Native vegetation offsets in Victoria
Any application to remove native vegetation in Victoria requires that a suitable offset is achieved to compensate for this loss. In accordance with the Guidelines for the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation, an incorporated document in all Victorian planning schemes, it is a requirement that any such application includes an offset statement which details how the required offset will be met.
Nature Advisory regularly assists applicants in the determination of offset requirements for their proposals and can work with native vegetation offset brokers to source and secure an appropriate third party offset.
Nature Advisory are DELWP-accredited offset site assessors, as indicated here. This means that the experienced Nature Advisory team can undertake the assessment of native vegetation for use as offsets and prepare offset management plans.
This includes determining whether your site meets the eligibility requirements for offsetting, and if so, an on-ground assessment to determine the management issues that need to be controlled at the site. Nature Advisory can then prepare the relevant management plans for the site that detail how the offset will be achieved and the particular management measures to be undertaken.
More information regarding native vegetation offsets in Victoria is available on the state Government website here.
Commonwealth environmental offsets
Nature Advisory can also assist in complying with any relevant Commonwealth offset requirements. This may include offsets for listed threatened species and/or ecological communities. Nature Advisory can work with offset brokers or, if required, with land valuers and estate agents across Victoria to source state or Commonwealth offsets to meet your project’s needs.
More information regarding the Commonwealth offset policy is available here.
Contact Brett MacDonald for more information on our offset planning services.
