber is very • Provide control lines (on designated important habitat for many native mammals, roads, not all roads), and; birds, bats, reptiles and insects. Firewood collection is listed as a threat to many native • Recovery from roadside fi res (CFA, vegetation types contributing to the decline of 2001). some species of fauna. Given the highly altered Landowners are advised that only works in landscape of the Campaspe Shire, few roads accordance with the Municipal Fire Prevention contain enough native vegetation to require Plan are permitted on road reserves. Any biomass removal through fi rewood collection. fi re prevention works on roadsides, including Firewood collection will be permitted when it burning, require written consent from Council. is part of the Municipal Fire Prevention Plan, The Country Fire Authority (CFA) and Council are with the conditions specifi ed by the Making authorised to conduct burning on roadsides. Victoria Fire Ready program of the Victorian Council is authorised under the Road State Government. When collection of fi rewood Management Act 2004: has been approved, the purchase of a Forest • General Local Law No. 7 in association Produce Licence from the Department of with the Road Management Act 2004 Sustainability and Environment is required. state that no new ploughed or graded fi rebreaks should be constructed by landowners on roadsides. Breaches of 6.2 Fire Prevention and Management this law will be prosecuted. Under the Country Fire Authority Act 1958 • Landowners are encouraged to the Council has a responsibility to ‘take all undertake fi re prevention works, practicable steps to prevent the occurrence including new fi rebreaks, on their own

ROADSIDE CONSERVATION STRATEGY 25 property, as promoted as best practice Under the Catchment and Land Protection Act by the CFA. 1994 ‘A landowner must take all reasonable steps to prevent the spread of regionally • Existing ploughed or graded fi rebreaks controlled weeds and established pest animals can only be maintained if they are part on a roadside that adjoins the landowner’s land’ of the Municipal Fire Prevention Plan. (except arterial roads controlled by VicRoads). These breaks are not to expand or encroach on native vegetation. Breaks generally should not exceed 3 metres. 6.4 Pest Plant Control Existing fi rebreaks are not located on roadsides Pest plants are a major threat to native with conservation values of very high or high. vegetation on roadsides and have a large The development of new fi rebreaks is to be economic impact. placed on adjacent land as recommended by the CFA (CFA. 2001). Noxious weeds are plants that are legally declared to be a serious threat and economic Fuel reduction burning on the road reserve may cost to agriculture and the environment. There reduce surface fuels to a minimum and deprive are four classifi cations, State Prohibited, an ignition source of fuel. In areas where Regionally Prohibited, Regionally Controlled there is a history of successful fuel reduction and Restricted. The management of State burning and where there is no dispute over the Prohibited weeds is the responsibility of the application of this treatment, it is suggested Victorian Government (Department of Primary that the practice continue (CFA, 2001). In the Industries). Landowners (including Council) Shire of Campaspe, roadsides managed by must take reasonable steps to eradicate Council and suited to fuel reduction burning will Regionally Prohibited weeds and they have an be described in the Municipal Fire Prevention obligation to take reasonable steps to prevent Plan and conducted in an arrangement with growth and spread of Regionally Controlled local CFA brigades. Where CFA brigades weeds. Restricted Weeds describe plants complete fuel reduction burns on roadsides, that pose an unacceptable risk of spreading in assistance will be provided by Council to obtain Victoria or other parts of Australia and are not the required Works on Roadside permit. to be traded or sold. Landowners should refer to CFA publications The Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 and CFA website www.cfa.vic.gov.au for further provides the legislative base for weed control in information. Victoria. The interpretation of the Act regarding who is responsible for Regionally Prohibited and Regionally Controlled weeds on local roadsides 6.3 Pest Animal Control (those not controlled by VicRoads) is currently Pest animals have many detrimental impacts on under review. the natural environment, including: Environmental weeds are plants that invade • Limiting remnant vegetation areas of natural bushland and include both regeneration by eating seedlings, introduced plants and native plants that originally come from other areas of Australia. • Contributing to land degradation by burrowing and scratching soils, Unlike Regionally Prohibited and Regionally Controlled weeds, these species are not • Reducing biodiversity by killing native declared under the Catchment and Land animals, or outcompeting them for Protection Act 1994, however landholders available food sources, and; are encouraged to consider removal of these • Spreading weeds. species on roadsides to reduce spread. The major pest animal species in the Strategies for the management of weeds municipality are rabbits, foxes, hares and feral have been developed at a national, state and cats. regional level. The Shire’s Weed Management

