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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
District Council of XXX
Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
(Part 1)
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
CONTEXT .................................................................................................................................................... 5
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND ................................................................................... 7
1.1 Roadside Vegetation .............................................................................................................................. 7
1.2 Legal Protection of Native Vegetation on Roadsides .............................................................................. 8
1.3 Purpose of This Roadside Vegetation Management Plan ....................................................................... 9
1.4 What This Roadside Vegetation Management Plan Contains ............................................................... 10
1.5 Description of the District Council Region ............................................................................................. 11
1.6 Council Roadside Vegetation Policy Statement .................................................................................... 12
1.7 Key Objectives of This Roadside Vegetation Management Plan ........................................................... 12
1.8 How the Roadside Vegetation Management Plan was prepared........................................................... 13
1.9 How to Use This Roadside Vegetation Management Plan .................................................................... 14
1.10 Distribution of This Roadside Vegetation Management Plan ............................................................... 14
1.11 Reporting and Review Requirements.................................................................................................. 14
1.12 Roadside Vegetation Survey .............................................................................................................. 15
1.13 Roadside Reserve Classifications....................................................................................................... 16
1.14 Hierarchical Road Classification System ............................................................................................. 16
SECTION 2: MANAGEMENT ISSUES ....................................................................................................... 18
2.1 New Roadworks Clearance .................................................................................................................. 18
2.1.1 Consultation and Approval Procedures ....................................................................................... 19
2.1.2 Summary of Actions .................................................................................................................... 19
2.2 Roadside Maintenance ......................................................................................................................... 21
2.2.1 Consultation and Approval Procedures ....................................................................................... 21
2.2.2 Summary of Actions .................................................................................................................... 22
2.3 Public Safety Clearance ....................................................................................................................... 24
2.3.1 Consultation and Approval Procedures ....................................................................................... 25
2.3.2 Summary of Actions .................................................................................................................... 25
2.4 Installation and Maintenance of Utilities ................................................................................................ 27
2.4.1 Consultation and Approval Procedures ....................................................................................... 28
2.4.2 Summary of Actions .................................................................................................................... 28
2.5 Pest Plant and Animal Control .............................................................................................................. 30
2.5.1 Consultation and Approval Procedures ....................................................................................... 32
2.5.2 Summary of Actions .................................................................................................................... 32
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
2.6 Soil-borne Pests and Diseases ............................................................................................................. 34
2.6.1 Consultation and Approval Procedures ....................................................................................... 35
2.6.2 Summary of Actions .................................................................................................................... 36
2.7 Fenceline Clearance ............................................................................................................................. 38
2.7.1 Consultation and Approval Procedures ....................................................................................... 39
2.7.2 Summary of Actions .................................................................................................................... 40
2.8 Property Access Clearance .................................................................................................................. 41
2.8.1 Consultation and Approval Procedures ....................................................................................... 42
2.8.2 Summary of Actions .................................................................................................................... 42
2.9 Bushfire Hazard Reduction ................................................................................................................... 44
2.9.1 Consultation and Approval Procedures ....................................................................................... 45
2.9.2 Summary of Actions .................................................................................................................... 46
2.10 Grazing ............................................................................................................................................... 48
2.10.1 Consultation and Approval Procedures ..................................................................................... 49
2.10.2 Summary of Actions .................................................................................................................. 49
2.11 Droving Stock ..................................................................................................................................... 51
2.11.1 Consultation and Approval Procedures ..................................................................................... 52
2.11.2 Summary of Actions .................................................................................................................. 52
2.12 Recreational Use of Road Reserves (Including Undeveloped Roads)................................................. 54
2.12.1 Consultation and Approval Procedures ..................................................................................... 54
2.12.2 Summary of Actions .................................................................................................................. 54
2.13 Cultivation and Cropping..................................................................................................................... 56
2.13.1 Consultation and Approval Procedures ..................................................................................... 56
2.13.2 Summary of Actions .................................................................................................................. 57
2.14 Removal of Plant Material ................................................................................................................... 58
2.14.1 Consultation and Approval Procedures ..................................................................................... 59
2.14.2 Summary of Actions .................................................................................................................. 59
2.15 Maintenance of Vegetation Diversity ................................................................................................... 61
2.15.1 Consultation and Approval Procedures ..................................................................................... 62
2.15.2 Summary of Actions .................................................................................................................. 62
2.16 Protection of Native Vegetation of High Conservation Significance ..................................................... 64
2.16.1 Consultation and Approval Procedures ..................................................................................... 65
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
2.16.2 Summary of Actions .................................................................................................................. 65
2.17 Restoration and Revegetation on Roadside Reserves ........................................................................ 67
2.17.1 Consultation and Approval Procedures ..................................................................................... 68
2.17.2 Summary of Actions .................................................................................................................. 68
REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................................... 70
ABBREVIATIONS & DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................ 71
Abbreviations ....................................................................................................................................... 71
Definitions ............................................................................................................................................ 72
APPENDIX ................................................................................................................................................. 75
Appendix 1: Summary of State Legislation Relating to Roadside Management .................................... 75
Appendix 2: Clearance Envelopes ....................................................................................................... 76
Appendix 3: Map of Roadside Reserve Classifications ......................................................................... 80
Appendix 4: Hierarchical Road Classification ....................................................................................... 81
SECTION 3: DISTRICT COUNCIL of XXX - ACTION PLAN ....................................................................... 83
3.1 Individual Prescription Sheets – (Example) New Roadworks Clearance Activity 1: ............................... 92
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
CONTEXT
In April 2009, the Native Vegetation Council (NVC) proposed conducting a review of issues surrounding the
management of roadside vegetation including reviewing the processes involved in developing and
implementing Roadside Vegetation Management Plans (RVMP) for District Council’s. This review was
supported by the Local Government Association and a Working Group was established consisting of Local
Council NRM staff, Local Government Association, Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR) and NVC Secretariat.
As part of the review process, the Working Group identified a simplified process for District Council’s to
develop and implement RVMP’s. This involved developing three inter-related generic templates with a
defined structure and format with the bulk of information pre-written to facilitate the process. Council’s can
tailor the content where highlighted with additional/less information to suit the Council’s circumstances.
The three inter-related generic templates are:

Part 1 - District Council’s Roadside Vegetation Management Plan

Part 2 - Action Plan and Fact Sheets

Part 3 - Guidelines & Individual Prescription Sheets
Part 1 - District Council’s Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
The purpose of Part 1 template (District Council’s Roadside Vegetation Management Plan) is to provide
Council’s with a framework for consistent and strategic management of roadside native vegetation across
the Council network of used and unused roads. The RVMP focuses on improving the management of
remnant native vegetation located on roadsides whilst also ensuring a safe and efficient transport network,
utility and service corridor.
The bulk of information in this RVMP is pre-written as generic information. It contains the minimum
requirements of a RVMP that all District Council’s should have in their RVMP. The structure of the
document is in a set format. Each Council can add in or remove the relevant information where highlighted
and tailor the documents content to suit the Council’s circumstances.
This is a 10year overarching plan for the strategic management of roadside vegetation affecting activities. It
contains the Council’s specific roadside vegetation management objectives and integrated management
issues, plans and actions, Council’s policy statement, reporting and review requirements, road hierarchy
and vegetation status of the road network, and summary table of all the actions required to address each
management issue within the Council district.
It is envisaged this document sits with the Council Chief Executive or equivalent and can be used to
coordinate Council’s priorities, actions, funding opportunities and forward planning decisions on for
example, identifying appropriate routes for new roadworks that minimise impacts on Category A high
priority vegetation association in excellent condition.
Part 2 Action Plan and Fact Sheets
The purpose of Part 2 template (Action Plan and Fact Sheets) is to provide Works Manager with a clearly
defined action plan that prioritises Council’s work programs for current and future planning and
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
implementation needs. It is a quick reference summary table of all the actions required to address each
management issue identified in Part 1 of the RVMP. All the information in the Action Plan is taken from the
management issues section of the Council’s Roadside Vegetation Management Plan (Part 1). It contains
the minimum actions required for the management of roadside vegetation affecting activities. Each Council
can tailor the Action Plan by adding in or removing the relevant actions to suit the Council’s specific
circumstances.
This is a 2-5 year Action Plan for the strategic management of roadside affecting activities.
It is envisaged this document sits with the Council Works Manager to guide works teams and contractors in
the implementation of the RVMP. It is intended as a scheduling, planning and prioritising tool for Works
Managers to use particularly during/(projected) peak periods where resources (i.e. people) may be
restricted.
Attached to the Action Plan are generic Fact Sheets. These contain information on Council’s annual
reporting requirements to the NVC, roadside survey guidelines and funding opportunities, information on
roadside marker schemes and incident reporting requirements where native vegetation has been cleared
outside the provisions of the RVMP.
Part 3 Guidelines & Individual Prescription Sheets
The purpose of Part 3 template (Guidelines & Individual Prescription Sheets) is to provide Council works
teams and contractors in the field with guidelines on how to best manage likely impacts of roadside
affecting activities on native vegetation for each of the management issue identified and discussed in Part 1
the Council’s RVMP. The Guidelines outline simple principles for mitigating adverse impacts of roadside
affecting activities and outlines recommended approaches for performing these activities as part of their
day-to-day management activities.
The purpose of the Individual Prescription Sheet’s is to provide operational staff/contractors with details of
works to be undertaken for each management issue. Each prescription sheet details the location of where
the proposed works will be undertaken (on a GIS or Google map), the length of roadway where the action
will be implemented, a general description of the proposed works and the management recommendations
based on the best management guidelines contained within the guidelines section of this document. These
prescription sheets are by the Works Manager’s as per the work schedule.
It is envisaged this document sits with and is handed out by the Works Manager to the operational
staff/contractors for use in the field in the implementation of the RVMP. The aim is to improve the
cooperation between the stakeholders in delivering best management practices for roadside vegetation.
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
SECTION 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 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-sa-JUL10.pdf). In
some areas roadside vegetation is virtually the only remaining example of the original vegetation.
There are three broad benefits of preserving native vegetation on roadsides. They are as follows:
Conservation 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 a seed source for revegetation projects.
Functional Benefits

