Insert Council Logo
Local Council of XXX
Roadside Vegetation Management
Plan - Level 1
Insert Date
1.
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND ............................................................... 4
1.1.
Roadside Vegetation ..................................................................................... 4
1.2.
Legal Protection of Native Vegetation on Roadsides ..................................... 5
1.3.
Purpose of this Roadside Vegetation Management Plan ............................... 5
1.4.
What This Roadside Vegetation Management Plan Contains ........................ 6
1.5.
Description of the Local Council Region ........................................................ 6
1.6.
Key Objectives of This Roadside Vegetation Management Plan ................... 6
1.7.
How the Roadside Vegetation Management Plan was prepared ................... 7
1.8.
How to Use This Roadside Vegetation Management Plan ............................. 7
1.9.
Distribution of This Roadside Vegetation Management Plan ......................... 8
1.10.
2.
Reporting and Review Requirements ......................................................... 8
MANAGEMENT ISSUES ...................................................................................... 9
2.1.
LEVEL 1 MANAGEMENT PLAN ................................................................. 10
2.2.
NEW ROADWORKS CLEARANCE ............................................................. 11
2.2.1.
Consultation and Approval Procedures .................................................... 11
2.2.2.
Guidelines ................................................................................................ 11
2.3.
ROADSIDE MAINTENANCE ....................................................................... 14
2.3.1.
Consultation and Approval Procedures .................................................... 14
2.3.2.
Guidelines ................................................................................................ 14
2.4.
PUBLIC SAFETY CLEARANCE .................................................................. 21
2.4.1.
Consultation and Approval Procedures .................................................... 21
2.4.2.
Guidelines ................................................................................................ 21
2.5.
FENCELINE CLEARANCE.......................................................................... 24
2.5.1.
Consultation And Approval Procedures.................................................... 24
2.5.2.
Guidelines ................................................................................................ 25
2.6.
PROPERTY ACCESS CLEARANCE .......................................................... 27
2.6.1.
Consultation And Approval Procedures.................................................... 27
2.6.2.
Guidelines ................................................................................................ 27
2.7.
BUSHFIRE HAZARD REDUCTION............................................................. 29
2.7.1.
Consultation And Approval Procedures.................................................... 29
2.7.2.
Guidelines ................................................................................................ 30
3.
REFERENCES ................................................................................................... 32
4.
ABBREVIATIONS & DEFINITIONS .................................................................... 33
Abbreviations .......................................................................................................... 33
Definitions ............................................................................................................... 33
5.
APPENDIX ......................................................................................................... 36
5.1.
Summary of State Legislation Relating to Roadside Management ...................... 36
5.2.
Simple Strut Arrangement for the Realignment of Fencelines Around Trees ...... 37
5.3.
Individual Prescription Sheets – (Example) New Roadworks Clearance Activity 1:
38
1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
1.1. Roadside Vegetation
The roadside is defined as the strip of land between the road formation and the boundary
of the road reserve which is usually also the boundary of the adjacent property.
Roadside vegetation includes any vegetation growing on roadsides; this includes native
vegetation of conservation value and vegetation dominated by introduced species.
Indigenous or ‘native’ vegetation found on road reserves in South Australia, represents
remnants of pre-European settlement vegetation. These important biological assets often
have significant conservation value, as much of the native vegetation within the
agricultural region of the state has been removed or highly disturbed. (See
http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/dwlbc/assets/files/nv-faq-status-value-nv-saJUL10.pdf). In some areas roadsides support virtually the only remaining example of the
original vegetation.
There are three broad benefits of preserving native vegetation on roadsides. They are:
Conservation Benefits
Functional Benefits
Social Benefits
•Contains remnants of the
original vegetation
•Can support populations
of rare or threatened
native flora
•Provides important
habitat for native fauna,
including reptiles and
invertebrates
•Can form an important
habitat corridor linking
blocks of native
vegetation
•May provide unique
genetic reference areas
for sourcing seed for
revegetation and
regeneration projects.
•Helps to lower local water
tables that may affect the
road formation and
pavement,
•Acts as an effective low
cost form of weed control
by preventing the
establishment of weeds,
•Generally less fire-prone
than introduced
vegetation
•Can provide valuable
shelter for livestock and
crops in adjacent
agricultural land
•Helps define curves,
creating a safer driving
environment
•Reduces the velocity of
water runoff, in turn
reducing scour and
erosion of batters and
embankments
•Provides amenity value to
the general landscape
•Contributes to driver
alertness and road safety
•Often contains flora
contributing to the
natural character and
tourist appeal of a district
•Remnants provide an
historical reminder of the
vegetation across the
landscape prior to
settlement
Native bushland is an efficient, self-sustaining system, and after any ground disturbance,
it may take a number of years to return to a stable state. Major disturbance can
unbalance the system (e.g. through serious weed infestation) and cause long-term
damage. In many instances inappropriate management activities can set up the next
round of maintenance problems.
Low-impact management of roadside vegetation, for example, is an integral part of
efficient and effective maintenance of roads. The vegetation cannot be considered
independently of the soil and water that support it, and these in turn cannot be
considered in isolation of the pavement. Good roadside management practices can
generate potential savings in Local Council’s road maintenance budget.
4
1.2. Legal Protection of Native Vegetation on Roadsides
The clearance of native vegetation, including that along roadsides, is controlled under
the Native Vegetation Act, 1991 and the Native Vegetation Regulations 2003. The
regulations among other things set out circumstances in which native vegetation may be
cleared without the need for specific consent from the Native Vegetation Council (NVC).
In dealing with the clearance of native vegetation the regulations provide a mechanism to
assist in the day to day management of a property.
Regulation 5(1)(y) allows either (i) for clearance by a Local Council, or someone acting
on behalf of the council, where the clearance complies with a Roadside Vegetation
Management Plan (RVMP) that has been approved by the NVC, or (ii)- if no such plan
has been prepared and approved, the regulation allows clearance where this complies
with guidelines issued by the NVC – “Guidelines for the Management of Roadside
Vegetation”, which is available from the NVC Secretariat.
Other statutes relevant to the protection of native fauna and management of
roadside vegetation include.

Under the Local Government Act 1999 (Section 221), Local Councils have the
authority to regulate the planting, removal of or interference with, any roadside
vegetation.

The National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972, prohibits the removal of native vegetation
is prohibited without a permit from reserves, wilderness protection zones, Crown
land, and public land or forest reserves in SA.

The Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999,
provides the strongest protection for listed species of threatened indigenous plants
and animals and important habitats. Any action having a significant effect on these
requires assessment and Commonwealth approval.
1.3. Purpose of this Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
This Roadside Vegetation Management Plan (RVMP) has been developed to provide a
basis for managing roadside vegetation along all municipal controlled rural roads and
main roads throughout the Local Council of xxx.
It fulfils a legal requirement under the Native Vegetation Act 1991, which allows for
clearance by a local council, or someone acting on behalf of the local council, where the
clearance complies with a roadside management plan that has been approved by the
Native Vegetation Council.
While the safe movement of travelling public is a key requirement of roads, and local
Councils have a responsibility to maintain adequate levels of safety and efficiency for
drivers on Council owned roads, Local Council of xxx recognises that they also have a
responsibility to retain and protect roadside vegetation wherever possible, as, road
reserves have become increasingly important for conservation reasons due to the
removal of vegetation from adjoining land.
This Roadside Vegetation Management Plan:

sets clear policies and guidelines for activities affecting roadsides

provides a consistent, integrated approach to managing roadside vegetation;

reduces potential Council liabilities; and

provides a means for Local Council xxx to demonstrate due diligence in its
responsibility to protect and maintain native vegetation on roadsides.
5
However, this Roadside Vegetation Management Plan is not:

a means of avoiding liability if native vegetation clearance offences do occur

an appropriate mechanism to obtain environmental approval for large road
construction works

an approval for all roadside vegetation clearing, or

a stand-alone document in isolation to other management structures and controls
over activities that occur in road reserves for which the Local Council of xxx has
jurisdiction.
1.4. What This Roadside Vegetation Management Plan Contains
This Roadside Vegetation Management Plan (RVMP) contains:

a summary of activities that may affect roadside vegetation and guidelines for
undertaking these activities

procedures for environmental assessment and approval prior to implementation
of roadworks
The RVMP applies not only to road works (maintenance or minor construction) but also
to other uses of roadsides such as service provision, pest animal and plant control,
property access, and bushfire prevention.
This RVMP provides a basis to promote forward planning and improved co-operation
between all roadside users in the management of road reserves. These include Local
Council CEO, Works Manager, Natural Resource Officer, Administration Manager,
Planning Manager, operational staff, local emergency services, adjacent private property
owners, the NVC, and importantly, the general public.
1.5. Description of the Local Council Region
The Local Council of xxx covers an area of XXXX square kilometres and supports a
population of XXXX people. The main townships include xxxx in the north, xxxx in the
south, xxxx in the east and xxxx in the west (Figure 1). The district has a total of xxxx
kilometres of used roads and xxx km of un-made road reserves. The majority of these
(xxxx km) are local roads managed by the Local Council of xxx. The remaining xxxx
kilometres are the responsibility of the Department for Transport, Energy and
Infrastructure. The Local Council of xxx has a responsibility to ensure that roads not
only provide for the safe movement of traffic, but also reflect community expectations for
their wider use.
1.6. Key Objectives of This Roadside Vegetation Management
Plan
The Local Council of xxx key objectives for roadside vegetation are to:

meet legal requirements for both the provision and maintenance of a safe road
network and the protection of roadside vegetation

maintain and enhance the species diversity, genetic diversity, vegetation
associations and habitat types currently occurring within existing roadside
vegetation
6

maintain and enhance the habitat and corridor value for indigenous flora and
fauna

minimise the adverse impacts of activities occurring within the roadside
vegetation corridor

clearly identify unauthorised activity in road reserves

improve the awareness of roadside vegetation management issues for Local
Council staff and contractors, the community and other authorities
1.7. How the Roadside Vegetation Management Plan was
prepared
This Plan was developed by the Local Council’s Natural Resource Officer in
consultation with the Chief Executive Officer, Works Manager, Environmental Services
Manager, Policy Manager and XXXXX, to ensure it complies with the Native Vegetation
Act 1991, other relevant legislative requirements and Council’s plans and objectives.
As part of the consultative process, issues and activities affecting roadside vegetation
within the district have been identified and management actions established to ensure
compatibility with existing council policies and objectives. This includes development of
standard operating procedures for managing roadside activities where those activities
are likely to affect roadside native vegetation.
This RVMP was formally approved by the Native Vegetation Council on dd/mm/yyyy
and endorsed by the Local Council of xxx on dd/mm/yyyy.
1.8. How to Use This Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
This RVMP will be used as a working reference document within the Local Council of
xxx Roadside Vegetation Policy Unit. The implementation of the RVMP is linked to
Council’s Strategic and Development Plans and associated performance measures. The
Local Council’s Natural Resource Officer will be responsible for administering its
implementation. It will be kept on the Councils website, at the following address …
This plan (Level 1) contains the minimum requirements of a RVMP that all Local
Council’s should have in their RVMP. This includes a brief description of the roadside
vegetation management issues, best practice guidelines and the consultation and
approval procedures required to clear under the Regulations of the Native Vegetation Act
1991. Council’s can add or remove the relevant information where highlighted and tailor
the content to suit the Council’s circumstances (for example modifying the vertical height
clearance envelopes for heavy machinery transport routes beyond the standard
clearance envelopes). Once the Council has justified the modifications from the standard
clearance requirements under the Regulations of the Native Vegetation Act 1991, and
the NVC has approved the modifications in the RVMP, Council may conduct clearance of
native vegetation according to the Plan (eg. road maintenance, fenceline clearance,
property access).
It is noted that the Work Practices Guidelines will be amended from time to time and are
therefore in loose-leaf form to enable distribution as required.
Council staff and contractors will be trained to ensure they can interpret the plan and
implement the roadwork practices required to minimise damaging impacts on roadside
vegetation and improve the protection of remnant vegetation.
7
1.9. Distribution of This Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
xx copies of this RVMP will be distributed to all relevant Council staff and to all elected
members. Copies will also be distributed to the NVC Secretariat and the Department for
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) office at XXXX. A copy of the RVMP will be
available at the Council offices for public viewing as well as on Council’s website. It is the
responsibility of the Local Council’s Natural Resource Officer to ensure the plan is
kept current and the contents are promoted to Council staff and the community.
1.10. Reporting and Review Requirements
To ensure that compliance with the objectives of this RVMP have been met, this RVMP
will be internally reviewed by the council every five years to provide an opportunity for
council to determine if the RVMP needs updating or not. Once the internal review is
completed, the RVMP will be forwarded to Native Vegetation Assessment Panel to look
at any significant changes, and re-endorse the plan for another set time period. This will
help ensure the RVMP stays current with respect to legislation and terminology, and also
to improve usability and relevance.
The template for reporting to the NVC is shown in Fact Sheet 1 of the Local Council of
xxx Roadside Vegetation Management Plan Management Issue - Guidelines and Fact
Sheets document.
8
2. MANAGEMENT ISSUES
Native vegetation along roadsides needs careful management if it is to be conserved for
future generations. Purely because of its linear nature, it is susceptible to gradual
degradation through weed invasion. This degradation can be compounded if soils are
disturbed or compacted by machinery or if low native shrubs or native grasses are
unwittingly driven over or cleared. Not only can native plants be unnecessarily
destroyed, but conditions can also be made unsuitable for natural regeneration, and
management problems can also be created for adjoining landholders.
This section outlines the management issues relevant to the Local Council of xxx that
may impact on indigenous vegetation on roadsides and provides guidelines to reduce
likely impacts, as well as any consultation or assessment procedures that are required.
NOTE: Throughout this plan, reference is made to “minor clearance”. This term is
used to refer to very minor and localised clearance, such as pruning of branches
or removal of one or two tree saplings or shrubs which are known to be common
in the area.
If in doubt as to what constitutes minor clearance, consultation with the Native
Vegetation and Biodiversity Management Unit prior to the work is recommended. It is just
possible that the site may contain a small, visually insignificant plant species (eg. orchid
or native grass) which is of particular conservation significance. It is also possible that
the clearance (if resulting in slightly more clearance of native vegetation than the above
definition describes) could be considered to fall under Section 29 (12) of the Native
Vegetation Act 1991, and hence require no set aside area. Either way, consultation is
recommended to avoid any unintentional illegal clearance occurring.
9
2.1. LEVEL 1 MANAGEMENT PLAN
10
2.2. NEW ROADWORKS CLEARANCE
Objectives