26 ROADSIDE CONSERVATION STRATEGY Roadside Conservation Strategy

Plan outlines the strategic approach for weed Permanent livestock crossing(livestock management within the Shire. On roadsides regularly crossing a road at a particular location) with high conservation value, particularly is only permitted with a Council permit as where the native vegetation is grasslands, specifi ed under General Local Law No.7. the preferred method of weed control is spot Livestock droving(the movement of livestock spraying. In some cases it is preferable to burn either by driving them into the municipality the weeds, mainly to reduce annual grasses or by driving them along any road or roads such as rye and oats and the burn can also be through the municipality a distance greater timed to promote an ecological response such than can be achieved by travelling in one day as stimulating a soil seed bank. between the hours or sunrise and sunset) A list of noxious weeds and environmental or grazing (livestock held in an area for the weeds currently threatening roadside vegetation purpose of feeding off roadside vegetation) in the municipality can be found in Appendix 2. requires a permit. In granting a permit Council must consider whether damage to plants of conservation value is likely and may impose 6.5 Fencing permit conditions. Council consent is required for fencing Movement of livestock(livestock which works being undertaken by a third party in are being moved on any Council controlled a road reserve as required under the Road road other than droving or grazing or regular Management Act 2004. There is an exemption movement) does not require a permit, provided under the planning scheme to allow the that: removal, destruction and lopping of native • All livestock reach their destination by vegetation to enable the construction of a the most direct route consistent with fence on a boundary between properties in the requirements of General Local Law different ownership or to enable the operation No.7 clause 4.12, or maintenance of an existing fence. The combined maximum width of clearing must not • Livestock are only allowed on the road exceed 4 metres. Vegetation can be cleared for the time it takes for the movement either side of the fence provided the combined to their destination, width does not exceed 4 metres. This • Stock are only allowed on a road during exemption does not apply to the construction daylight hours, of internal property fences or where there is an Environmental and Landscape overlay. • Must be supervised by a competent person and adequate warning must be This exemption for clearing vegetation is to given to drivers on that road, with no a maximum width of 4 metres, it is not to be traffi c delays exceeding 5 minutes in interpreted that it is a right to clear 4 metres any one crossing, along the entire length of fence. Council expects clearing of native vegetation for fencing • Stock movement is not allowed to be minimised. on sections of the road that are determined by the Council to have high or very high conservation value, and; 6.6 Farming and Associated Activities • Comply with directions from Council Livestock Movement, Droving and Grazing with regards to; protection from Livestock are an important economic factor damage caused by livestock to the within the Shire. However the Roadside road, the road reserve, roadside Conservation Strategy seeks to address the vegetation, any construction on the impact of livestock activities on roadsides such road or roadside drainage. as the potential spread of weeds. Grazing can Regular movement of livestock (in excess of destroy areas of signifi cant high conservation 52 separate movements in one 12 month value native vegetation.

