Draft Habitat Hectare Version 2 Manual
Fact sheet
What is the habitat hectare method
The habitat hectare method is a site-based assessment
which measures the condition of native vegetation with
reference to a benchmark for the same vegetation type. The
condition combines with the area, to determine the amount
of habitat hectares in a patch of vegetation.
The method is the Department of Environment and Primary
Industries (DEPI) approved method of assessing native
vegetation, for the purposes of regulation and investment.
Qualified assessors undertake habitat hectare assessments
to determine losses from clearing of native vegetation and
gains available in offset sites.
What is habitat hectare version 2?
The habitat hectare method for assessing native vegetation
condition has been reviewed and modified to better
represent vegetation condition, reduce assessor bias and
improve consistency and repeatability in the method. The
review has resulted in some changes being made to the
field assessment approach and significant changes to the
way vegetation condition is scored.
When will version 2 be implemented?
Version 2 will be implemented in mid-2014, following a
period of consultation, feedback and training. Version 1.3,
released in 2004, will continue to be applied for the
purposes of Native Vegetation Regulation decision making
during this intervening period. Habitat hectare version 1.3
remains unchanged during this time, and still includes an
assessment of Landscape Context as part of the condition
score.
What is the purpose of the habitat hectare version
2 Manual?
The manual is a technical guide for assessors needing to
conduct a habitat hectare assessment in the field. It does
not provide a comprehensive explanation of the new method
or provide justification for the methodology.
Further information will be made available in the coming
months, which will provide a more detailed explanation of
the decision making, scoring approach and assessment
criteria of the new approach.
Can I provide feedback on the Draft habitat
hectare version 2 Manual?
Technical experts in native vegetation assessment are
invited to provide feedback on the draft manual. Feedback
should be focussed on the usability and relevance of the
manual for native vegetation assessors. Feedback is not
being sought on the assessment criteria or scoring
approach.
Feedback can be directed to:
Habitat.Hectares@depi.vic.gov.au. It should include the
heading: “Draft HHv2 Manual feedback” and may be in the
form of either comments or suggestions, or can be a Word
version of the manual with tracked changes.
The closing date for feedback process is March 28, 2014.
When will training be available for native
vegetation assessors?
DEPI approved training will be available prior to the
implementation of the new method. Online training will be
available which aims to provide users with an understanding
of the method and its application. A more comprehensive,
field-based training program will be available to native
vegetation assessors and will include accreditation of
assessors through the habitat hectare competency process.
Assessors who are currently registered on DEPI’s
Vegetation Quality Assessment Competency Register have
had their competency extended until the release of the new
version. All assessors will be required to complete the
competency check in the new method to be eligible to
assess native vegetation to DEPI’s standards.
Where can I get further information?
Further information on the method will be made available in
the coming months. Queries can be directed to:
Habitat.Hectares@depi.vic.gov.au.
Other information regarding native vegetation, including
DEPI’s native vegetation permitted clearing regulations and
associated fact sheets can be found at:
www.depi.vic.gov.au/nativevegetation.
Published by the Victorian Government Department of Environment and
Primary Industries Melbourne, February 2014.
© The State of Victoria Department of Environment and Primary Industries
Melbourne 2014.
This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process
except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.
ISBN 978-1-74326-754-7(pdf)
Accessibility
If you would like to receive this publication in an alternative format,
please telephone DEPI Customer Service Centre 136 186, email
customer.service@depi.vic.gov.au (or relevant address), via the National
Relay Service on 133 677 www.relayservice.com.au This document is
also available on the internet at www.depi.vic.gov.au
Disclaimer
This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its
employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind
or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims
all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you
relying on any information in this publication.
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