To ensure road construction activities meet road safety standards whilst ensuring
minimum disturbance to roadside indigenous vegetation.
Information
The Local Council of xxx sometimes needs to undertake roadworks which involve
clearance of mature or relatively undisturbed native vegetation. New roadworks, include:

construction of new roads along previously undeveloped road reserves,

widening or realignment of existing roads,

new borrow-pits, new drains, new stockpile sites, or

upgrading as a result of changes in land use patterns across a region.
These activities could have significant environmental impact and it is important that the
vegetation be assessed prior to the works. If significant vegetation is present it may be
possible to modify the roadworks to reduce or avoid critical impact.

Under the Native Vegetation Regulations 2003, Regulation 5(1)(d) permits clearance
of native vegetation for new road works provided that it is located such that it avoids
or minimises the impact on significant areas of native vegetation. In particular, new
road works or widening activities should seek to avoid areas containing an intact
stratum of native vegetation. These types of activities require specific NVC approval
and require an SEB to offset the clearance
2.2.1. Consultation and Approval Procedures
Clearance approval under Regulation 5(1)(d ) is required for new roadworks (ie. new
road construction, widening, realignment,) which involve clearance of native vegetation.
NOTE: This requirement does not apply to very minor and localised clearance, such as pruning of
branches or removal of one or two tree saplings or shrubs which are common in the area.
2.2.2. Guidelines
Road Design
Local Council of xxx will consider the following design principles when planning new
roadworks (prior to obtaining NVC approval):
 Avoid vegetation communities of high conservation significance.
 One wide roadside is preferable to two narrow roadsides.
 If widening is necessary where native vegetation is present on both sides, widening
11
on the narrow roadside is preferred.
 The value of roadside vegetation is greater where there is native vegetation adjacent
(outside the road reserve).
 Drainage systems and batters will be designed to minimise sedimentation of water
courses, minimise discharge into disease-susceptible plant communities, and control
erosion.
Road Construction
Once approval has been obtained from the NVC, the Local Council of xxx will
minimise the impact of construction on vegetation by abiding by the following guidelines:
 Clearly identify and mark with stakes or tape any significant or protected vegetation,
habitat areas and sensitive areas prior to the commencement of works
 Always stay within the construction zone
 Keep machinery and stockpiles on previously cleared land
 limit soil disturbances on roadside
 limit vegetation removal to that approved by the NVC
 identify the exact location of proposed stockpiles, plant compounds, access roads
and turning areas to avoid any incidental vegetation damage
 borrow pits must be located where native vegetation will not be disturbed
 materials for construction works to be taken from disease and weed free sites
 equipment should be cleared on site before moving on to other sites: this particularly
applies where machinery is operating in weed-infested areas
 only use the appropriate type and minimum size of machinery for the job
 Chip light material from tree removal and use as mulch to spread local seed
 If there is no alternative to burning, do not burn close to desirable vegetation.
 Strip and stock-pile topsoil from areas of good vegetation. Re-use as soon as
possible.
 Avoid “cleaning-up” vegetation after construction. Retain stumps, dead wood and
understorey where possible.
 If unsure about any environmental controls, contact the site supervisor.
Road Standards1
The following standards for road construction have been adopted by the Local Council of
xxx, and are to be carried out subject to approval from the NVC under Regulation
5(1)(d).
Sealed Roads
1
Note that a higher vertical clearance may be sought in this RVMP if well justified and
based on usage of road by over-sized agricultural vehicles. This may be limited to certain
routes.
12
Road Carriageway Widths - New Class A or Class B (sealed) roads are to have a
maximum road carriageway width of xxxm, a shoulder width of up to xxxm and a
verge width of up to xxxm on either side of the edge of the sealed carriageway
(subject to Section 2.2 Roadside Maintenance and Section 2.3 Public Safety
Clearance of this RVMP).
Vertical Height Clearance The vertical height clearance envelope of new sealed
roads is to be up to a maximum of 5m from the edge of the sealed carriageway.
Unsealed Roads
Road Carriageway Widths
- New Class A or Class B (unsealed) roads are to have a maximum carriageway
width of xxxm and a verge width of up to xxxm on either side of the carriageway
(subject to Section 2. Public Safety Clearance of this RVMP)
- New Class C roads are to have a maximum carriageway width of up to xxxm and
a verge width of up to xxxm on either side of the carriageway (subject to Section
2.3 Public Safety Clearance of this RVMP)
- New Class D and Class E roads are to have a maximum carriageway width of
xxxm and a verge width of up to xxxm on either side of the carriageway (subject
to Section 2.3 Public Safety Clearance of this RVMP)
Vertical Height Clearance