ROADSIDE CONSERVATION STRATEGY 27 Image: period) between parts of one farm requires a permit. Livestock must be moved by the Illegal cropping on a Shire of shortest distance as determined by Council. Campaspe roadside. Regular movement of livestock must meet the requirements of movement of livestock, as listed above. Cultivation and Ploughing Ploughing, grading or cultivation on roadsides requires written consent for works on roadsides under General Local Law No. 7 and the Road Management Act 2004. Landholders are required to install fi rebreaks for private benefi t on private land, as recommended by the CFA. Firebreaks for community benefi t can only be constructed on public land on sites listed in the Municipal Fire Prevention Plan. Any infringement Drainage of Land can result in rehabilitation works to compensate Landholders require a planning permit for for biodiversity loss and to reduce the spread of earthworks that may alter the direction or rate weeds. The destruction of species listed under of water fl ow across a property boundary, or FFG Act 1988 and/or EPBC Act 1999 can result change the point of water discharge from a in prosecution under these Acts. property or increase the discharge of saline Slashing groundwater. Typical activities that might involve earthworks include; landforming, laser Slashing of native vegetation with very high or grading, levee banks, construction of lanes, high conservation value requires written consent tracks, channels and drains as well as above from Council and a permit and consultation ground storages. with DSE, except by authorised Council staff or contractors to improve traffi c safety (i.e. at Landholders need to ensure water is retained intersections to improve line of sight). Slashing on-farm through improved irrigation practices of native grasses should not occur between as the Environment Protection Authority can October and February to allow native seed set, impose penalties for discharge offsite, including and blades on slashers should be set no lower roadsides. than 150mm above the ground. Farm storage Cropping and Haymaking Storage of farm equipment, refuse, fencing Cropping or haymaking activities on roadsides materials or chemicals is prohibited on roadside require written consent from Council for works reserves. on roadsides (General Local Law No. 7 and Road Management Act 2004). Non-compliance Image: could result in an infringement notice being issued. Anyone wishing to undertake these Grey Box roadside activities should apply to Council for the above vegetation in the Shire of permit and consent. Council will assess each Campaspe. Note native application on a case by case basis subject to grasses in foreground of conditions at the time. Cropping and haymaking picture. is not the preferred management for roadsides. Machinery Movement Due to the value placed on remnant vegetation, Council is reluctant to approve machinery movements requiring vegetation removal beyond normal clearance distances.

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Table 3 – Summary of Guiding Principles for Specifi c Activities on Roadsides. Table 3: The foremost principle for all of the Conservation Value activities in Table 3 is that Action VERY HIGH + HIGH MEDIUM LOW approval to remove native Native Vegetation Avoid removing native Avoid removing native Avoid removing native vegetation requires a Removal vegetation beyond the road vegetation beyond the road vegetation beyond the road formation where possible. formation where possible. formation where possible. planning permit. Secondly, Apart from exempt works a Apart from exempt works a Apart from exempt works a consent from Council is permit is required to remove permit is required to remove permit is required to remove required to work on a native vegetation from native vegetation from native vegetation from Council road reserve. roadsides. roadsides. roadsides. Council will provide priority and support to any proposal aimed at creating a vegetation link for a wildlife corridor.

Firewood collection No fi rewood collecting No fi rewood collecting No fi rewood collecting permits are issued for permits are issued for permits are issued for roadsides. roadsides. roadsides.

Weed management No broadacre spray Identify location of prominent Identify location of prominent applications to be conducted weeds. Inform adjacent weeds. Inform adjacent on these roadsides. Use landholders of proposed landholders of proposed hand weeding, rope wick weed control and encourage weed control and encourage applicator or spot spraying their involvement. Plan their involvement. Plan to to remove isolated weeds in to slash weeds in late slash weeds in late spring. areas of native vegetation. spring. To ease slashing To ease slashing consult with Dispose at municipal consult with Council prior Council prior to removing disposal site. to removing stumps and stumps and fallen timber. fallen timber. Implement a Implement a program program to remove woody to remove woody weeds weeds between March and between March and July July (except Blackberries, (except Blackberries, which which require control during require control during November to March). November to March). If additional weed slashing is necessary for fuel reduction, the area should be checked and all regenerating native plants identifi ed with a stake or other appropriate methods [temporary fencing]. Burn weeds on site or on cleared area, or dispose of at a Council approved disposal site.

Grazing on Roadsides Droving or grazing is not Limited droving or grazing Droving will only be permitted permitted on Very High and may be permitted where when soils are not saturated High Conservation Value ecological benefi ts such or prone to compaction. roadsides, unless approved as weed control can be by DSE for ecological demonstrated, or to reduce management. fuel in accordance with the Municipal Fire Prevention Plan.

Slashing If slashing is unavoidable, If slashing is unavoidable, Check all sites prior to plan works to occur during plan works to occur during slashing operations and early spring or autumn early spring or autumn. identify regenerating native to minimise disturbance vegetation with a stake or to native grasses and other appropriate method groundcovers. [e.g. temporary fencing].

ROADSIDE CONSERVATION STRATEGY 29 6.7 Summary of approval required for Roadside Activities. Table 4 – Guideline Summary for Roadside Activities Table 4 Summarises the required approvals for activities on roadsides. This table is also included in both the ‘Community Roadside Management Handbook’ and ‘Roadside Environmental Code of Practice Handbook’.