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 in the
roadside,

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
Social Benefits

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
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
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 District Council’s road maintenance budget.
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 District 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), District 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.
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
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 in accordance with the requirements of the Native Vegetation Act 1991, and in
particular to fulfil the requirements for clearance by a District Council, or someone acting on behalf of the
council, where the clearance complies with a RVMP that has been approved by the NVC. It covers all
municipal controlled rural roads and main roads throughout the District Council of xxx.
This RVMP provides Council’s with a comprehensive understanding of roadside management issues within
the region and (delete if a roadside vegetation survey has not yet been undertaken) also outlines the
ecological value of roadside native vegetation. It identifies remnant native vegetation and any activity that
may damage vegetation on roadsides, and establishes a system to properly manage roadside vegetation.
Having a RVMP is important for road planning and road maintenance purposes - from road network
planning, management of maintenance contracts, construction project planning, to development of
environmental program and strategies.
Future planning of roadworks programs well in advance is an essential principle of this RVMP. Combined
with vegetation surveys, road network planning will where possible, avoid areas of conservation
significance. If clearance of vegetation is unavoidable, proposals to the Native vegetation Council on an
annual basis can assist reducing delays in vegetation clearance approval processes.
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,
District 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.
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
This Roadside Vegetation Management Plan:

sets clear policies and guidelines for activities affecting roadsides

provides a consistent, integrated approach to managing roadside vegetation;

enables greater efficiencies through planning;

enables the District Council of xxx to coordinate work programs affecting roadside vegetation and
avoid ad-hoc decisions that may be detrimental to roadside vegetation;

improves the Council’s community relations and their profile as an environmental manager;

reduces environmental impacts and present opportunities for environmental enhancement;

reduces potential Council liabilities; and

provides a means for District Council xxx to demonstrate due diligence in its responsibility to protect
and maintain native vegetation on roadsides
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
(major construction works involving the disturbance of significant areas of roadside vegetation
require a separate approval from the Native Vegetation Council)

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 District 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

an assessment of risks to roadside vegetation

details of how this RVMP will be implemented

procedures for environmental assessment and approval prior to implementation of roadworks

requirements for reporting and review

details of the District Council’s roadside vegetation survey and roadside marker scheme
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 District Council
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
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 District Council Region
The District 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 District Council of xxx. The
remaining xxxx kilometres are the responsibility of the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure.
The District 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.
Provide a broad description of the pre-European vegetation in the district and where it was located. The
original range of vegetation types are still represented within the council boundaries, but have largely been
reduced to scattered remnant stands. The dominant vegetation communities in the district are: xxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx.
There is currently xxxx ha (xxxx%) of native vegetation remaining, much of this occurs in xxxxxx. Native
vegetation cover is greatest in the north/south xxx where … for example the terrain is steep and rugged,
preventing many land activities that lead to significant vegetation removal/disturbance. Undulating lands to
the south have been extensively cleared due mainly to their reduced slope which is more suited to
agricultural use.
The range of original vegetation types is well / not-well xxx represented within the road reserve system of
the council district however / and the quality varies from degraded vegetation with little conservation value
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
(xxxxx kms) through to vegetation associations of high biodiversity value (xxxx kms) based on the
vegetation categories described in Table 1: Description of the categories of overall vegetation significance.
Figure 1: Southern Mallee District Council Area (example)
1.6 Council Roadside Vegetation Policy Statement
District Council Policy
The philosophy of the District Council of xxx RVMP is in accordance with best practices, to identify
the risks and opportunities for the effective management of roadside native vegetation from
possible damaging activities without compromising other essential functions of roadsides through
integrating appropriate planning procedures.
1.7 Key Objectives of This Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
The District 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

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
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan

establish and maintain an assessment process of minor clearance proposals to ensure compliance
with the Plan and the Native Vegetation Act 1991

clearly identify unauthorised activity in road reserves

improve the awareness of roadside vegetation management issues for District Council staff and
contractors, the community and other authorities
1.8 How the Roadside Vegetation Management Plan was prepared
This Plan was developed by the District 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. The District
Council’s Natural Resource Officer will be responsible for administering its implementation, monitoring
and reporting.
This RVMP was formally approved by the Native Vegetation Council on dd/mm/yyyy and endorsed by the
District Council of xxx on dd/mm/yyyy. It will be used as a working reference document within the District
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.
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
1.9 How to Use This Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
An important aspect of this RVMP is the Action Plan for each roadside management issue. Each Action
Plan identifies a number of activities that will assist in delivering best management practices for managing
the specific roadside management issue, and prioritises when the works will be undertaken. A more
comprehensive table outlining each roadside management issue and the actions and outcomes over the
RVMP’s life is shown in Section 3 of this RVMP.
It is also proposed that the action plans and guidelines from this document become a standard reference
within Council Works Managers, works tenders and contracts. The RVMP will be read in conjunction with
councils Development Plans and Strategic Plan. Each action has been prioritised using the following
timeframes:

High Priority will be completed within 2 years.

Medium Priority will be completed within 5 years.

Low Priority will be completed within 10 years or re-assessed within this timeframe.

Ongoing actions which will become effective immediately.
It is noted that the Work Practices Guidelines will be amended from time to time and are therefore in looseleaf form to enable distribution as required.
Due to the dynamic nature of living systems, there will be an ongoing assessment and review of the
RVMP’s actions and priorities on a regular basis.
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.
1.10 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 District Council’s Natural Resource Officer to
ensure the plan is kept current and the contents are promoted to Council staff and the community.
1.11 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.
Actions outlined in the RVMP that will result in clearance will be reported on an annual basis to the NVC.
The template for reporting to the NVC is shown in Fact Sheet 1 of the District Council of xxx Roadside
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
Vegetation Management Plan Management Issue - Guidelines and Fact Sheets document. Annual
reporting requirements (Fact Sheet 1) and RVMP reviews are to be submitted to the NVC (due 30 June of
every year) to confirm that council is using and complying with the Native Vegetation Act 1991 and the
RVMP.
While it is expected that the District Council of xxx will continue to consult with the NVC on major issues
or projects involving roadside vegetation, the annual report serves as a brief summary of both council’s
activities and the level of compliance with the RVMP and Native Vegetation Act 1991.
1.12 Roadside Vegetation Survey
To effectively manage roadside vegetation, a survey conducted by Consultant xxx using internal/external
funding (sought through xxxx) was undertaken using the standard drive-by roadside methodology “Guide to
the Roadside Vegetation Survey Methodology in South Australia” (Stokes et al 2006) (Fact Sheet 2 and 3
of the District Council of xxx Roadside Vegetation Management Plan Management Issue - Guidelines
and Fact Sheets document). This is a detailed methodology that includes how the data is collected in the
field and how the data is stored and mapped. The standard methodology allows the data collected to be
incorporated into a statewide layer of roadside vegetation mapping. A roadside vegetation survey enables
the rapid, systematic collection of data describing vegetation in road reserves. The vegetation
characteristics that are recorded have been selected to enable an assessment of the ecological value and
conservation significance of the vegetation. These characteristics provide information necessary for making
appropriate roadside management decisions.
The roadside vegetation data collected has been mapped according to the five vegetation categories
described in Table 1 below (A-E).
The survey has provided council with an inventory of the condition and quality of roadside vegetation, and
will be / has been used to assist Council in the development of strategies for the protection and
management of roadside vegetation. Such measures to minimise the impact of activities on roadside
vegetation are likely to contribute to lower, long-term roadside and road verge maintenance costs.
Strategies used / to be used by District Council of xxx include, informing Council’s planning programs for
road construction and road maintenance activities of the location of high value vegetation so that alternative
routes can be considered at the planning stage, identifying potential Significant Environmental Benefit
(SEB1) areas should any proposed clearance of native vegetation for road work activities be required, and
identifying suitable sites for intensive management to protect and enhance biodiversity values (eg Trees for
Life “Bushcare” sites).
1
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 SEB provides a mechanism to minimise that loss by managing, restoring or reestablishing areas of native vegetation that result in a better outcome for the environment.
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
1.13 Roadside Reserve Classifications
Roadside vegetation survey data has been used to conduct an assessment of the relative ecological value
of the vegetation in each road segment surveyed. The overall significance rating provides a simple
summary of the relative ecological value of the vegetation in each segment. This is based on a combination
of two attributes: the conservation priority rating for the vegetation association, and the overview condition
(extent of weed invasion) rating for the segment. This is based on a combination of two attributes: the
conservation priority rating for the vegetation association, and the overview condition (extent of weed
invasion) rating for the segment”.
There are five categories of roadside vegetation based on its overall significance (Table 1). These range
from Category A with high priority vegetation association in excellent or good condition to Category E with
little or no native vegetation present). A map of the vegetation categories for the road network within the
District Council of xxx can be found in Appendix 3.
Table 1 Description of the categories of overall vegetation significance
Category
Description
A
Should not be disturbed; contains a high priority vegetation association in excellent or good
condition
B
Should not be disturbed; contains a high priority vegetation association in moderate condition
or a lower priority association in excellent condition
C
Disturbance should be avoided wherever possible; contains a high priority vegetation
association in poor condition or a lower priority association in moderate condition
D
May be disturbed, subject to further assessment and planning; contains limited native
vegetation in poor condition
E
May be disturbed; very little or no native vegetation present.
1.14 Hierarchical Road Classification System
The hierarchical road classification system (combined with roadside reserve classifications – above) is a
useful tool to identify and recognise roads within the network containing high quality roadside vegetation to
avoid the loss of vegetation that may occur through the reclassification of a road and application of a higher
clearance envelope standard (i.e. increase of clearance width). The width of roadsides supporting good
quality native vegetation should be maintained by recognising the roads where this occurs. A system of
road classification based on functional use, including the roadside environment, allows for a consistent
treatment of all roads in a network (Table 2).
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
An important factor to consider for route location, and therefore road classification, is the quality of roadside
vegetation. This may require the examination of several alternative routes and a detailed evaluation based
on environmental and social, as well as traffic considerations. A road classification system based on routes
designated for specific traffic needs and providing for protection of roadside vegetation will ensure that ad
hoc management decisions at the expense of roadside vegetation can be avoided. For example, isolated
requests to clear roadside vegetation for movement of over-dimension farm machinery can be dealt with
strategically and more efficiently.
The roadside environment should therefore be recognised as an important functional element of roads and
road reserves. The vegetation, for example, cannot be considered independently of the soil and water that
support it, and these in turn cannot be considered in isolation of the pavement.
A map of the road hierarchy for the District Council of xxx can be found in Appendix 4.
The four hierarchical road classification categories within the District Council of xxx are shown in Table 2.
Table 2 Hierarchical road classification categories.
Category
Description
1
These sealed roads are main roads that link South Australia or National road networks or
links between regional centres.
2
These are sealed roads used by residents to connect between local roads and arterial roads.
3
These roads often allow a direct route for traffic between smaller towns and may allow a
passage for vehicles to access the main sealed roads.
4
These are predominantly undeveloped tracks used by adjoining property owners.
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
SECTION 2: MANAGEMENT ISSUES
This section outlines the management issues relevant to the District Council of xxx that may impact on
indigenous vegetation on roadsides and provides actions and guidelines to reduce likely impacts, as well as
any consultation or assessment procedures that are required.
NOTE: Throughout this section, 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.
2.1 New Roadworks Clearance
New road works such as road construction, widening, realignment, new drains, new stockpile sites, new
borrow-pits, or upgrading as a result of changes in landuse patterns across a region, require careful
planning well before any works are proposed to avoid and/or minimise impacts to vegetation wherever
feasible. Clearance of mature or relatively undisturbed native vegetation may sometimes need to occur
when undertaking these roadwork activities, however with careful planning, it may be possible to modify the
roadworks to reduce or avoid critical impact on significant vegetation (as described in the hierarchical road
classification system section above).
Under the Native Vegetation Regulations 2003, Regulation 5(1)(d) permits clearance of native vegetation
for new road works or widening activities 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 will require a SEB to offset the clearance.
To minimise potential environment impacts of new roadworks, SEB requirements and the necessary
clearance approvals, the District Council of xxx will consult with DENR during the planning phase. If
significant vegetation is present council will investigate possible options to modify the roadworks to reduce
or avoid critical impacts.
An annual report on proposed new roadworks planned for the forthcoming year in areas of native
vegetation will be provided to the DENR to assist in minimising potential delays associated with the NVC
approval process.
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
District Council Policy:
District Council of xxx will provide advice on an annual basis to the NVC regarding new roadworks
planned for the forthcoming year in areas of native vegetation.
District Council of xxx will consider roadside native vegetation in the development of (10 year plan)
major upgrades / new roads / regional development etc to avoid road segments classed as A, B, or
C, and minimise the potential loss of valuable native vegetation.
Objectives

To ensure road construction activities meet road safety standards whilst ensuring minimum disturbance
to roadside indigenous vegetation.