The vertical height clearance envelope of all new unsealed roads is to be up to a
maximum of 5m from the edge of the grader line.
13
2.3. ROADSIDE MAINTENANCE
Objectives
a) To ensure a safe and efficient road system whilst ensuring minimum disturbance
to roadside indigenous vegetation.
b) To ensure best management practices for vegetation maintenance works on
roadsides are understood and adhered to.
Information
Adequate vertical and lateral clearance of roadside vegetation is needed for the safe
movement of vehicles, and additional clearance is usually needed at intersections, crests
and the inside of curves to provide adequate sight distance to ensure that a driver is
able to perceive all possible road hazards in sufficient time and react accordingly. The
degree of clearance needed will vary according to the standard of the road, the type and
amount of traffic and the characteristics of the vegetation.
Along most of Councils roads, clearance to the necessary safety standard has already
taken place, but regrowth may be encroaching back into the clearance space. This
regrowth may be removed without clearance approval, provided that low impact
methods are used (eg. slashing, rolling, chainsaws).
These clearance areas are generally referred to as Clearance Envelopes. Clearance
envelopes used in the Local Council of xxx, are found in the diagrams below.
2.3.1. Consultation and Approval Procedures
a) Maintenance of existing roadside vegetation clearances (clearance envelopes)
by low impact methods and vegetation clearance for sight distance at
intersections, driveways and curves, according to Austroad Standards, can
generally proceed without clearance approval.
b) Clearance approval is needed where:
-
clearance exceeding previously established safety standards is proposed (eg.
construction of new open drains; new stockpiles or work areas outside
approved “clearance envelope”, or other maintenance requiring increased
clearance; OR
-
regrowth has reached the stage where high-impact methods (eg. bulldozing)
are proposed.
2.3.2. Guidelines
Any clearance proposed here is not meant to imply or establish safety standards.
Clearance envelopes are areas that are required to be clear of vegetation for the safe
passage of legal height vehicles across the full width of the traffic lanes, and secondary
14
clearance envelopes are further areas required to be kept clear of vegetation for
adequate visibility of other traffic, signs and other roadside furniture. Usually, clearance
to the necessary safety standards has already taken place, and regrowth encroaching
back into these clearance spaces can be cleared without approval from the NVC.
As a general rule, regrowth vegetation less than 5 yrs old can be cleared in clearance
envelopes without approval, clearance of vegetation between 5 and 10 years old
requires consultation with the NVCS (and where a longer clearance cycle is deemed
necessary, this is likely to be approved, and noted in the RVMP), and vegetation older
than 10yrs would usually require assessment and NVC approval. If in doubt, check with
the Council Natural Resource Officer, or contact the NVCS office for advice.
Sealed Roads Vertical Height Clearance:

A clearance envelope is to be maintained up to a vertical height of 5m from the
edge of the sealed carriageway (Figure 1). Clearance beyond this height will
require NVC approval.
Unsealed Roads Vertical Height Clearance:

A clearance envelope is to be maintained to a vertical height up to 5m from the
edge of the grader line (Figure 1). Clearance beyond this height will require NVC
approval.
Figure 1: Maintenance of clearance envelope

A secondary clearance envelope extending up to 500 mm around roadside
furniture may also be sought (Figure 2). Additional vegetation control may be
undertaken on the approach side of signs and delineation devices to ensure that
the sign is clearly visible from a distance equivalent to the stopping sight distance
for the speed environment of the road.
15
Figure 2: Clearance around roadside furniture
All Roads
The following codes of practice will be implemented by the Local Council with the
delegated responsible officer being the (i.e.) Council Environmental Officer (supply
contact details). If unsure about any environmental controls, contact the site supervisor.





Minimise Weed and Disease Spread

clean down machinery in appropriate areas before entering and when leaving
work site

program works to begin with clean machinery in high conservation areas and
work toward degraded sites

only use soil or fill from a weed or disease free site
Turn-around Points

on narrow roads of high or medium conservation value, identify machinery turnaround points where native vegetation will not be damaged

locate stockpiles, turn-out or lay-down areas on existing cleared land
Grading and Drain Cleaning Operations

avoid damage to roots, bark and limbs

avoid working inside the drip line of trees

avoid working where root damage and soil compaction may occur

remove drain spoil and dispose of appropriately

care must be taken to ensure that the grader does not intrude beyond the existing
carriageway width (grading a little further each time can have significant impact
over a number of years)
Herbicides

only use herbicides where vegetation control by mechanical methods is
inappropriate

avoid over-spray by not spraying in windy conditions
Vegetation Removal
16


avoid “cleaning up” vegetation and retain stumps, dead wood and understorey
where possible

carefully prune trees using low impact methods in accordance with recognised
arboriculture standards

avoid damaging undergrowth when removing trees

dispose of waste materials at an appropriate site or depot or leave as habitat for
wildlife

Low shrubs, native grasses and groundcovers generally do not affect road safety
and, where possible, will be retained in the clearance zones to help prevent weed
invasion and erosion.

Particular care to be taken at sites with Significant Roadside Marker signs.
Machinery Use


only use the appropriate type and minimum size of machinery for the job
Erosion Control

remove as little vegetation as possible and encourage the growth of native
vegetation on batters

maintain drainage systems

minimise soil disturbance
Main Clearance Envelopes
The main clearance envelope allows for the passage of legal height vehicles (4.6 m)
across the full width of the traffic lanes. To allow for regrowth between pruning and
sagging of branches caused by wet or windy conditions, a minimum2 clearance height of
5.0 m will be maintained. If Council can justify a larger clearance envelope, then there is
some flexibility, eg. in areas of regular use of oversized agricultural vehicles (up to legal
height of 4.9m), and a case may be made for a vertical height of 5.5m (or more) to cater
for these vehicles.
Rural or non-built up areas
Council will maintain a minimum clearance envelope that is 5.0 m high, extending the
width of the road (usually taken as the edge of carriageway) as shown in the following
Figure 3.
On unsealed roads, every effort must be made to limit grading to the pre-existing width,
and where possible this width should be documented for future maintenance works.
2
Reference to maintaining a minimum, does not suggest that an increased level of clearance can automatically occur. In
some cases roads may have historically been maintained with a higher vertical clearance, and can continue to do.
17
Figure 3: Rural Clearance Envelope (Minimum)
Urban or built up areas
It is desirable to maintain a vertical clearance of 5.0m from kerb face to kerb face.
Council will maintain a minimum clearance envelope that is 5.0 m high, extending over
the width of the travel lanes that are available for the passage of all legal road vehicles
as shown in Figure 4.
Figure 4: Urban Clearance Envelope (Minimum)
The clearance envelope is further modified on highway medians. A clear height of 2.1 m
will be maintained at the kerb and extend 1.0m from the carriageway or to the nearest
edge of the trunk, whichever is lesser (Figure 5).
18
Figure 5: Change to clearance envelope at medians
Secondary Clearance Envelopes
A secondary clearance envelope extending up to 500 mm around existing roadside
furniture can occur (Figure 6). Additional vegetation control may be undertaken on the
approach side of signs and delineation devices to ensure that the sign is clearly visible
from a distance equivalent to the stopping sight distance for the speed environment of
the road (Figure 6). At road intersections where corners are created, verges are to be
maintained for safe sight distance according to Figure 6. Low growing native plant
species within the road verge that will not impair sight distance or pose a significant risk
to vehicle safety are to be retained and promoted. The presence of these species can
help prevent weed invasion and soil erosion, maintain a level of biodiversity in the area
and can reduce roadside management costs.
Figure 6: Secondary Clearance Envelope around existing roadside furniture
19
Figure 7: Secondary Clearance Envelope Along Road
Figure 8: Maintenance of verge areas at intersections (this includes road and rail intersections
20
2.4. PUBLIC SAFETY CLEARANCE
Objectives