Activity Approval Required Point of Contact Native Vegetation on Roadsides

To remove, lop or destroy Working on roadside permit required (even if the activity is Council native vegetation exempt from a planning permit). Phone: 1300 666 535 Permit to take Protected Flora from DSE (for species listed under FFG Act 1988 exempt and non-exempt DSE removal). Phone 136 186 A Forest Produce licence from DSE may be required. E:[email protected]

Revegetation Working on roadside permit required. Council

Collection of fi rewood Not permitted on roadsides with exception if in an Council approved site to for a reduction burn identifi ed in the Municipal Fire Prevention Plan. DSE If collection approved, a Forest Produce licence from DSE is required.

Droving Local Law permit is required. Council

Grazing (including regular Local Law permit is required. Council movement of livestock as per General Local Law No. 7)

Ploughing or grading Local law permit required. Council Planning permit, if activity will remove, lop or destroy native vegetation. DSE If vegetation is protected, require Protected Flora permit.

Cropping Local law permit required. Council Planning permit, if activity will remove, lop or destroy native vegetation. DSE If vegetation is protected, require Protected Flora permit.

Mowing /Slashing Working on roadside permit required. Council Planning permit, if activity will remove, lop or destroy native vegetation. DSE If vegetation is protected, require Protected Flora permit.

Haymaking Not permitted on roadsides.

Fire Prevention Permission from Municipal Fire Prevention Offi cer Council

Spraying Working on roadside permit required Council

30 ROADSIDE CONSERVATION STRATEGY Roadside Conservation Strategy

Table 4 – Guideline Summary for Roadside Activities Cont.

Activity Native VegetationActivity on Roadsides Point of Contact

Fencing Working on roadside permit required, if working from the Council road reserve. Planning permit if overlays present for removal is beyond DSE exemption. If vegetation is protected, require Protected Flora permit. Forest Produce licence if timber is removed from roadside.

Seed Collection Working on roadside permit + seed collection permit from Council DSE. DSE

Earthworks Working on roadside permit required. Council Planning permit, if activity will remove, lop or destroy native vegetation. DSE If vegetation is protected, require Protected Flora permit.

Waterways and Wetlands

Any works on the banks Works on Waterways permit. Planning permit if native NCCMA / GBCMA or beds of a waterway. vegetation being removed. (03) 5448 7124 / (03) 5820 1100 Council

Cultural Heritage

Any works or activities Notifi cation or approval, depending on the nature of the Aboriginal Affairs for that may disturb or works. Aboriginal sites. Heritage damage site of cultural Victoria for European heritage. Sites.

ROADSIDE CONSERVATION STRATEGY 31 7. MONITORING AND EVALUATION

In order to refl ect changes to existing 2. Conduct a review of works undertaken management practices that contribute to a loss on roadsides in the municipality, to or to an improvement to conservation rankings measure compliance. and to meet changing community expectations, this Strategy will be reviewed every four years to coincide with the review of the Planning 3. Commence photo point recording, and Scheme. other monitoring, of high value and medium value roadside vegetation Actions specifi ed in the Strategy will be reported to monitor (visual) change over time, against annually. include grasslands. A Monitoring and Evaluation Strategy is required to assess the progress of implementation of this Plan. The following performance indicators After four years: have been identifi ed. 4. Review incident reporting and Annually: investigation procedures to see whether gains have been made from 1. Review Council’s on-line documentation the development and implementation to see if the relevant documents have of the Roadside Conservation Strategy. been updated to include reference to this Roadside Conservation Strategy. This would include:

1a Develop a Vegetation Protection Overlay to incorporate the Roadside Conservation Values embodied in this Plan.

1b Review Council Local Laws to ensure they cover issues which cannot be fully addressed through the planning system - including the application of overlays - in relation to the protection of roadside conservation values. Issues such as fencing, stock crossing, storage, bee keeping, pest animal management, fi rewood collection, haymaking and cropping, and revegetation works.

1c All tender and contract documentation will be cross-referenced to the Roadside Conservation Plan.