Where significant vegetation is present District Council of xxx will consider modifying the road
construction to reduce or avoid critical impact.
2.1.1 Consultation and Approval Procedures
Management Issue
Requirements for Assessment/Approval
External (NVC)
New Roadworks Clearance
All but very minor clearance.
(Pavement widening, curve realignment,
reconstruction & sealing, intersection
modification, etc.)
2.1.2 Summary of Actions
The proposed actions for the clearance of native vegetation for road construction activities (including
construction of new and existing roads, widening and re-alignments) in council controlled roadside reserves
include:
Activity
Action Statement
Priority
Timeline
Vegetation
Refer to vegetation category mapping or, where vegetation has not been
June –
Survey
surveyed, conduct a vegetation survey, along proposed new roadworks to
determine if works are likely to have significant impact on native
August
2011
vegetation.
Stakeholder
Consult with relevant stakeholders (Council’s Natural Resource Officer,
NVC) prior to planning development , and road infrastructure, to ensure
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
Consultation
that (in particular) damaging activities along Category A and B roadside
vegetation can be avoided, and routes can be selected along areas
without roadside vegetation.
Modify Works
Once routes are settled on, further modify design to minimise vegetation
impacts.
Capacity
Train workers and contractors in erosion control, vegetation removal and
Building
vegetation protection measures prior to commencement of works.
Individual Prescription Sheets- New Roadworks Clearance
1
2
3
Priority - High, within 2 years Medium, within 5 years Low, within 10 years or reassessed Ongoing, effective immediately
Individual Prescription Sheets - New Roadworks Clearance
The individual prescription sheets provide operational staff/works contractors with details of works to be
undertaken to improve cooperation of all stakeholders in delivering best management practices for roadside
vegetation. Each prescription sheet details the location, length, general description, management and
maintenance recommendations for the roadside vegetation.
Prescription Sheet - New Roadworks Clearance Activity 1:
Prescription Sheet - New Roadworks Clearance Activity 2:
Prescription Sheet - New Roadworks Clearance Activity 3:
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
2.2 Roadside Maintenance
Clearance associated with road maintenance activities can be defined as the adequate vertical and lateral
clearance of roadside vegetation required for the safe movement of vehicles, and also the additional
clearance 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. These clearance areas are generally referred to as Clearance Envelope. Clearance
envelopes to be used in the District Council of xxx, can be found in Appendix 2.
Along most rural Council 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).
Clearance approval is needed where clearance exceeding previously established safety standards
is proposed, OR regrowth has reached the stage where high-impact methods (eg. bulldozing) are
proposed.
Low shrubs, native grasses and groundcovers generally do not affect road safety and, where possible, will
be retained in the clearance zones as these species help prevent week invasion and erosion and can
reduce roadside management costs.
District Council Policy:
District Council of xxx will undertake maintenance of existing roadside vegetation clearances by
low-impact methods in accordance with previously established safety standards, for the safe
movement of vehicles whilst minimising any damaging impacts on native vegetation.
Objectives

to ensure a safe and efficient road system whilst ensuring minimum disturbance to roadside indigenous
vegetation

to ensure best management practices for vegetation maintenance works on roadsides are understood
and adhered to
2.2.1 Consultation and Approval Procedures
Management Issue
Requirements for Assessment/Approval
None
External (NVC)
Roadside Maintenance Patrol
grading, drain clearing,
Maintenance of existing roadside
vegetation clearances (clearance
Clearance exceeding previously
established maintenance zones
maintaining clearance for
envelopes) by low impact methods.
(those not identified in RVMP).
passage of vehicles trimming,
pavement re-sheeting, pothole
Vegetation clearance for sight
e.g. construction of new open drains;
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
repairs, etc.)
distance at intersections, driveways,
new stockpiles or work areas outside
crests and curves, according to
approved “clearance envelope”;
Austroad Standards.
other maintenance requiring
increased clearance or use of high
impact methods.
2.2.2 Summary of Actions
The proposed actions for the clearance of native vegetation for maintenance of roadside vegetation in
council controlled roadside reserves.
Activity
Action Statement
Road
Maintenance of clearance envelopes to provide adequate sight distance will
Classification
be based on previous clearance envelopes. However, upper limit should be
Priority
Timeline
bound by the nominal width of the road in accordance with the function or
hierarchy of the road
Site
Conduct site inspections with all interested parties prior to commencement of
Inspections
maintenance activities to reduce potential impacts of maintenance works on
native vegetation
Individual Prescription Sheets - Roadside Maintenance
1
2
3
Priority - High, within 2 years Medium, within 5 years Low, within 10 years or reassessed Ongoing, effective immediately
Individual Prescription Sheets - Roadside Maintenance
The individual prescription sheets provide operational staff/contractors with details of works to be
undertaken to improve cooperation of all stakeholders in delivering best management practices for roadside
vegetation. Each prescription sheet details the location, length, general description, management and
maintenance recommendations for the roadside vegetation.
Prescription Sheet - Roadside Maintenance Activity 1:
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
Prescription Sheet - Roadside Maintenance Activity 2:
Prescription Sheet - Roadside Maintenance Activity 3:
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
2.3 Public Safety Clearance
Maintenance of existing clearances for road safety, or the clearance of vegetation to maintain safe sight
distance at intersections, crests 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). However, contact should be
made with the NVBM Unit for advice.
Under Native Vegetation Regulation 5(1)(lb), clearance of non-frangible native vegetation on roadsides,
intersections and rail crossings is exempt from SEB requirements, where that work is necessary to protect
public safety. Non-frangible (i.e. not easily broken and thus presenting a safety risk if collided with) refers to
plants with a stem diameter of 100mm or greater (at maturity).
Where clearance of native vegetation is proposed for public safety purposes, the District Council of
xxx will submit a Clearance Approval Form under Regulation 5(10(lb) to the NVC prior to any works
commencing. This is 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’.
District Council Policy
The District Council of xxx will monitor and where necessary address the need for clearance
under Native Vegetation Regulations 5(1)(lb)’ - Public Safety”.
Objectives

To balance roadside protection of native vegetation and public safety.

To maintain existing clearance envelopes along roadsides for the safe movement of vehicles, and at
intersections, crests and the inside of curves for adequate sight distance (see section Road
Maintenance).

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’.
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
2.3.1 Consultation and Approval Procedures
Management Issue
Requirements for Assessment/Approval
External (NVC)
Public Safety Clearance
Written approval required for clearance under Regulation 5(1(lb).
2.3.2 Summary of Actions
The proposed actions for the clearance of native vegetation for public safety purposes in council controlled
roadside reserves.
Activity
Safety Audit
Action Statement
Priority
Timeline
Conduct a road safety audit to identify roads with a high risk to public
safety
Category A-C
Site
Site assessments on roads with Category A-C vegetation will be
conducted to ensure appropriate low impact clearance methods are use
Assessments
to minimise damage to vegetation of high conservation significance.
Individual Prescription Sheets - Public Safety Clearance
1
2
3
Priority - High, within 2 years Medium, within 5 years Low, within 10 years or reassessed Ongoing, effective immediately
Individual Prescription Sheets - Public Safety Clearance
The individual prescription sheets provide operational staff/contractors with details of works to be
undertaken to improve cooperation of all stakeholders in delivering best management practices for roadside
vegetation. Each prescription sheet details the location, length, general description, management and
maintenance recommendations for the roadside vegetation.
Prescription Sheet - Public Safety Clearance Activity 1:
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
Prescription Sheet - Public Safety Clearance Activity 2:
Prescription Sheet - Public Safety Clearance Activity 3
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
2.4 Installation and Maintenance of Utilities
Traditionally, services such as powerlines, water supplies and telecommunications have often been
established along road reserves. Construction of these services can involve clearance of native vegetation,
as can ongoing maintenance of those services.
This section describes how the use of road reserves for installation and maintenance of power, water,
telecommunications and gas services is controlled.
Utility Maintenance Works
Maintenance works associated with electricity supply and other infrastructure such as water and gas, are
permitted under Native Vegetation Regulations 5(1)(f) – Maintenance works associated with electricity
supply and 5(1)(g) – Repair or Maintenance of Infrastructure, of the Native Vegetation Act 1991, as long as
the person undertaking the clearance has given at least 10 business days notice in writing outlining the
proposed clearance. A condition of the regulations requires the landholder to be notified of the proposed
works, unless the proponent is following standard operating procedures agreed to by the NVC or, in the
case of clearance of vegetation associated with the repair or maintenance of works associated with
electricity supply, in accordance with the principles of vegetation clearance under the Electricity Act 1996.
The person undertaking the clearance must also follow any guidelines issued by the NVC in relation to
protecting native vegetation from the spread of plant pathogens or noxious weeds, or from causing
unnecessary damage during the maintenance work.
Notification to the owner is required on the basis that the landholder is likely to be aware of the latest
information regarding plant pathogens or noxious weeds on the property. The notification is not required in
emergency situations such as the need to restore power following an outage.
New Utility Services
New services require a submission to be made to the NVC (under Native Vegetation Regulation 5(1)(d) –
Building or provision of infrastructure, including infrastructure in the Public Interest). This regulation permits
clearance of native vegetation for the construction or expansion of a building or infrastructure that the
Minister for Environment & Conservation considers to be in the public interest provided that it is located
such that it avoids or minimises the impact on significant areas of native vegetation.
A submission to the NVC will need to establish that:

the building or structure cannot be established without the need to clear some vegetation, and

the site chosen contains the least significant native vegetation, provided that construction is
practicable on that site
In particular, a proponent should seek to avoid areas containing an intact stratum2 of native vegetation.
2
An intact stratum is a layer of a plant community, consisting of local native plants, that has not been seriously degraded (eg by clearance, weed
invasion or grazing) during the immediately preceding twenty years.
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
Approval for vegetation clearance for such developments is conditional on the achievement of a SEB
elsewhere on the property or region to compensate for the vegetation to be cleared.
A management plan must be prepared that describes the works that will result in the environmental benefit,
which may include providing for the management of other native vegetation, the restoration of native
vegetation, or the replanting of a cleared area. If this is not achievable on the property, the applicant may
apply (to the NVC) to make a payment into the Native Vegetation Fund that will be used by the NVC to
achieve an environmental benefit elsewhere in the region.
District Council Policy:
The District Council of xxx will require that individual carriers or authorities comply with all permit
and clearance guideline requirements for the installation and maintenance of utilities on road
reserves.
Objectives