To balance roadside protection of native vegetation and public safety.

To address any issues of public safety over and above those currently addressed
(see Roadside Maintenance section) in accordance with the NVC ‘Managing Native
Vegetation - A Framework for the Application of Regulation 5(1)(lb), for Clearance
Along Roads, Intersections and at Rail Crossings for Public Safety Purposes’.
Information
Maintenance of existing clearances for road safety, or the clearance of vegetation to
maintain safe sight distance at intersections and the inside of curves can occur under
Regulation 5(1)(y) (see section on Road maintenance), but any clearance greater than
this needs approval either under 5(1)(lb) where clearance is necessary to protect public
safety, or under 5(1)(d) for infrastructure clearance (new road construction, widening or
re-alignment).
Once any additional areas are authorised under Regulation 5(1)(lb), then these will be
incorporated into the Maintenance section of this RVMP (either as an erratum, or added
when the plan is next due for review).
This section of the RVMP summarises the requirements for Council when considering
new clearance for the purpose of increasing levels of road safety under Regulation
5(1)(lb) in accordance with the NVC ‘Managing Native Vegetation - A Framework for the
Application of Regulation 5(1)(lb), for Clearance Along Roads, Intersections and at Rail
Crossings for Public Safety Purposes’. However, contact should be made with the NVBM
Unit for advice.
2.4.1. Consultation and Approval Procedures

Clearance of roadside vegetation within specified distances from the edge of
carriageway can generally proceed with clearance approval under Regulation
5(1(lb)

Clearance beyond specified distances from the edge of carriageway may require
clearance approval from the NVC under regulation 5(1)(d).
2.4.2. Guidelines
All proposed clearance of roadside native vegetation under public safety Native
Vegetation Regulation 5(1)(lb) must be undertaken in accordance with written approval
from the NVC and must comply with the NVC’s “Managing Native Vegetation- Interim
Framework for the Application of Regulation 5(1)(lb) for Clearance Along Roads,
Intersections and at Rail Crossings for Public Safety Purposes”.
Road Curves
21

For road curves, the amount of clearance will be determined on a case-by-case basis
and, where practicable, only non-frangible plants impeding visibility will be removed
using cut or cut and swab.

Low growing species and ground covers should be retained.

These clearance zones should be maintained by trimming, slashing and rolling that
minimise soil disturbance.

Avoid grading or bulldozing.
Sight Triangles at Road Intersections and Rail Crossings - Category 1

Both frangible and non-frangible native vegetation (if need be) can be cleared for the
establishment of safe sight lines at road intersections and rail crossings.

Clearance must be consistent with clearance guidelines outlined in Austroad Guide
to Road Design: Part 4: Intersections and Crossings-General 2009, and AS
1742.7:2007 Manual of uniform traffic control devices, Part 7: Railway Crossings. No
SEB is required.
Sealed Roads – Category 2

On sealed roads with a speed design of equal to or less than 80kms/hr, up to 2
metres of non-frangible native vegetation can be reduced, modified or removed from
the edge of travelled way for the purpose of public safety.

For sealed roads with a speed design greater than 80kms, up to 3 metres of nonfrangible native vegetation can be reduced, modified or removed from the edge of
travelled way is applicable for the purpose of public safety (Table 1).

Clearance of frangible vegetation in Category 2 situations must ahve clearance
approval from the NVC.
Table 1: Sealed roads - Category 2 zone clearance widths
Speed limit
(km/hr)
Category 2 zone widths adjacent to the edge of travelled
way
≤80 km
2m
>80 km
3m
Unsealed Roads – Category 2

On unsealed roads, up to 2 metres either side of the defined travelled way can be
cleared of non-frangible native vegetation for the purpose for public safety.

Clearance of frangible vegetation requires clearance approval from the NVC.

The clearance level is capped at a total width including the travelled way itself of up
to 12 metres.

The road authority will need to demonstrate that it has considered the NAMO
principles to avoid or minimise the impacts that any proposed actions may have on
biodiversity or native vegetation.

The road authority must show it has considered other safety improvement options as
opposed to clearance.
Clearance Beyond Category 1 and 2 Zones - Category 3
22

Category 3 is the native vegetation beyond the Category 1 and 2 zones. Clearance of
non-frangible native vegetation in Category 3 area will require the road authority to
justify clearance for public safety purposes.

Any proposed clearance in this area will require written approval from an NVC
authorised delegate acting on recommendations by NVAP.
23
2.5. FENCELINE CLEARANCE
Objectives

To enable landholders to gain appropriate access to fence lines for
maintenance and construction purposes.

To minimise the impact and disturbance of native vegetation by clearance for
fence-line construction and maintenance.

To encourage alternative approaches for erecting fences that minimises
clearance of roadside native vegetation.
Information
A landholder who wishes to clear native vegetation on a road reserve, to enable
construction or maintenance of a boundary fence, requires consent of the Local Council
of xxx under the Local Government Act 1999 (Section 221), and may, depending on the
amount of vegetation involved, also require formal NVC approval.
2.5.1. Consultation And Approval Procedures

Clearance approval from the NVC is required for any vegetation clearance along
fencelines which exceeds the standards below:
 Where the roadside vegetation consists largely of trees, only branches
protruding through or overhanging the fence, or trees growing on the
actual fence alignment, can be removed.
 Where shrubs or bushes are growing through the fenceline, those
plants growing within one metre of the fence alignment can be removed.

