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Proposed Changes To Vegetation Protection OverlaysBass Coast Shire Council has welcomed the many comments and debate on the proposed changes to the Vegetation Protection Overlays within the Bass Coast Planning Scheme. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 30th August 2005 - Back to News Council’s Planning and Environment Director, Andrew Mason said that the Vegetation Protection Overlay is one of several overlays being reviewed.
"The discussion paper on vegetation overlays has generated healthy discussion that will assist Council in developing changes to the Planning Scheme.
"The changes being considered are based on what the community has been telling Council, particularly in regard to enforcement against inappropriate vegetation removal, protection for native and exotic trees, and the need to streamline Council’s planning permit process," Mr Mason said.
Despite being a small rural municipality, Bass Coast Shire Council processed 1100 permits over the past year. This number is 13th highest out of the 79 Councils in Victoria.
Mr Mason highlighted that although the high number of permit applications was a reflection on Bass Coast’s rapid development rate, 41% of those permits were in relation to vegetation removal.
"The number of applications for tree removals is incredible and is a frustration expressed by many.
"The experience elsewhere in the state shows that on average about 6% of permit applications in other municipalities relate to trees.
"It is clear that a review of planning requirements with regard to tree removal is necessary at Bass Coast, particularly when 99% of those applications to remove trees are approved," Mr Mason said.
Common Issues Raised
The community consultation sessions held in July for the purpose of discussing changes to overlays raised a number of issues for Council to consider.
Enforcement
Several residents and community groups were concerned that enforcement was not carried out, particularly in relation to tree removals and replanting of vegetation.
"Council has taken steps to address this with the employment of a full-time Planning Enforcement Officer whose role has a clear focus on dealing with inappropriate vegetation removal.
"Inappropriate tree removals reported to Council can be dealt with quickly and, since the appointment, Council has been successful in actions resulting in substantial fines and rectification works.
Native trees not covered
The proposal to review the Vegetation Protection Overlay includes a list of indigenous (native to the specific local area) tree species that would require a planning permit for removal. It does not include Native trees (those native to Australia).
Many people have since expressed concern that the list does not include native trees, which can provide important habitat to birds and animals.
In response, Council is considering including a permit requirement for the removal of native trees which are of a certain size.
Exotic trees are not included in tree list.
In addition to the exemption on native trees, it was also proposed to exclude exotic trees from the Overlay controls.
Mr Mason said that the inclusion of certain exotic trees in the Vegetation Protection Overlay, like Pine trees and Cypress trees, would not necessarily provide them with any protection from removal.
"Council is only required to consider the habitat value of trees and their impact on wildlife corridors.
"Given that exotic trees generally have a poor habitat value the Vegetation Protection Overlay offers them little protection from removal.
"If the trees are significant for landscape or heritage reasons they should be included in a Heritage Overlay or a Significant Landscape Overlay.
"The Golden Cypress trees along Thompson Avenue are already protected in this way," Mr Mason said.
Protection of Landcare plantations.
Landcare is currently undertaking significant plantings within wildlife corridors. The proposed changes to the Vegetation Protection Overlay will not include these wildlife corridors.
"These concerns have been well received by Council and consideration is now being given to a separate Vegetation Protection Overlay that can be applied over the wildlife corridors once these have been mapped," Mr Mason said.
Exemptions for pruning not lopping
The changes are also proposing permit exemption for the pruning of trees, provided it is done in accordance with the Australian Standards for Pruning and is undertaken by a qualified tree surgeon.
This exemption does not extend to the lopping of trees.
Arborists available to help
Mr Mason said that the benefits of Council employing its own qualified arborist had been considered, however, given the availability of several local arborists the resource could not be justified.
"Applicants have access to a number of qualified arborists within our local area who are available to provide assessments on proposed vegetation removals."
Submissions being Considered
Formal submissions on the proposed changes are now being considered by Council before an amendment to the Planning Scheme is prepared.
Once the Planning Scheme amendment is prepared it will be placed on public exhibition to enable further submissions to be received.
Further information on proposed changes or on how Council intends to address any other concerns that have already been raised can be directed to Councils Strategic Planning Co-ordinator, Lisa Dunlop on 5952 3311 or 5671 2211.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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