to minimise the impact of installation and maintenance of services to native vegetation within road
reserves

to maintain a safe operating environment for services
2.4.1 Consultation and Approval Procedures
Management Issue
Requirements for Assessment/Approval
None
External (NVC)
Installation and Maintenance of
If work is maintenance of existing
If more than minor clearance is
Utilities
clearances.
required outside of road
envelope.
Council approval required if external
applicants want to conduct work on
Any new works.
Council land.
Refer to Regulation 5(1)(d).
Refer to Regulations f and g
2.4.2 Summary of Actions
The proposed actions for the installation and maintenance of utilities in council controlled roadside
reserves.
Activity
Permits
Action Statement
Council to provide service authorities with the appropriate information
28
Priority
Timeline
District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
requirements
regarding permit requirements before any proposed new works on
roadsides commence
Training
Ensure that contractors and staff from service authorities involved in the
installation or maintenance of services (particularly on high conservation
value roadsides) have the relevant skills
Mapping
Map potential routes for new or replacement services to identify cleared
land or low conservation value roadside vegetation
Notification
Notify adjacent landholders if proposed works are likely to have an impact
on their land
Individual Prescription Sheets – Installation and Maintenance of Utilities
1
2
3
Priority - High, within 2 years Medium, within 5 years Low, within 10 years or reassessed Ongoing, effective immediately
Individual Prescription Sheets – Installation and Maintenance of Utilities
The individual prescription sheets provide operational staff/contractors with details of works to be
undertaken to improve cooperation of all stakeholders in delivering best management practices for roadside
vegetation. Each prescription sheet details the location, length, general description, management and
maintenance recommendations for the roadside vegetation.
Prescription Sheet – Installation and Maintenance of Utilities Activity 1:
Prescription Sheet – Installation and Maintenance of Utilities Activity 2:
Prescription Sheet – Installation and Maintenance of Utilities Activity 3:
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
2.5 Pest Plant and Animal Control
Pest plants and pest animals are more commonly known as weeds and feral animals. They can invade
rural land (agricultural weeds) or natural habitats (environmental weeds) and because of their
characteristics and/or location, they can cause economic, ecological, physical or aesthetic problems, often
with significant potential impacts on local and regional biodiversity.
Pest plants and animals can be divided into those that require control under legislation, and those that
whilst still damaging, are not considered significant enough to warrant legislative control.
Native Vegetation Act 1991
Clearance approval is required where a proposed animal or plant control program is likely to cause
significant damage to native roadside vegetation.
“Significant” in this context includes ripping of warrens where native vegetation will be affected, nonselective spraying in mixed weeds / native vegetation, and burning of native vegetation to assist pest
control. It does not include minor damage, such as removal of branches to gain access to pests.
The NVMB Unit is able to determine whether proposed clearance is of a sufficiently significant nature to
warrant referral on to the NVC for decision.
NRM Act, 2004
The Natural Resources Management Act, 2004 (the NRM Act) refers to classes of plants and animals for
which certain provisions of the Act apply. These species are declared pursuant to section 174 of the NRM
Act, and are often referred to as declared animals or plants.
Section 182(7) of the NRM Act makes it clear that the NRM Board (or NRM Group, where one exists) has
the responsibility to control on road reserves any pest plant or pest animal that they are forcing landowners
to control on private land (ie. declared animals and plants).
Section 185 of the NRM Act allows the Board to charge the adjoining landowners for control work on the
section of road reserve adjoining the owner's land up to the middle of the road reserve in the case of
most declared species.
Under Section 221 of the Local Government Act, 1999, it is illegal for landholders to undertake pest plant
and animal control work on the road reserve adjoining their property without authority from the relevant
District Council. Some Councils give authorisation for adjacent landholders to conduct declared animal and
plant control on road reserves, on the proviso that landowners consult the relevant NRM Board before
undertaking the work. This Council does/doesn’t do this.
Impacts to native vegetation during control works must be minimised in accordance with the requirements
of the Natural Resources Management Act 20043 and NVC guidelines ‘Clearance of Native Vegetation
3
192—Protection of certain vegetation and habitats
(1)
A person must, in taking measures for the control of animals or plants under this Chapter, take all reasonable steps to ensure—
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
associated with the Control of Plant and Animal Pests’ (as outlined in the District Council of xxx
Management Issue Guidelines document attached)
Removal of weeds and pests other than declared species, are controlled by the District Council of xxx.
In the District Council of xxx, the most common pest plant species are xxx, xx, xxx and xxx. Of particular
concern is the invasion of xxx and xxx species into Category A-C areas along xx road and xx road. Council
will undertake a targeted management program over the next 5 years to remove xx% of all invasions of xx
and xx species discovered in these reserves. Given the limited resources and scale of the problem, the
District Council of xxx will investigate partnering with xxxx and xxxxx to target its pest plant control
programs in these Category A-C areas.
In the District Council of xxx the most common pest animal species are xxx, xx, xxxx and xxxx. The
District Council of xxx has identified xxx declared pest animals within the council area. Of particular
concern is the invasion of xxx and xxx species into Category A-C areas along xx road and xx road. Council
will undertake a targeted management program over the next 5 years to remove xx% of all invasions of xx
and xx species discovered in these reserves. Given the limited resources and scale of the problem, the
District Council of xxx will investigate partnering with DENR and PIRSA to target its pest animal control
programs in these Category A-C areas.
The District Council of xxx recognises its responsibility to help prevent the further spread of pest plant
and animal species and will assist landholders through a partnership approach to prevent the spread into
private landholdings and roadsides through abatement programs and through the provision of information
on pest plant control methods.
District Council Policy:
The District Council of xxx will promote the control of pest plants and animals in road reserves in
conjunction with adjacent landholders and the xxx NRM Board, NRM Group (where one exists)
and/or third parties
Objectives

Reduce the establishment of new pest plants and animals in District Council of xxx.

Reduce the spread of existing pest plants and animals and their range and numbers.

Reduce the impacts of existing pest plants and animals on roadside native vegetation.
(a)
that native vegetation is not cleared except in accordance with guidelines prepared by the Native Vegetation Council under
section 25 of the Native Vegetation Act 1991; and
(b)
that damage to or destruction of other vegetation is kept to a minimum (unless the vegetation is subject to destruction or control
under this Chapter).
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan

Reduce threats to agriculture, natural environments and public safety
2.5.1 Consultation and Approval Procedures
Management Issue
Requirements for Assessment/Approval
None
Pest Plant and Animal
Control
External (NVC)
Minor clearance based on low offtarget damage risk (e.g. selective
All but minor clearance as defined in the
endorsed RVMP.
control using low impact methods)
in degraded native vegetation
Large control programs involving high offtarget damage risk.
Rabbit trail-baiting programmes
Clearance approval is required where a
where native vegetation is
present.
proposed animal or plant control program is
likely to cause significant damage to native
roadside vegetation.
2.5.2 Summary of Actions
The proposed actions for the clearance of native vegetation for the monitoring and control of targeted pest
plants and animals in council controlled roadside reserves.
Activity
Action Statement
Develop
Management Plan
Develop a pest plant and animal management action plan.
Mapping
Map infestations of priority pest plant and animal species.
Priorities
Prioritise pest plant and animal species for eradication or
containment.
Standard Operating
Develop and implement a Standard Operating Procedure for pest
Procedures4
plant and animal control activities using standard minimal disturbance
techniques (eg. work from best to worst areas).
Raising Community
Awareness
4
Develop community awareness programs to ensure landholders
understand their responsibilities regarding pest plants and animal
If deemed necessary.
32
Priority
Timeline
District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
control activities on roadsides.
Monitoring
Monitor outbreaks of declared weed and animals
Eradication
Produce a strategy to eradicate such outbreaks.
Individual Prescription Sheets – Pest Plant and Animal Control
1
2
3
Priority - High, within 2 years Medium, within 5 years Low, within 10 years or reassessed Ongoing, effective immediately
Individual Prescription Sheets – Pest Plant and Animal Control
The individual prescription sheets provide operational staff/contractors with details of works to be
undertaken to improve cooperation of all stakeholders in delivering best management practices for roadside
vegetation. Each prescription sheet details the location, length, general description, management and
maintenance recommendations for the roadside vegetation.
Prescription Sheet - – Pest Plant and Animal Control Activity 1:
Prescription Sheet - – Pest Plant and Animal Control Activity 2:
Prescription Sheet - – Pest Plant and Animal Control Activity 3:
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
2.6 Soil-borne Pests and Diseases
This section addresses diseases of native plants such as Phytophthora and Mundulla Yellows (MY). It
describes the District Council of xxx strategy for managing these plant diseases where they have been
identified within the Council district, and where not present, provides some general information which may
be of assistance for future management.
For further information on Phytophthora, Mundulla Yellows and Biosecurity generally, contact the Ecologist,
Biosecurity, in the Department for Environment and Natural Resources.
Phytophthora
Phytophthora is a microscopic, soil and water borne organism that attacks the roots and basal stem tissue
of both native and introduced plants. It is often referred to as a “fungus”. There are many species, but the
most widespread and destructive is P.cinnamomi. Phytophthora infects the roots and basal stem tissue
preventing the uptake of water and nutrients by the plant, causing dieback and death. Any movement of
soil, water and/or plant material has the potential to spread Phytophthora to new areas. Once an area is
infested with Phytophthora it is always infested.
The District Council of xxx has been identified in a vulnerable/non-vulnerable area for Phytophthora, and
will follow ‘Phytophthora Management Guidelines’ by the Phytophthora Technical Group (2006, 2nd
edition). This provides a framework for the management of Phytophthora by all Government and nongovernment organisations, landholders, community groups and individuals. Vulnerable areas are those
areas where susceptible vegetation is present and where environmental conditions (such as average
annual rainfall of 400mm or more and neutral to acid soils) are such that there is the potential for
Phytophthora to become established.
Mundulla Yellows
Mundulla Yellows is a relatively recent plant die-back syndrome known to predominantly affect eucalypt
species and other native plant species. Mundulla Yellows was first discovered in the southeast of South
Australia in the 1970’s, and has since been recorded in other parts of the state and interstate. Eucalypts
with Mundulla Yellows are identifiable initially by the presence of small clusters of bright yellow leaves
(actually yellowing between the veins of the leaves) within the tree canopy, followed by a progression of
yellowing towards the trunk and a progressive dying back of the tree (or shrub), and a slow deterioration in
health, before death. The symptoms exhibited by plants affected by Mundulla Yellows are similar to
symptoms presented due to other environmental factors, hence diagnosis can be difficult.
Mundulla Yellows in SA is generally found on alkaline soils, and is caused by a complex interaction of soil
properties (i.e. increased alkalinity and salinity, reduced water availability, increased compaction and a few
others) resulting in a deficiency of available iron, manganese and other micronutrients to the plant. Hence,
hygiene guidelines for Mundulla Yellow are no longer considered necessary; however, amenity trees (or
trees deemed to be of significant value to warrant treatment) within the District Council can be treated with
iron chelates or implants to reverse the symptoms in the shrub or tree.
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
District Council Policy:
The District Council of xxx will monitor the occurrence of soil-borne pests and diseases along their
road network, and undertake management practices that will reduce their spread within the Council
district.
Figure 2: Area vulnerable to infestation from Phytophthora in South Australia.
(Source:) ‘Phytophthora Management Guidelines’ by the Phytophthora Technical Group, Government of South Australia (2006,
2nd edition)
Objectives

To contain and minimise the spread of Phytophthora in the Council district.