Consultation with the Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Management Unit
should occur through the Local Council.

If rare or threatened plant species (NPW Act Schedules or EPBC Act 1999) are
present, Council staff to consult with the Native Vegetation and Biodiversity
Management Unit.

These standards take into account that the adjoining landholder can usually clear
vegetation that impedes access to a fence, for up to five metres width on the
private land abutting the road, where that clearance is necessary to provide
vehicular or other access for fence construction or maintenance (see Regulation
5(1)(s) – NOTE that is does not provide an automatic right to clear a five-metre
strip along a fence. If vegetation on an adjacent property is located within five
metres but does not impede reasonable access to the fence, the regulation
cannot be used to clear that vegetation).
NOTE: Greater fenceline clearance may be justified in some districts which have high bushfire
risk, or where there is fence maintenance problems associated with vigorously growing shrubs. If
24
necessary, Councils can seek variation of the standards to suit local conditions.
2.5.2. Guidelines
Permission

Removal of native vegetation on a road reserve for the purpose of
construction or maintenance of a boundary fence requires consent of the
Local Council of xxx.

In granting any consent, Council will comply with the following standards:

Where the roadside vegetation consists mainly of trees, only branches
protruding through or overhanging the fence, or trees growing on the actual
fence alignment, should be removed.

Where shrubs or bushes are growing through the fence line, those plants
growing within one (1) metre of the fence alignment can be removed.

Clearance approval from the NVC is required for any native vegetation
clearance along fencelines which exceeds the above standards.

Any unauthorised clearance will be referred by Council staff to the Native
Vegetation and Biodiversity Management Unit.
Clearance methods

Low impact methods of clearance (e.g. minimal ground disturbance, cutting
cleanly rather than breaking branches) should only be used when clearing
vegetation according to these standards.

Cleared vegetation is to be removed from the site and not left on the road
reserve, so as to minimise disturbance to the remaining vegetation (unless
considered habitat features, eg. hollow logs, or if small amounts, material may be
left on site if it is spread widely and not allowed to form a pile, and is not
considered to increase the amount of combustible material significantly).
Re-locating Fences

Landholders wanting to replace boundary fences may consider re-locating the
new fencing a few metres into their properties to minimise potential impacts on
roadside vegetation. This can also potentially reduce construction and
maintenance costs. The narrow strip between the old and the new fence can be
maintained clear of any regrowth to minimise impacts on the new fence, and also
act as a firebreak between the roadside and the property.

An alternative to the removal of trees in line with the property boundary may
include constructing a simple strut arrangement that allows a fence to deviate a
short distance around a tree. Wires are not attached directly to the tree, thus
minimising potential damage to the tree (Figure 3)
25
Figure 3: A simple strut arrangement that allows a fence to deviate a short distance around a tree.
Wires are not attached directly to the tree, thus minimising potential damage to the tree.
The same strut arrangement seen from the side. The strut holding the wires away from the tree is
directly behind the trunk. The wires are in place, but cannot be seen due to the light at the time the
photo was taken.
26
2.6. PROPERTY ACCESS CLEARANCE
Objectives

To minimise the loss of native vegetation through the construction of property
access points

To ensure clearance for safe sight distances are established and maintained in
accordance with Austroad Standards3
Information
From time to time clearance of roadside vegetation may be required to provide access or
improve access to private properties (eg. new driveways). For rural areas, a primary
producer may need new access to a paddock, possibly to cater for wide farm machinery.
In other situations (e.g. semi-urban) it may be normal vehicular access to a residential
allotment.
In these situations, the safety of the access user needs to be the primary consideration.
At the same time the conservation of native vegetation also needs to be considered.
In addition to obligations under the Native Vegetation Act 1991, clearance for this
purpose requires development approval from Local Councils and along arterial roads,
Department Transport Energy and Infrastructure.
2.6.1. Consultation And Approval Procedures

Clearance of roadside vegetation to provide access to adjoining land requires the
consent of the Local Council of xxx, and along arterial roads, the Department
Transport Energy and Infrastructure.

In addition, approval is needed through the Native Vegetation and Biodiversity
Management Unit for any proposed clearance of native vegetation for access
which exceeds the standards in the guidelines section below.

Consultation with the Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Management Unit
should occur through the local council.

If rare or threatened plant species (NPW Act Schedules or EPBC Act 1999) are
present, Council staff to consult with the Native Vegetation and Biodiversity
Management Unit.
2.6.2. Guidelines
Permission
Austroads Guide to Road Design: Part 4: Intersections and Crossings-General 2009
27

Removal of native vegetation on a road reserve to provide access to adjoining
land requires consent of the Local Council of xxx.

If there is more than one option which will provide safe access, the option which
involves least disturbance of native vegetation, or vegetation of lower
conservation significance should be selected.

Where some clearance of native vegetation is unavoidable, this should not
exceed the following standards:

For normal vehicle access: five metres wide plus minimum clearance along
the road reserve needed to provide adequate sight distance;

For wider farm vehicles: ten metres wide plus minimum clearance along the
road reserve needed to provide adequate sight distance.

Clearance approval from the NVC is required for any native vegetation clearance
along fencelines which exceeds the above standards.

Any unauthorised clearance will be referred by Council staff to the Native
Vegetation and Biodiversity Management Unit.
Clearance methods

Low impact methods of clearance (e.g. minimal ground disturbance, cutting
cleanly rather than breaking branches) should only be used when clearing
vegetation according to these standards.

Cleared vegetation is to be removed from the site and not left on the road
reserve, so as to minimise disturbance to the remaining vegetation (unless
considered habitat features, eg. hollow logs, or if small amounts, material may be
left on site if it is spread widely and not allowed to form a pile, and is not
considered to increase the amount of combustible material significantly).
Avoiding unnecessary clearance

Care must be taken to avoid areas of native grassland and plant communities of
conservation significance.
28
2.7. BUSHFIRE HAZARD REDUCTION
Objectives

To take reasonable steps to inhibit the outbreak of fire on roadsides and the
spread of fire through roadsides

To minimise the adverse effects of fire management on roadside native
vegetation.