32 ROADSIDE CONSERVATION STRATEGY Roadside Conservation Strategy

REFERENCES

Country Fire Authority (2001) Roadside Fire Management Works - Guidelines and Procedures. Country Fire Authority Victoria. Department of Natural Resources and Environment (2002) Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management Framework - A Framework for Action, Department of Natural Resources & Environment, The State of Victoria. Department of Sustainability and Environment (2005) Advisory List of Rare or Threatened Plants in Victoria – 2005. Department of Sustainability and Environment, East Melbourne, Victoria. Department of Sustainability and Environment (2007) Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria – 2007. Department of Sustainability and Environment, East Melbourne, Victoria. Department of Sustainability and Environment (2009) Advisory List of Threatened Invertebrate Fauna in Victoria – 2009. Department of Sustainability and Environment, East Melbourne, Victoria. Goulburn-Broken Catchment Roadside Biodiversity Risk Management Protocols Project (2007), Goulburn-Broken Catchment Roadside Biodiversity Risk Management Project. VicRoads (2005) A Guide to Working in the Road Reserve Road Management Act 2004. VicRoads, Victoria. VicRoads (2006) Roadside Handbook: An Environmental Guide for Road Construction & Maintenance. VicRoads www.vicroads.vic.gov.au

ROADSIDE CONSERVATION STRATEGY 33 GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Bioregion To improve natural resource management in Australia, a national framework of .Bioregions exists. Bioregions recognise the ecological and biophysical characteristics of the landscapes and provide a natural framework for management. Conservation Status Refers to Bioregional Conservation Status and is based on the level of depletion and rarity of vegetation types (ecological vegetation classes). Conservation Value Value (very high, high, medium or low) given to roadsides based on assessment that examines roadside width, fauna habitat, degree of regeneration, wildlife corridor, weed cover, site disturbance and presence of rare/fl ora and fauna species and/or communities. Declared Road Freeways, arterial roads (which include tourist roads, highways and forest roads) which are managed and maintained by VicRoads in accordance with VicRoads Corporate Practice and Roadside Management Plans. Ecological Vegetation Class A mapping unit used to describe groups of plants which occur together in similar environments. Several EVCs exist in any one Bioregion. Environmental Weed A plant that colonises natural vegetation and threatens conservation values. It can be an exotic or native plant that is not indigenous to the area. They are so called, because their presence is in some way detrimental to the natural environment. Fuel Reduced Corridor Assist to reduce the intensity of fi re, enable establishment of control lines and provide a clear traffi c route. Fuel Reduced Zone Area of minimum fuel or vegetative hazard that is maintained in a fuel reduced condition to the extent that the passage of fi re will be restricted (e.g. Short green lawn, paths, driveway). Grazing of Stock Using a particular area for grazing rather than for droving or movement of livestock.

Indigenous Vegetation Native vegetation that occurs naturally in a local district, including trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses. Movement of Stock Regular movement of livestock as part of normal farming practices on a regular basis from one paddock to another or on an occasional basis from one paddock or property to another. Native Vegetation Plants (including trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses) which are indigenous to an area. Net Gain Net Gain is a reversal across the entire landscape of the decline in the extent and quality of native vegetation. Non Declared or Local Road Roads that are managed and maintained by Council. Noxious Weed A plant listed under the Catchment and Land Protection Act that requires either eradication or control (dependent on the category).

34 ROADSIDE CONSERVATION STRATEGY Roadside Conservation Strategy

Priority Access Road A road that is critical for an ensured transport route for travellers and provides a link between critical locations to reduce travel time for fi re fi ghters. Remnant Vegetation Remaining native vegetation. Road Formation That portion of the road reserve along which vehicles travel. It includes the road pavement, shoulders and the area to the outermost side of the roadside drain, at least to where the drain batter meets the natural surface. This area includes the table drain. Road Reserve The total strip of land reserved for transportation purposes from fence line to fence line or boundary to boundary if unfenced. The road reserve usually consists a central road formation bounded by roadsides. Roadside The strip of land that supports vegetation between the road formation and the boundary of the road reserve, which is usually also the boundary of the adjacent property. Roadside Biological Corridor Native roadside vegetation, usually of higher conservation value, which connects blocks of remnant vegetation, provides a strategic link for wildlife movement and serves as a gene pool for fl ora. Set Back A minimum distance that works must be located from fencelines (for repairs) or road centres (for safety). Sites of Signifi cance Sites of either cultural, historical or conservation signifi cance. Unused Road Reserve A road that has been gazetted under the Crown Lands Act where it is not used for public traffi c. Department of Sustainability and Environment then becomes the responsible authority.