To manage infected areas in such a way as to minimise the effect on the environment and on
recreational activities.

To protect uninfected areas and minimise the risk of them becoming infected.

To promote a “whole of Community” approach to the management of Phytophthora in the Council
district.
2.6.1 Consultation and Approval Procedures
Not applicable for soil-borne pests and diseases along road networks.
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
2.6.2 Summary of Actions
The proposed actions for the controlling soil-borne pests and diseases in council controlled roadside
reserves.
Activity
Contain and
minimise the
Action Statement
Priority
Timeline
Map and monitor locations of Phytophthora and Mundulla Yellows in the
Council district
spread
Minimise
effect on the
Use appropriate hygiene procedures when undertaking roadworks to
prevent spread from infected areas,
environment
and on
recreational
activities
Erect signage on site to identify Phytophthora and Mundulla Yellows
locations
Promote information on locations and methods to be used (web site/council
office/papers)
Uninfected
areas
Hygiene procedures and stations to be advertised / provided as per
Guidelines (wash-down stations at entrances to reserves)
protected
from
infection
Raising
community
Dissemination of information relating to Phytophthora and Mundulla Yellows
in affected areas / letters/website
awareness
Individual Prescription Sheets – Soil-borne Pests and Diseases
1
2
3
Priority - High, within 2 years Medium, within 5 years Low, within 10 years or reassessed Ongoing, effective immediately
Individual Prescription Sheets – Soil-borne Pests and Diseases
The individual prescription sheets provide operational staff/contractors with details of works to be
undertaken to improve cooperation of all stakeholders in delivering best management practices for roadside
36
District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
vegetation. Each prescription sheet details the location, length, general description, management and
maintenance recommendations for the roadside vegetation.
Prescription Sheet – Soil-borne Pests and Diseases Activity 1:
Prescription Sheet – Soil-borne Pests and Diseases Activity 2:
Prescription Sheet – Soil-borne Pests and Diseases Activity 3:
37
District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
2.7 Fenceline Clearance
A landholder who wishes to clear native vegetation on a road reserve, to enable construction or
maintenance of a boundary fence, requires the District Council of xxx consent under the Local
Government Act 1999 (Section 221). In granting any consent, the District Council of xxx must comply
with the following guidelines.

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.
 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 should 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). Small amounts may be left on site if it is spread widely and not allowed to form a pile, does
not considerably increase the amount of combustible material or degrade what native vegetation
remains (i.e. smothers native vegetation).
 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.
 Any unauthorised clearance will be referred by Council staff to 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).
In addition, to these standards, landholders needing to replace boundary fences are encouraged to
consider the option of re-locating the new fencing a few metres into their properties to minimise the
potential impacts on roadside vegetation, while at the same time potentially reducing 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 acts as a firebreak between the roadside and the
property.
Another alternative to the removal of trees in line with the property boundary that can be considered, is the
construction of 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 (Appendix 5).
The District Council of xxx will seek formal NVC approval for vegetation clearance when proposed
clearance exceeds the above standards or when rare or threatened species (NPW Act Schedules or EPBC
Act 1999) are present.
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
Greater fence line 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 necessary, the District
Council of xxx can seek variation of the standards to suit local conditions.
District Council Policy:
The District Council of xxx will ensure that any clearance of roadside vegetation for fence line
construction or maintenance complies with the standards and guidelines in this plan.
Objectives

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.

To enable landholders to gain appropriate access to fence lines for maintenance and construction
purposes.
2.7.1 Consultation and Approval Procedures
Management Issue
Fenceline Clearance
Requirements for Assessment/Approval
None
External (NVC)
Where the roadside vegetation consists
largely of trees, only branches
Any clearance exceeding approved
standard as defined in the endorsed RVMP.
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 fenceline, those plants
growing within one metre of the fence
alignment can be removed.
Encourage relocating fence or strut
arrangement to avoid large tree
clearance.
39
District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
2.7.2 Summary of Actions
The proposed actions for the clearance of native vegetation along fencelines in council controlled roadside
reserves.
Activity
Action Statement
Priority
Raising
Community
Promote landholders understanding of the requirements for clearing on
roadsides.
Timeline
Awareness
Encourage landholders to ensure that all litter and rubbish (such as fencing
wire, packets) is removed from the roadside at completion of works and is
properly disposed.
Approval
Provide information to landholders notifying any removal of roadside
Process
vegetation for maintenance/ construction of fence lines requires council
approval
Individual Prescription Sheets – Fenceline Clearance
1
2
3
Priority - High, within 2 years Medium, within 5 years Low, within 10 years or reassessed Ongoing, effective immediately
Individual Prescription Sheets – Fenceline Clearance
The individual prescription sheets provide operational staff/contractors with details of works to be
undertaken to improve cooperation of all stakeholders in delivering best management practices for roadside
vegetation. Each prescription sheet details the location, length, general description, management and
maintenance recommendations for the roadside vegetation.
Prescription Sheet - Fenceline Clearance Activity 1:
Prescription Sheet - Fenceline Clearance Activity 2:
Prescription Sheet - Fenceline Clearance Activity 3:
40
District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
2.8 Property Access Clearance
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. If there is more than one option which
will provide safe access, the option which involves least disturbance of native vegetation should be
selected.
In addition to obligations under the Native Vegetation Act 1991, clearance for this purpose requires
development approval from District Councils and along arterial roads, Department Transport Energy and
Infrastructure.
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.

When proposed clearance exceeds the above standards, approval through the Native Vegetation
and Biodiversity Management Unit will be required.
District Council Policy:
The District Council of xxx will ensure that any clearance of roadside vegetation for property
access does not exceed the NVC clearance standards within this plan. Any approved clearance will
be conducted using minimal impact techniques.
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 Standards5
Austroads Guide to Road Design: Part 4: Intersections and Crossings-General 2009
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
2.8.1 Consultation and Approval Procedures
Management Issue
Requirements for Assessment/Approval
None
External (NVC)
Property Access
Maximum 5m wide (normal access),
Any clearance exceeding approved
Clearance
10m wide (machinery) if native
vegetation is present (but not of
standard as defined in the endorsed
RVMP.
conservation significance).
2.8.2 Summary of Actions
The proposed actions for the clearance of native vegetation for access to a property in council controlled
roadside reserves.
Activity
Minimal
impacts to
Action Statement
Priority
Timeline
Provide property access to landholders through council control road
reserves that have minimal impact on native vegetation
vegetation
Sight
triangles
Ensure safe sight distance triangles for the clearance of native vegetation
meet the required standards
Individual Prescription Sheets – Property Access Clearance
1
2
3
Priority - High, within 2 years Medium, within 5 years Low, within 10 years or reassessed Ongoing, effective immediately
Individual Prescription Sheets – Property Access Clearance
The individual prescription sheets provide operational staff/contractors with details of works to be
undertaken to improve cooperation of all stakeholders in delivering best management practices for roadside
42
District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
vegetation. Each prescription sheet details the location, length, general description, management and
maintenance recommendations for the roadside vegetation.
Prescription Sheet – Property Access Clearance Activity 1:
Prescription Sheet – Property Access Clearance Activity 2:
Prescription Sheet – Property Access Clearance Activity 3:
43
District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
2.9 Bushfire Hazard Reduction
Review of this Section should occur before the 2011-2012 bushfire season, and be consistent with the local
Bushfire Management Area Plan under the Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005, (Bushfire Prevention
Plans will be reviewed once Bushfire Management Committees for each region are established).6
District 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. Section 105G of the Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005
requires that:
(1) A council that has the care, control or management of land
(a) in the country; or
(b) in a designated urban bushfire risk area,
must take reasonable steps –
(c) to prevent or inhibit the outbreak of fire on the land; and
(d) to prevent or inhibit the spread of fire through the land; and
(e) to protect property on the land from fire; and
(f) to minimise the threat to human life from fire on the land
District 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.
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
prevention 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
6
73A—Bushfire Management Area Plans
(1)
(2)
(3)
Each bushfire management committee must prepare and maintain a Bushfire Management Area Plan for its area.
The plan must set out a scheme for bushfire management within its area.
Without limiting subsection (2), the plan must—
(a) identify existing or potential risks to people and communities within its area from bushfire; and
(b) outline strategies to achieve appropriate hazard reduction associated with bushfire management within its area, especially through a
coordinated and cooperative approach to bushfire prevention and mitigation; and
(c) identify action that should be taken by persons, agencies and authorities to achieve appropriate standards of bushfire management within
its area; and
(d) without limiting paragraphs (b) and (c), establish or adopt principles and standards to guide or measure the successful implementation of
bushfire management strategies and initiatives; and
(e) include or address other matters prescribed by the regulations or specified by the State Bushfire Coordination Committee.
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
(B) is undertaken in accordance with the written approval of the Chief Officer of SACFS.
District Council of xxx has / hasn’t yet documented the fire prevention works it believes are necessary to
meet its fire prevention responsibilities in its Bushfire Management Plan (BMP), produced in consultation
with the Council’s Bushfire Prevention Officer, CFS Regional Prevention Officer and CFS Bushfire
Management Committee.
The District Council of xxx does list /does not list any roadsides as Strategic Fire Management Roads.
These are highlighted in Appendix 3: Map of roadside reserve classifications; and Appendix 4:
Hierarchical road classification.
Any applications to revegetate roadsides must be assessed and approved by the Council Fire Prevention
Officer.
District Council Policy:
The District Council of xxx will consult with SA CFS Bushfire Management Committee to
develop/implement a Bushfire Management Plan that considers the aim of fire prevention measures
and give consideration to the conservation objectives of the region and state
Objectives

To strategically plan and manage roadside vegetation for the protection of life and property

To ensure Strategic Firebreaks are established and maintained to protect life and property