Regularly update this plan to be consistent with the xxx Bushfire Management
Plan prepared under the Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005 by the local
bushfire management committee.
Information
Local Council of xxx is required to adhere to the Fire and Emergency Service Act 2005.
This Act places the responsibility on Council to take reasonable steps to prevent or
inhibit the outbreak and spread of fire on council owned land, including road sides.
Local Council of xxx is also required to adhere to the Native Vegetation Act 1991.
Achieving the goals of both of these Acts can be difficult and requires careful planning. In
some vegetation associations in the area, the Environmental Protection Biodiversity and
Conservation Act 1999 may also be applicable and so must also be considered.
Guidelines in this roadside vegetation management plan should be updated regularly to
reflect any changes in the Bushfire Management Plans covering this Local Council area.
2.7.1. Consultation And Approval Procedures
Under the Native Vegetation Act 1991, the clearance of native vegetation to reduce the
levels of combustible materials can occur if the works are undertaken in accordance
with an approved Bushfire Management Plan or is authorised by the Chief Officer (or
authorised delegate) of the SA CFS., ie. under Regulation 5A part (b)(ii) where the
clearance 
(A) is required or authorised by, and undertaken in accordance with, a
bushfire prevention plan; or

(B) is undertaken in accordance with the written approval of the Chief
Officer of SACFS.
Note: Reference to bushfire prevention plan is deemed to be that referred to under the
Fire and Emergency Service Act 2005 as a Bushfire Management Area Plan.
Consultation with the CFS should normally occur through the CFS Regional Prevention
Officer
Approval is not required for the maintenance of previously approved existing fuel
breaks. All fuel modification works should be described in the District Bushfire
Management Plan
29
2.7.2. Guidelines
All fire prevention works on roadsides should link in with the District Bushfire Risk
Management Plan and subsequent Council BMP or other local management plans and
objectives.
Consult SA CFS to plan and evaluate fire prevention works that provide the best
practices for the conservation and fire prevention on roadsides.
Permission

Removal of native vegetation on a road reserve to provide access to adjoining
land requires consent of the Local Council of xxx.

In granting any consent, Council will comply with Regulation 5A part (b)(ii) where
the clearance o (A) is required or authorised by, and undertaken in accordance with, a
bushfire prevention plan; or
o (B) is undertaken in accordance with the written approval of the Chief
Officer of SACFS.
Clearance approval from the NVC is required for any native vegetation clearance
along fencelines which exceeds that allowable under Regulation 5A of the Native
Vegetation Act 1991.


Any unauthorised clearance will be referred by Council staff to the Native
Vegetation and Biodiversity Management Unit.
Clearance methods

Low impact methods of clearance (e.g. minimal ground disturbance, cutting
cleanly rather than breaking branches, slashing, trimming, mowing, or rolling)
should only be used when clearing vegetation to reduce potential weed invasion
and erosion problems.

Grazing and herbicide use should only be contemplated where no or minimal
impact upon native vegetation is likely.

Limit the use of herbicides to spraying:
o
around furniture
o
for selective control of particular weeds where it is the most appropriate
means of control
o
to control growth of potentially serious weeds on firebreaks (subject tot eh
approval of the SA CFS Regional Prevention Officer), or
o
when weather conditions will minimise the likelihood of spray drift affecting
non-target plants.

Only remove vegetation that is referred to in the approved Bushfire Management
Plan (eg. strategic clearance, removal of fine fuel), and retain all other vegetation
including dead timber.

Take care to minimise damage to the remaining vegetation.
Other considerations

Any applications to revegetate roadsides must be assessed and approved by the
30
Council Fire Prevention Officer.

Design weed slashing programs to begin with clean machinery in high
conservation value areas and work towards the more degraded sites. This will
assist in the prevention of further spread of weeds
31
3. REFERENCES
ARRB Transport Research (2000) Unsealed Roads Manual: Guidelines to Good
Practice.
ARRB Transport Research (2001) Environmental Practices for Rural Sealed and
Unsealed Roads.
Australian Standards (2007). AS 4373 - Pruning of amenity trees. Australian Standards,
Sydney, Australia.
Austroads publications dealing with Road design:
http://www.onlinepublications.austroads.com.au/script/ICSDocBrowse.asp?
Code=99.AR.RD&StdType=Austroads
Berwick M (1998). National Local Government Biodiversity Strategy. Australian Local
Government Association in conjunction with Biological Diversity Advisory Council.
DEH (2005). Dieback in Native Vegetation in the South Australian Murray-Darling Basin:
a Guide to Symptoms and Causes. Department for Environment and Heritage, South
Australia.
Gannaway, D. (n.d.). New form of bridal creeper found in Australia [Brochure]. Natural
Heritage Trust, Australia.
Govt. of SA (2005). South Australia: Guidelines for state government agencies, firebreak
and fire access tracks. Government of South Australia, Australia.
Guimmarra, G (2000) Unsealed Roads Manual – Guidelines to Good Practice, ARRB
Transport Research Ltd.
Heard LMB & Channon B (Eds) (1997) A Guide to a Native Vegetation Survey
(Agricultural Region) using the Biological Survey of SA Methodology. Section 1. Edition
1. Department of Housing & Urban Development - SA
Local Government Association (1994). Managing Unsealed Roads in South Australia.
NSW Roadside Environment Committee (1996) Managing Roadsides.
Phytophthora Technical Group (2003) Phytophthora Management Guidelines
Phytophthora Technical Group (2006), Phytophthora Management Guidelines.
Government of South Australia, Australia. (Online, accessed 5th May 2008). URL:
http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/biodiversity/pdfs/pc_management_guidelines.pdf
Roadside Conservation Committee of Victoria (1995) Roadside Management and
Planning: Background and Guidelines.
Sheldon, S (1996) Managing the Environment – A practical guide for Local Government
to Environmental Management Systems and ISO 14001, Commonwealth of Australia,
Canberra.
32
Stokes AL, Heard LMB, Corruthers S & Reynolds T (1998) Guide to the Roadside
Vegetation Survey Methodolgy in South Australia – Draft Working Document. SAR Unit,
Planning SA and Environmental Unit, Transport SA.
Transport SA Environmental Code of Practice for Road Maintenance.
Transport SA (1997) Environmental Code of Practice for Construction: Road, Bridge and
Marine Facilities.
4. ABBREVIATIONS & DEFINITIONS
Abbreviations
DENR
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
LGA
Local Government Association
NRM
Natural Resources Management
NVBMU
Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Management Unit
NVC
Native Vegetation Council as established by the Native
Vegetation Act, 1991.
RVMP
Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
Definitions
Clearance (from the
Native Vegetation Act
1991)
Clearance Envelope

