Native Vegetation - Property Vegetation Plans
Native Vegetation Home | Property Vegetation Plans | Advantages of a PVP | What does a PVP include | Removing vegetation | Incentives | Time and cost | Amending or terminating the plan | Further information | Permit Applicants
Property Vegetation Plans
A Property Vegetation Plan (PVP) is a voluntary agreement between DSE and the landowner. It considers all the vegetation on a property, and how it is to be managed over the next 10 years. Once a PVP is completed and approved by DSE, it may be used as the basis for an application for a planning permit to clear native vegetation, or an application for some incentive programs.
What is the advantage of a Property Vegetation Plan?
- Voluntary approach
Your decision to prepare and sign a PVP is entirely voluntary.
- Partnership approach from DSE
DSE will partner you in developing the Plan, and may approve the plan before you lodge a planning permit application with Council.
- Considering the whole of your future property management options
By considering all the vegetation on the property, you will be able to consider a wider range of property management and development options.
- Greater certainty
A planning permit for clearing will be for 10 years, rather than the usual 2 years, if it allows clearing in accordance with a PVP.
- Identifying incentive programs
The PVP will identify the incentive programs that are available for you, and the vegetation management actions that may form the basis of your application.
- Links to Whole Farm Plan
The PVP can serve as one layer of a Whole Farm Plan, or, as a stand-alone document.
- Improved market access
A Whole Farm Plan, including a PVP, may assist with environmental certification for improved market access.
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What does a Property Vegetation Plan include?
A PVP identifies and describes all the native vegetation on a property, and documents how it will be managed over the life of the Plan. Areas of vegetation are assigned to one of four management categories:
- Areas proposed to be cleared
- Areas proposed to be managed as offsets for clearing
- Areas proposed to be managed according to existing use (ie, no specific clearing or protection proposal)
- Areas proposed for voluntary protection of native vegetation
Removing vegetation
Do clearing proposals need to be offset?
Yes. The process for developing a PVP will identify how clearing can be avoided, minimised, and offset. The PVP will identify those areas proposed for clearing and the offsets for that clearing.
Do I need to get a planning permit from Council for clearing?
Yes. When the PVP is approved by DSE, it needs to accompany an application for a planning permit to remove native vegetation. If DSE has approved the PVP, it will not object to a permit being granted if consistent with the PVP.
How long is a permit with a PVP issued for?
A planning permit for vegetation clearing issued by Council, if consistent with the PVP, has a term of 10 years, rather than the usual 2 years.
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Incentives
How does a PVP help to get incentives?
The incentive programs available to landowners vary from region to region. The PVP will identify which incentive programs are available, and the information that is required to support an application to these programs.
The management actions listed in the PVP can then be used as the basis for an application to an incentive program, but it is subsequently your decision to make that application.
What restrictions apply to voluntary protection areas?
The management actions listed in the PVP are advisory only, and exemptions can still be used in these areas. However, if your application to an incentive program is successful, you may have certain obligations or conditions to fulfil an agreement under that program.
Does the PVP meet the requirement for a Property Plan for incentives?
Some incentive programs require a Property Plan to be prepared before incentives are provided. A PVP should fulfil this requirement for funding for vegetation management activities.
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Time and cost
How long will it take to develop a Property Vegetation Plan?
DSE will provide existing vegetation information and mapping free of charge. The time and cost that it takes to use this information to develop a PVP depends on the size of the property and the nature of the vegetation on it, and, on the proposals for management.
Your DSE Native Vegetation Officer will be able to advise on your options.
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Amending or terminating the plan
Is a Property Vegetation Plan registered on title?
The PVP is not registered on title, unless requested by the landowner. However, a planning permit issued on the basis of the PVP may require offest areas to be registered on title in the same way that other planning permits may require this.
Can the Plan be amended?
The PVP may be further amended, or terminated, by agreement between the landowner and DSE. If the PVP is used as the basis for a planning permit, then that planning permit may also need to be amended, through the normal process.
What happens if I sell the property?
The PVP only applies to the current landowner. However, a planning permit issued on the basis of the PVP will apply for the term specified on the permit, and may include conditions that will have ongoing operation. In such cases the permit continues with the land and any such obligations are binding on future owners.
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Where do I get further information?
DSE employs 30 Native Vegetation Officers in various locations around the State, including one near you. Please contact your DSE Regional Office for details.
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