To prevent or 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
2.9.1 Consultation and Approval Procedures
Management Issue
Requirements for Assessment/Approval
Internal (DC’s)
None
Bushfire Hazard
Reduction
External (NVC)
If a 5m firebreak has been
legally established and
If a 5m firebreak has been
legally established and
Any other proposed
clearance for fire
cleared in the previous
cleared prior to previous
prevention needs approval
Note – slashing,
year.
trimming, mowing, or
rolling are preferred
year but before 5 years,
and natural regeneration
from NVC, unless in
accordance with a District
If no native vegetation is
methods of
maintaining
present based on previous
assessment.
may have since occurred,
and there is no adjacent
BMP, or through an
application to the CFS Fire
cleared land.
Prevention Officer.
fuelbreaks.
Soil disturbance
Consultation with the CFS
should normally occur
should be minimised
through the CFS Regional
If adjacent land is cleared
of native vegetation, review
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
because of likely
Prevention Officer
an appropriate location and
problems with weed
method (rolling, slashing
invasion and erosion.
etc) for fire break by local
council Bushfire Prevention
Officer (or Regional
Prevention Officer SA
CFS).
In high bushfire areas, new
breaks maximum 20 m long
across roadside, not <
500m apart, on previously
cleared or areas without
native vegetation such as
gateways.
Approval is not required for
the maintenance of
previously approved
existing fuel breaks.
2.9.2 Summary of Actions
The proposed actions for clearance of native vegetation for bushfire hazard reduction in council controlled
roadside reserves.
Activity
Action Statement
Bushfire
Management Plan
In conjunction with the CFS Regional Prevention Officer develop and
implement an approved BMP
Reduce High Fuel
Liaise with CFS Regional Prevention Officer and landholders adjoining
Loads
council roadside reserves to develop and implement strategies to
reduce areas of high fuel loads
Protect Category
In the BMP ensure Category A-C vegetation sites are identified and
A-C Vegetation
techniques are appropriate to protect these areas
Sites
Map Strategic Fire
Record as part of the Council BMP, the conservation categories of
Breaks
roadsides designated as strategic fire breaks.
Prioritise
Strategic Fuel
Develop a priority list of Strategic fuel breaks and roadways for broad
scale fire prevention purposes.
Breaks
46
Priority
Timeline
District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
Develop an annual maintenance program to establish standards for:
Conduct
Ecological Burns

the identified roads;

dates to be achieved;

management plans for site specific conflict areas
Conduct ecological burn between one and three year intervals.
Individual Prescription Sheets– Bushfire Hazard Reduction
1
2
3
Priority - High, within 2 years Medium, within 5 years Low, within 10 years or reassessed Ongoing, effective immediately
Individual Prescription Sheets – Bushfire Hazard Reduction
The individual prescription sheets provide operational staff/contractors with details of works to be
undertaken to improve cooperation of all stakeholders in delivering best management practices for roadside
vegetation. Each prescription sheet details the location, length, general description, management and
maintenance recommendations for the roadside vegetation.
Prescription Sheet – Bushfire Hazard Reduction Activity 1:
Prescription Sheet – Bushfire Hazard Reduction Activity 2:
Prescription Sheet – Bushfire Hazard Reduction Activity 3:
47
District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
2.10 Grazing
Grazing of stock in areas of native vegetation can have severe impacts - damaging plants, assisting weed
invasion, preventing natural regeneration and compacting and polluting the soil. The Native Vegetation Act
1991 controls the grazing of native vegetation, and roadside grazing can also be controlled by District
Councils using by-laws under the Local Government Act 1999.
Clearance approval is required from the Native Vegetation Council for any grazing (other than associated
with droving – see next section) likely to cause damage to native roadside vegetation. This includes
roadsides where:

native shrub and understorey species are present;

there is evidence of recent or periodic regeneration of native plant species.
(If applicable) Proposals to graze roadside vegetation are subject to a permit application process with
referral to NVC in cases where grazing impact may occur.
(If applicable) The District Council of xxx will permit landholders to graze their stock in unused, cleared
road reserves devoid of roadside native vegetation.
In cases where grazing has historically occurred along roadsides, then (although not encouraged) this may
continue at the same frequency and duration without NVC approval, however, any change of stock, or
increase in frequency or duration of grazing, or grazing of areas without any previous history of
grazing, requires NVC approval.
Grazing of roadsides devoid of native vegetation requires only the consent of the District Council of xxx.
Grazing can be an acceptable form of roadside management in some situations, such as where exotic
grasses like Phalaris have replaced native understorey and have created a fire hazard. At the same time
areas of native grassland, which are of a very high conservation value, should be protected from roadside
grazing.
The grazing of leased roads is treated differently. Many undeveloped road reserves are leased to adjoining
landholders for grazing or cropping. In this situation, any clearance of native vegetation, or change in
grazing practice which increased the pressure on native vegetation, would require clearance approval.
Where important native vegetation is identified on leased roads, it will be protected through a management
agreement or through removal of the area from the lease.
District Council Policy:
Any proposal by the District Council of xxx to allow grazing of roadside native vegetation should be
subject to a permit application process with referral to NVC in cases where damage to native
roadside vegetation is likely.
Objectives:

To minimise any impact of grazing by stock on roadside reserves where native vegetation is
present (other than for droving purposes)
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
2.10.1 Consultation and Approval Procedures
Management Issue
Grazing on Roadsides
Requirements for Assessment/Approval
None
External (NVC)
No native vegetation or only mature native
trees & exotic grasses present
Where native understorey or regenerating
native vegetation is present.
2.10.2 Summary of Actions
The proposed actions for the grazing of native vegetation in council controlled roadside reserves.
Activity
Grazing
Licences
Action Statement
Priority
Timeline
The issuing of grazing licenses will only be granted on roadsides where there
are no native shrub or understorey species present, and where there is no
evidence of recent or periodic regeneration of native plant species
Undeveloped
Road
Grazing of native vegetation in undeveloped road reserves requires
clearance approval from the NVC if there is any change in grazing practice
Reserves
which increases the pressure on native vegetation.
Important native vegetation to be protected through a management
agreement, or through removal of the area from the lease.
Individual Prescription Sheets – Grazing
Priority - High, within 2 years Medium, within 5 years Low, within 10 years or reassessed Ongoing, effective immediately
Individual Prescription Sheets – Grazing
The individual prescription sheets provide operational staff/contractors with details of works to be
undertaken to improve cooperation of all stakeholders in delivering best management practices for roadside
vegetation. Each prescription sheet details the location, length, general description, management and
maintenance recommendations for the roadside vegetation.
Prescription Sheet – Grazing Activity 1:
49
District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
Prescription Sheet – Grazing Activity 2:
Prescription Sheet – Grazing Activity 3:
50
District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
2.11 Droving Stock
The droving or movement of stock on roadsides occurs within the District Council of xxx region. It is
recognised as a necessary practice within some areas of the region as part of normal farm management.
The droving or movement of stock does not require approval under the Native Vegetation Act 1991.
However, routes which contain important stands of native vegetation should be avoided as much as
possible so as to minimise damage to native roadside vegetation. If there is no practical alternative, and
stock are to travel though native vegetation, then stock must be kept moving at all times to minimise
incidental grazing and subsequent damage to native vegetation (otherwise may constitute breach of Native
Vegetation Act 1991 – see grazing section).
Movement of stock on roadsides also requires / does not require the consent of District Council xxx,
and / however the following guidelines apply:

(if applicable) The council has a permit application process in place to assess individual proposals
for movement of stock on roadsides

The movement of livestock that is part of normal farm management, from one property to another is
permitted if there are no practical alternatives to avoiding the road reserve.

Where the movement of livestock is over a long distance, consultation shall be held with District
Council of xxx, the local Natural Resource Management Authorised Officer, and the Native
Vegetation and Biodiversity Management Unit

Movement of stock along Category A and B roadsides, or roadsides containing known populations
of threatened species, should instead be diverted where possible along roadsides containing
categories of lesser value, i.e. Category E, D, and as last preference C.

Stock must be kept moving at all times.
Access to Crown Lands under District Council’s control for the purpose of movement of stock (eg. water
resources, travelling stock routes) may be permitted with the written approval from council. Where those
reserves support existing native vegetation (including native grasslands), grazing will be prohibited.
District Council Policy:
The District Council of xxx will ensure that the droving of stock on roadsides is conducted in
accordance with the guidelines in this plan, and that damage to native roadside vegetation by stock
is minimised.
Objectives

To manage potential damage to roadside native vegetation from the droving of stock

To protect roadside native vegetation of high conservation significance from the impacts of droving
stock.
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
2.11.1 Consultation and Approval Procedures
Management Issue
Requirements for assessment/approval
None
Droving Stock on Roadsides
External (NVC)
Stock to be kept moving at all times.
Any direct clearance or increased
pressure on native vegetation.
Areas of conservation significance to
be avoided as much as possible.
Any long trips which require rest
stops.
2.11.2 Summary of Actions
The proposed actions for the droving of stock in council controlled roadside reserves.
Activity
Action Statement
Raising community
Promote landholders understanding about the value of roadside
awareness
vegetation and of the potential impact stock droving has on roadside
vegetation.
Monitoring impacts
Monitor impacts of stock droving on roadside native vegetation
Category A and B
Discourage the droving of stock along Category A or B vegetation
vegetation
except where no suitable alternative route is found
Priority
Timeline
Individual Prescription Sheets – Droving Stock
1
2
3
Priority - High, within 2 years Medium, within 5 years Low, within 10 years or reassessed Ongoing, effective immediately
Individual Prescription Sheets – Droving Stock
The individual prescription sheets provide operational staff/contractors with details of works to be
undertaken to improve cooperation of all stakeholders in delivering best management practices for roadside
52
District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
vegetation. Each prescription sheet details the location, length, general description, management and
maintenance recommendations for the roadside vegetation.
Prescription Sheet – Droving Stock Activity 1:
Prescription Sheet – Droving Stock Activity 2:
Prescription Sheet – Droving Stock Activity 3:
53
District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
2.12 Recreational Use of Road Reserves (Including Undeveloped Roads)
Road reserves (developed and undeveloped) are subject to a range of recreational pressures. For
example, there is an expanding network of walking trails on roadsides in many areas of the State. Horse
and bike trails are being established on some roadsides.
All of these activities have the potential to significantly disturb native vegetation. Recreational vehicle
activities on roadsides should not be permitted, but walking and horse trails may be acceptable provided
that certain principles and practices are adhered to (see guidelines), and NVC approval is sought.
Under the Native Vegetation Act, 1991, clearance approval is needed for any trail development
involving clearance of native vegetation.
Furthermore, the development of any recreational trails along road reserves must include consultation with
the local council and with the Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Management Unit, where the trail would
pass through or immediately alongside native vegetation.
District Council Policy:
The District Council of xxx will not permit recreational vehicle activities on roadsides containing
native vegetation, but will allow lawfully established walking and horse trails provided that certain
principles and practices contained in this RVMP are adhered to.
Objectives