the killing, destruction or removal of native vegetation

the severing of branches, limbs, stems or trunks of
native vegetation

the burning of native vegetation

any other substantial damage to native vegetation,
and includes the draining or flooding of land
The area required to be clear of vegetation for the safe
passage of legal height vehicles across the full width of
the traffic lanes
[Secondary clearance envelopes are further areas
required to be kept clear of vegetation for adequate
visibility of other traffic, signs and other roadside
furniture].
Local Council
Local Government body constituted under the Local
Government Act 1999.
33
Droving or Movement of
Stock
Moving stock, usually cattle or sheep, from one place to
another by driving them slowly on foot along roadways or
stock routes.
Grazing of Stock
Using a particular area for grazing rather than for
movement of livestock.
Indigenous (or Native)
Vegetation
Local (naturally established) native vegetation species of
the type occurring prior to European settlement in this
district.
Minor Clearance
The pruning of native vegetation is acceptable provided
that it is kept to a minimum and does not result in the
death of the plant(s) involved
Natural Regeneration
New growth of indigenous native plants from seed or
sucker growth.
Native Vegetation
(adapted from the Native
Vegetation Act 1991). This
definition does not
represent the full legal
wording of this term – see
the Native Vegetation Act
1991 for the exact
wording.
Any plant or plants of a species indigenous to South
Australia, including a plant or plants growing in or under
waters of the sea, but does not include:
(a) a plant or part of a plant that is dead unless the plant,
or part of the plant, is of a class declared by regulation
to be included in this definition, or
(b) plants intentionally sown or planted by a person,
except where the planting was undertaken in
compliance with a condition imposed by the Native
Vegetation Council (or the Native vegetation Authority
under the 1985 vegetation clearance legislation), or in
accordance with an order of the court under the Native
Vegetation Act 1991(or the 1985 clearance legislation)
In this context native vegetation does include dead trees
of a species indigenous to South Australia if:
a) the trunk circumference (measured at a point
300mm above the base of the tree) (i) in the case of
a tree located on Kangaroo Island – 1 metre or
more, or (ii) in any other case – 2 metres or more),
and
b) the tree provides or has the potential to provide, or
is a part of a group of trees or other plants (whether
alive or dead) that provides, or has the potential to
provide, a habitat for animals of a listed threatened
species under the Commonwealth Environment
Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Remnant Vegetation
Surviving indigenous vegetation
Road
Road as defined under the Road transport Act 1961; i.e.
road = reserve
34
Roadway (0r Carriageway)
That portion of the road devoted particularly to the use of
vehicles, inclusive of shoulders and auxiliary lanes.
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 includes the roadside.
Roadside Vegetation
Any vegetation growing on roadsides.
This includes native vegetation of conservation value and
vegetation dominated by introduced species.
Road Shoulder
The area on a sealed road between the roadway
(carriageway) and the road verge
Road Verge
That portion of the formation not covered by the
carriageway or the footpath.
Significant
Attributed to features of special value including
vegetation, landscapes and cultural heritage.
Significant Environmental
Benefit
The Native Vegetation Act 1991 includes provisions
requiring the clearance of native vegetation to be offset by
an environmental gain, referred to by the legislation as a
‘Significant Environmental Benefit' (SEB).
The rationale for an SEB offset recognises that clearance
of native vegetation will result in the loss (even temporary)
of habitat, biodiversity and/or other environmental values,
in a landscape that has already been significantly
modified by human settlement.
The SEB provides a mechanism to minimise that loss by
managing, restoring or re-establishing areas of native
vegetation that result in a better outcome for the
environment.
Table Drain
The side drain of a road adjacent to the shoulder, having
its invert lower than the pavement base and being part of
the formation.
Threatened Species
Indigenous flora and fauna under threat of
extinction(usually categorised to level of threat as: rare,
threatened, vulnerable or endangered)
Traffic Lane
A portion of the carriageway allocated for the use of a
single line of vehicles.
Travelled Way
That portion of a carriageway ordinarily assigned to
moving traffic, and exclusive of shoulders and parking
lanes.
Unused Road Reserve
A road that has been gazetted under the Crown Lands
35
Act 1929 where it is not used for public traffic.
Vegetation
Any living or dead plant material (trees, shrubs,
groundcovers including herbs; grasses; reeds, rushes and
other aquatic species.
Weeds
A plant species not indigenous to the area and which
invades endemic vegetation
5. APPENDIX
5.1. Summary of State Legislation Relating to Roadside Management
The following (Commonwealth) Parliament Acts and Government policies are relevant to
road maintenance activities for the protection and management of roadside vegetation.
Electronic copies of State and Federal legislation can be found at
http://www.austlii.edu.au/
Aboriginal Heritage Act, 1988
Agricultural and Veterinary Products (Control of Use) Act, 2002
Controlled Substances Act, 1984
Crown Lands Act, 1929
Dangerous Substances Act, 1979
Environment Protection Act, 1993
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999
Fire and Emergency Services Act, 2005
Heritage Places Act, 1993
National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1972
Native Vegetation Act, 1991
Natural Resources Management Act, 2004
36
5.2. Simple Strut Arrangement for the Realignment of Fencelines
Around Trees
Figure 3: A simple strut arrangement that allows a fence to deviate a short distance around a tree. Wires are
not attached directly to the tree, thus minimising potential damage to the tree.
The same strut arrangement seen from the side. The strut holding the wires away from the tree is directly
behind the trunk. The wires are in place, but cannot be seen due to the light at the time the photo was taken.
37
5.3.
Individual Prescription Sheets – (Example) New Roadworks Clearance Activity 1:
Location: Widen and seal Pages Flat Road between Yacka Road and Wakefield Road 2kms south of
Yumba township
Insert Google Map of identified area of proposed
works for that section of roadway
Length: 200m
Vegetation Description:

Category B road, Category A vegetation in excellent condition. Contains a dense forest community of
xxxx, with a complex midstorey of xxxx and grassy understory understorey of xxxx.

The Local Council of xxx is proposing to clear 62 native roadside trees to widen and seal the road to
accommodate heavy transport involved in the harvest of blue gum plantations.
Management Issue:

The main management issue is clearing of native trees of high conservation significance for the
proposed widening of the roadway.
Management Recommendations:

Consider the purchase of cleared land alongside the road reserve, and the use of that cleared land for
the roadworks.

Consider the modification of designs to reduce vegetation removal and to provide optimum protection
for high conservation value roadside remnants (e.g. different alignments, pavement and shoulder
widths).
Maintenance Requirements:

No slashing between September and late January.

No stockpiling on road verge.

No parking of machinery or plant on road verge.

No windrows on road verge from roadworks.
38