ROADSIDE CONSERVATION STRATEGY 35 APPENDIX 1.

Shire of Campaspe Works on Roadsides Permit Form

36 ROADSIDE CONSERVATION STRATEGY Roadside Conservation Strategy

ROADSIDE CONSERVATION STRATEGY 37 APPENDIX 2. Noxious Weeds and Environmental Weeds in the Shire of Campaspe Declared Noxious Weeds

Common Name Scientifi c Name North Central CMA Goulburn Broken CMA

African Boxthorn Lycium ferocissimum C C

Amsincka Amsinckia spp. C C

Bathurst Burr Xanthium spinosum C C

Blackberry* Rubus fructicosa C C

Boneseed/ Bitou Bush* Chrysanthemoides P C monilifera Bridal Creeper* Asparagus asparagoides R R Caltrop/ Bindii Tribulus terrestris C C Cape Tulip (one-leaf) Moraea fl accida C C Cape Tulip (two-leaf) Moraea miniata C C Gorse* Ulex europaeus C C Horehound Marrubium vulgare C C Ivy-leafed Sida Malvella leprosa S S Onion weed Asphoedelus fi sulosus R R Paterson’s Curse Echium plantagineum C C Prickly Pear Opuntia stricta C R Scotch Thistle /Spear Thistle Cirsium vulgare R R

Silverleaf nightshade Solanum elaeagnifolium C C

Spiny Rush Juncus acutus C C

St. John’s Wort Hypercium perforatum C C

Sweet Briar Rosa rubiginosa C C

Variegated thistle Silybum marianum R C

Willows* Salix.spp R R

S = State Prohibited, P = Regionally Prohibited, C = Regionally Controlled, R = Restricted * Weeds of National Signifi cance

38 ROADSIDE CONSERVATION STRATEGY Roadside Conservation Strategy

Environmental Weeds

Common Name Scientifi c Name

Arrowhead Sagittaria graminea

Barley grass Hordeum Vulgare

Blue Periwinkle Vinca major

Cambungi# Typha spp

Common Olive Olea Europaea

Couch Cynodon dactylon

Date palm Phoenix dactylifera

Deadly Nightshade Atropa belladonna

Desert Ash Fraxinus angustifolia

Fat Hen Chenopodium album

Ferny cotula Cotula bipinnata

Gazania Gazania linearis and Gazania rigens

Hogweed Zaleya galericulata subsp. australis

Marshmallow Malva spp.

Paspalum Paspalum dilatatum

Peppercorn trees Schinus molle

Phalaris Phalaris spp.

Ox Tongue Helminthotheca echoides

Soursob Oxalis prs-caprae

Quaking grass Briza maxima

Rye Grass Lolium spp.

Silver Poplar Populus alba

Silverleaf Nightshade Solanum elaeagnifolium

Wild Fruit Trees Various species

Wild Oats Avena fatua # native species that can be a weed in certain locations

ROADSIDE CONSERVATION STRATEGY 39 APPENDIX 3. Statewide Map of Registered Aboriginal Parties by Local Government Area

Registered Aboriginal Parties within the Campaspe Shire and contact details are as follows: Dja Dja Wurung Clans Aboriginal Corporation Contact: Drew Berick Email: [email protected] • Phone: (03) 9321 5304

Taungurung Clans Aboriginal Corporation Contact: Kim Monohan (Executive Offi cer) Email: [email protected] • Phone: (03) 5869 3353

Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation Contact: Neville Atkinson (Chairperson) Email: [email protected] • Phone: (03) 5869 3353

40 ROADSIDE CONSERVATION STRATEGY SHIRE OF CAMPASPE Corner Hare & Heygarth Streets, Echuca PO Box 35 Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: 03 5481 2200 1300 666 535 Facsimile: (03) 5481 2290 Email: [email protected] Web: www.campaspe.vic.gov.au