To minimise the impacts of recreational activities on native roadside vegetation
2.12.1 Consultation and Approval Procedures
Management Issues
Requirements for assessment/approval
None
Recreational Use of Road
Reserves (Including
External (NVC)
Maintenance of existing trails.
Any trail development involving
clearance of native vegetation.
Undeveloped Roads)
2.12.2 Summary of Actions
The proposed actions for the recreational use of road reserves (including undeveloped roads) in council
controlled roadside reserves.
Activity
Raising
Action Statement
Promote communities understanding of the value of roadside
54
Priority
Timeline
District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
Community
vegetation and of the potential impact recreational use of road
Awareness
reserves has on roadside vegetation.
Discourage the recreational use of road reserves in Category A or B
vegetation
Monitoring Impacts
Monitor impacts of recreational use of road reserves on roadside
native vegetation
Promotion
Promote the environmental and tourist benefits of lawfully established
and recognised public recreational tracks.
Individual Prescription Sheets – Recreational Use of Road Reserves (Including
Undeveloped Roads)
1
2
3
Priority - High, within 2 years Medium, within 5 years Low, within 10 years or reassessed Ongoing, effective immediately
Individual Prescription Sheets – Recreational Use of Road Reserves
The individual prescription sheets provide operational staff/contractors with details of works to be
undertaken to improve cooperation of all stakeholders in delivering best management practices for roadside
vegetation. Each prescription sheet details the location, length, general description, management and
maintenance recommendations for the roadside vegetation.
Prescription Sheet – Recreational Use of Road Reserves Activity 1:
Prescription Sheet – Recreational Use of Road Reserves Activity 2:
Prescription Sheet – Recreational Use of Road Reserves Activity 3:
55
District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
2.13 Cultivation and Cropping
Cultivation of roadsides (for fire prevention, weed control, or cropping) can have devastating impacts on
any remaining remnant native vegetation through the physical removal of plant species, run-off from
fertilisers and pesticides altering the nutrient status of the soil and exposing fallowed soil to weed invasion
and erosion potential. Cultivation and growing crops on roadsides is only a technique for consideration on
roadsides with no remnant vegetation.
Within the District Council of xxx there are many surveyed road reserves which have never been
developed as roads. Many of these undeveloped road reserves are leased to adjoining landholders for
cropping purposes. Some are totally cleared and pass unmarked through farm paddocks. Although of low
ecological value, these areas may be suitable for cropping or for revegetation projects. Other undeveloped
road reserves have relatively undisturbed native vegetation and are of high conservation value. In these
areas cropping practices will not be permitted.
Cropping on roadsides, or on leased undeveloped roads needs clearance approval from the NVC if
native vegetation is present.
District Council Policy:
The District Council of xxx does not permit cultivation and cropping on roadsides that support
native vegetation in order to protect the biodiversity values of road reserve areas.
Objectives

To manage potential damage to roadside native vegetation from the cultivation and growing of
crops

To protect all roadside native vegetation from the cultivation and growing of crops
2.13.1 Consultation and Approval Procedures
Management Issues
Cultivation and Cropping
on Roadsides
Requirements for assessment/approval
None
External (NVC)
Permits for cropping practices will only be
given for roadsides with no remaining
Where native understorey or regenerating
native vegetation is present.
native vegetation.
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
2.13.2 Summary of Actions
The proposed actions for the cultivation and cropping on council controlled roadside reserves.
Activity
Action Statement
Permit
requirements
Ensure landholders comply with council permit requirements before any
proposed cropping works on roadsides commence
Community
Ensure landholders are aware of the roadside cropping best management
awareness
practices for minimising external impacts on native vegetation
Prevention
Landholders will not be permitted to crop roadsides with native vegetation,
including native grasslands
Priority
Timeline
Individual Prescription Sheets – Cultivation and Cropping
1
2
3
Priority - High, within 2 years Medium, within 5 years Low, within 10 years or reassessed Ongoing, effective immediately
Individual Prescription Sheets – Cultivation and Cropping
The individual prescription sheets provide operational staff/contractors with details of works to be
undertaken to improve cooperation of all stakeholders in delivering best management practices for roadside
vegetation. Each prescription sheet details the location, length, general description, management and
maintenance recommendations for the roadside vegetation.
Prescription Sheet – Cultivation and Cropping Activity 1:
Prescription Sheet – Cultivation and Cropping Activity 2:
Prescription Sheet – Cultivation and Cropping Activity 3:
57
District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
2.14 Removal of Plant Material
The removal of plant material from roadsides includes the collection of dead timber for firewood; the cutting
of live timber; brush-cutting (Melaleuca uncinata); seed collection; and flower harvesting.
All of these activities require the (written) consent of Council of xxx and are prohibited without prior
approval. Other constraints may also apply – as set out below.
Collection of Dead Timber
The removal of dead timber from roadsides is not controlled under the Native Vegetation Act 1991 unless
(as defined by the Native Vegetation Regulations 2003) it comprises trees of a species native to South
Australia (a) that have a trunk circumference (measured at a point 300 mm above the base of tree) of 2
metres or more; and (b) that provide or have the potential to provide, or are a part of a group of trees or
other plants (whether dead or alive) that provide, or have a potential to provide, a habitat for animals of a
listed threatened species under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 of the
Commonwealth.
However, District Council xxx controls this activity as dead timber, both standing and fallen, provides
habitat for native fauna, and flora, and is also important in the recycling of nutrients. Collection should not
be permitted unless necessary for fuel reduction (as part of an approved Bushfire Plan – see Bushfire
Hazard Reduction section of this Plan), to assist rabbit control, or to remove timber which is hazardous to
traffic or fencing.
If a permit to collect fallen timber is granted it will clearly specify that care be taken not to damage any
surrounding native vegetation.
Cutting of Live timber
Any cutting of live timber outside of the scope of guidelines in this plan requires the consent of the District
Council xxx and also clearance consent under the Native Vegetation Act 1991.
Brush-cutting (If applicable)
The cutting of brush (Melaleuca uncinata) on roadsides requires clearance approval unless it is undertaken
in accordance with other guidelines in this plan.
Seed Collection (Cuttings and Specimens) Revegetation programs using local species are strongly
supported and roadsides are often ideal sites for seed collection. However, care is needed to minimise
damage to the parent plant and to avoid depleting the seed supply to such an extent that natural
regeneration of plants on the roadside is affected.
The collection of seeds, cuttings and specimens from native vegetation from roadsides, requires the
consent of the local council and from DENR under Section 49 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972
through a Permit to Collect Native Plant Material (contact the Fauna Permit Unit of DENR, telephone 8463
4841).
The collection of seeds, cuttings or other specimens from native plants does not require consent from the
NVC provided that damage to the plant is not substantial. As a guide, cutting a substantial branch off a tree
or bush to collect seed would not be regarded as exempt; nor would the removal of virtually all harvestable
seed from a single plant.
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
Nevertheless, the District Council of xxx will give preference to seed collecting permits associated with
local revegetation projects, and tree trimming programs (for verge maintenance) will be undertaken in
consultation with local revegetation groups to facilitate the collection of seed from trimmed vegetation.
District Council Policy:
The District Council of xxx will ensure that removal of plant material from roadsides is undertaken
in accordance with the guidelines in this plan and that appropriate permits have been issued
Objectives

To promote the statutory requirements for retaining roadside native vegetation

To limit the extent of damage caused by removal of roadside native vegetation

To ensure that only a sustainable amount of native vegetation is removed from roadsides.
2.14.1 Consultation and Approval Procedures
Management
Issues
Damaging
activities(Impacts)
Requirements for assessment/approval
None
External (NVC)
Removal of
Vegetation is dead
Live timber, flowers, rare or scheduled
Plant Material
(unless defined as
native vegetation under
the Native Vegetation
Act 1991) or removed
species*, significant habitat.
under permit from
District Council or as
per guidelines
2.14.2 Summary of Actions
The proposed actions for the removal of plant material in council controlled roadside reserves.
Activity
Action Statement
Permits
Permits for seed collection on roadsides will be given preference for local
revegetation projects
Tree
Tree trimming programs (for verge maintenance) will be undertaken in
Trimming
consultation with local revegetation groups to facilitate the collection of seed
from trimmed vegetation.
59
Priority
Timeline
District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
Community
Distribute information to landholders on the guidelines for removal of plant
Awareness
material on road reserves
Individual Prescription Sheets – Removal of Plant Material
1
2
3
Priority - High, within 2 years Medium, within 5 years Low, within 10 years or reassessed Ongoing, effective immediately
Individual Prescription Sheets – Removal of Plant Material
The individual prescription sheets provide operational staff/contractors with details of works to be
undertaken to improve cooperation of all stakeholders in delivering best management practices for roadside
vegetation. Each prescription sheet details the location, length, general description, management and
maintenance recommendations for the roadside vegetation.
Prescription Sheet – Removal of Plant Material Activity 1:
Prescription Sheet – Removal of Plant Material Activity 2:
Prescription Sheet – Removal of Plant Material Activity 3:
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
2.15 Maintenance of Vegetation Diversity
Along some roadsides there is evidence of a steady decline of native vegetation, not associated with direct
clearance. Several factors may be contributing to this (some of which are addressed elsewhere in this plan)
including:

Old age or senescence and lack of natural regeneration

Herbicides or other chemicals used on adjoining farmland, or used for weed control on roadsides

Animal pests and methods used to control them

Increased exposure of vegetation on roadsides following clearance of vegetation on adjoining land

Root-rot fungi such as Phytophthora cinnamomi

Mistletoe infestations

Lerp infestation

Competition from exotic species

Inappropriate fire regimes

Dumping of garden waste
The condition of roadside vegetation within the District Council of xxx varies from Category A vegetation
with very high conservation value (pristine remnant vegetation) to Category E vegetation with low
conservation value. In high conservation value areas, the best treatment may be to do nothing other than
monitor any changes in condition. Where management work is required it should use minimal disturbance
techniques.
Within the District Council of xxx there are number of locations where roadside vegetation is being
actively managed by community groups using minimal disturbance techniques (list, eg. “Threatened Plant
Action Group”, “Bushcare” etc) to maintain biological diversity, or to promote regeneration of native
species. This involves weeding, controlled burning, fencing and rubbish collection (add or delete as
appropriate).
The District Council of xxx will continue to encourage and promote the maintenance and improvement of
roadside vegetation diversity through the support of existing groups, and, where appropriate, the
establishment of more local community groups, to undertake restoration activities.
Maintaining roadside vegetation diversity can be a complex issue. In some cases a form of disturbance (eg.
burning, pollarding) may be proposed as a means of enhancing vegetation health or diversity in the longer
term. Such activities actually constitute clearance in terms of the Native Vegetation Act 1991
Any proposals involving disturbance of native vegetation to maintain vegetation diversity will be developed
in close consultation with the Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Management Unit. Formal NVC approval
for vegetation clearance will be required when any measures involving lopping, burning or other
disturbance of native vegetation are proposed. These activities will be carefully planned and monitored.
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
District Council Policy:
The District Council of xxx will monitor any changes in condition of roadside native vegetation and
will actively encourage community groups to maintain or promote vegetation diversity in road
reserves
Objectives

To promote community interest and involvement in enhancing roadside vegetation diversity and
management.
2.15.1 Consultation and Approval Procedures
Management Issues
Requirements for Assessment/Approval
None
External (NVC)
Maintenance of
If trimming or pruning of vegetation using
Any measures involving burning, lopping
Vegetation Diversity
appropriate, low impact cutting tools is
proposed - consult with the NVBM Unit for
or other disturbance of native vegetation.
advise for all proposals to help determine
best practice
Consultation with the NVBM Unit advised
for all proposals to help determine best
practice.
2.15.2 Summary of Actions
The proposed actions for the maintenance of vegetation diversity in council controlled roadside reserves.
Activity
Action Statement
Community
Promote community interest and involvement in roadside vegetation
Awareness
management;
Community
Involvement
Involve local people in roadside revegetation projects and other
management programs
Expertise
Provide the local community with direct access to local expertise
Monitoring
Monitor the effectiveness of roadside management techniques and
ascertain any changes in condition
62
Priority
Timeline
District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
Priority
Identify high and medium conservation value roadsides to aid in
Setting
maintenance of vegetation diversity.
Individual Prescription Sheets – Maintenance of Vegetation Diversity
1
2
3
Priority - High, within 2 years Medium, within 5 years Low, within 10 years or reassessed Ongoing, effective immediately
Individual Prescription Sheets – Maintenance of Vegetation Diversity
The individual prescription sheets provide operational staff/contractors with details of works to be
undertaken to improve cooperation of all stakeholders in delivering best management practices for roadside
vegetation. Each prescription sheet details the location, length, general description, management and
maintenance recommendations for the roadside vegetation.
Prescription Sheet – Maintenance of Vegetation Diversity Activity 1:
Prescription Sheet – Maintenance of Vegetation Diversity Activity 2:
Prescription Sheet – Maintenance of Vegetation Diversity Activity 3:
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
2.16 Protection of Native Vegetation of High Conservation Significance
The conservation significance of vegetation along roadways within the District Council of xxx varies from
vegetation of little significance (i.e. relatively common) to high significance (i.e. increasingly rare). Whilst all
native vegetation is protected and should not be cleared unless clearance is considered to be minor as
stipulated in this plan, some vegetation requires extra precautions to prevent accidental damage (eg.
signage), and in other cases, active management to prevent decline in quality (eg. Bushcare work).
There are around xxx kilometres of roadways within the District Council of xxx. Within this, xxx kms of
roadways are considered to support native plants or vegetation associations of high conservation
significance. It is important that these locations are identified, recorded, and protected.
Within the District Council of xxx, xxx nationally recognised threatened species have been recorded
along roadsides, and xxx species threatened at a state level and xxx at a regional level have also been
recorded. There are also xxx vegetation associations that are listed as threatened at the
national/state/local level (add and delete as appropriate, and list threatened associations and plant
species).
Vegetation of high conservation significance is important to the region as it can provide:

habitat for native animals and plants, including endangered species;

‘links corridors’ that allow native animals to move from one habitat area to another;

unique genetic reference areas for sourcing seed for revegetation and regeneration projects
The District Council of xxx aims to assess/has assessed its roadside vegetation through a roadside
vegetation survey and will/has produced a road network identifying the conservation significance for most
roads throughout its region (Appendix 4).
A map of the vegetation categories for the road network within the District Council of xxx will assist
Council to minimise or avoid any loss or disturbance of native vegetation of conservation significance by
locating proposed development or roadside works away from these areas. If it is not possible to avoid loss
of native vegetation, Council will use the data collected and associated maps to identify areas of roadside
vegetation that can be managed better as a way of providing an SEB offset which would be a requirement
for clearance of vegetation associated with any new works under Native Vegetation Regulation 5 (1)(d) of
the Native Vegetation Act 1991.
Council will implement a Roadside Marker System (RMS), to protect and manage roadside vegetation of
high ecological significance (such as Category A and B), and to ensure that activities that affect roadside
vegetation are controlled,
Training programs for District Council staff and others (eg. contractors), and development of work
procedures to ensure protection of significant sites, will also be implemented.
In consultation with Trees For Life, Bushcare sites will also be encouraged wherever possible to help
actively manage these important areas of native vegetation.
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
District Council Policy:
The District Council of xxx will ensure roadside native vegetation of high conservation significance
is identified and managed for its protection, and ensure that any roadside activities that may affect
these areas are controlled.
Objectives

To protect roadside native vegetation of high conservation significance

To reverse the deterioration of roadside native vegetation by improving management practices
2.16.1 Consultation and Approval Procedures
Management Issues
Requirements for Assessment/Approval
None
External (NVC)
Protection of Vegetation
If trimming or pruning of vegetation using
Any measures involving burning, lopping
of High Conservation
Significance
appropriate, low impact cutting tools is
proposed - consult with the NVBM Unit
or other disturbance of native vegetation.
for advise for all proposals to help
determine best practice
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.
2.16.2 Summary of Actions
The proposed actions for the protection of vegetation diversity in council controlled roadside reserves.
Activity
Roadside
Vegetation
Action Statement
Conduct roadside vegetation surveys to determine where significant species or
vegetation occur,
Surveys
Roadside
Marker
Establish and manage a Roadside Marker System to identify significant sites,
particularly for District Council staff or contractors,
System
Site
Register
Develop a comprehensive Register of sites showing all threatened or
significant vegetation and fauna area’s, linked to standard Council databases.
65
Priority
Timeline
District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
Training
Conduct training programs for District Council staff and others (eg. contractors)
Ensure all contractors and service providers are aware of the roadside quality
and sites of significance before any works commence
Work
Develop work procedures to ensure the protection of significant sites
Procedures
Monitoring
Monitor signed sites and review management (if necessary) in consultation
with NVC, the local community, field expert or the site nominator.
Individual Prescription Sheets – Protection of Native Vegetation of High
Conservation Significance
1
2
3
Priority - High, within 2 years Medium, within 5 years Low, within 10 years or reassessed Ongoing, effective immediately
Individual Prescription Sheets – Protection of Native Vegetation of High Conservation Significance
The individual prescription sheets provide operational staff/contractors with details of works to be
undertaken to improve cooperation of all stakeholders in delivering best management practices for roadside
vegetation. Each prescription sheet details the location, length, general description, management and
maintenance recommendations for the roadside vegetation.
Prescription Sheet – Protection of Native Vegetation of High Conservation Significance Activity 1:
Prescription Sheet – Protection of Native Vegetation of High Conservation Significance Activity 2:
Prescription Sheet – Protection of Native Vegetation of High Conservation Significance Activity 3:
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
2.17 Restoration and Revegetation on Roadside Reserves
The District Council of xxx is committed to roadside restoration and revegetation programs within Council
region. Council recognises the ecological and aesthetic importance of restoring, maintaining and
enhancing roadside native vegetation as areas of habitat for wildlife, to increase the biological diversity and
seed stock of the area, and to create linkages for wildlife movement. Other benefits include improving the
amenity of an area, reducing the risk of soil erosion and soil salinity, and possibly reducing the risk of fire
through appropriate fire management practices.
The District Council of xxx is located within the xxx region, and intends to follow the xxx Regional
Revegetation Plan. (Outline relevant parts here).
OR
The long-term strategy for the District Council of xxx is to give first priority to roadsides of high
conservation significance when rehabilitating roadsides. High and Medium Conservation roadsides
(Category A, B and C) representing high to good quality native vegetation or regionally endangered,
vulnerable and threatened vegetation communities are considered by the council as the highest priority
areas to is to manage or revegetate.
Council will consider allowing these areas to rehabilitate through natural regeneration and carefully
controlled management practices as a cost effective and ecologically sound method of restoring and
maintaining roadsides vegetation. Council will consider in previously cleared or degraded roadsides using
local native species to establish linkages with remnant bushland areas in the district. If further information
on revegetation strategies in the region becomes available, (i.e. revegetation plans), this RVMP will
incorporate the recommendations wherever possible.
It is essential (and a legal requirement) that the permission of the District Council of xxx be obtained for
roadside revegetation programs. Planned revegetation programs will be conducted under Council’s
authorisation and will incorporate other Council maintenance policies aimed at minimising soil disturbance
and associated weed establishment, control introduced plants and animals, and restrict grazing or
development along roadside areas in the district.
District Council Policy:
The District Council of xxx will give first priority to roadsides of high conservation significance
when rehabilitating roadsides.
The District Council of xxx will encourage the rehabilitation and revegetation of suitable, degraded
areas of road reserve through natural regeneration of native plant species and through utilising
local native species.
Objectives

To encourage the re-establishment of native vegetation along roadsides in parts of the district
council area where native vegetation has been identified as cleared or degraded.
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan

To prevent further degradation within road reserves giving high priority to rehabilitation works along
High and Medium Conservation roadsides (Category A, B and C).
2.17.1 Consultation and Approval Procedures
Management Issues
Requirements for Assessment/Approval
None
Restoration and
Revegetation on
Roadside Reserves
External (NVC)
If no native vegetation is present
approval is required from the District
Council of xxx.
If damage to vegetation is likely, or if
revegetating in areas with existing native
vegetation, such as natural grassland
areas that may be impacted on by
shading etc.
2.17.2 Summary of Actions
Proposed actions for the restoration and revegetation of roadside reserves include:
Activity
Priority
Action Statement
Priority will be given to roadsides of high conservation significance
Areas
Targeted revegetation programs will link good quality but fragmented
remnants to provide continuous vegetation
Seed
Collection
Tender for collection of local native seed for annual revegetation program
Pest Control
Conduct pre/post pest plant and animal control works to encourage
regeneration and rehabilitation of roadside vegetation.
Community
Involve Landcare and Community groups in programs for the planting of
Group
indigenous vegetation on roadside corridors.
Participation
Raising
Community
Provide information such as indigenous species lists and potential growers to
the community to encourage authorised planting of local indigenous species
Awareness
on roadsides.
68
Priority
Timeline
District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
Individual Prescription Sheets – Restoration and Revegetation on Roadside
Reserves
1
2
3
Priority - High, within 2 years Medium, within 5 years Low, within 10 years or reassessed Ongoing, effective immediately
Individual Prescription Sheets – Restoration and Revegetation on Roadside Reserves
The individual prescription sheets provide operational staff/contractors with details of works to be
undertaken to improve cooperation of all stakeholders in delivering best management practices for roadside
vegetation. Each prescription sheet details the location, length, general description, management and
maintenance recommendations for the roadside vegetation.
Prescription Sheet - Restoration and Revegetation on Roadside Reserves Activity 1:
Prescription Sheet – Restoration and Revegetation on Roadside Reserves Activity 2:
Prescription Sheet – Restoration and Revegetation on Roadside Reserves Activity 3:
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
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.
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
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
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.
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
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
Definitions
Clearance (from the Native
Vegetation Act 1991)

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
Clearance Envelope
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].
District Council
Local Government body constituted under the Local Government Act
1999.
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
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
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
1991 for the exact wording.
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
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
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
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 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
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
APPENDIX
Appendix 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
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
Appendix 2: Clearance Envelopes
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 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.
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 minimum7 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 1.
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.
7
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.
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
Figure 1: 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 2.
Figure 2: 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 3).
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
Figure 3: 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 4). 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 5). 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 4: Secondary Clearance Envelope around existing roadside furniture
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
Figure 5: Secondary Clearance Envelope Along Road
Figure 6: Maintenance of verge areas at intersections (this includes road and rail
intersections)
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
Appendix 3: Map of Roadside Reserve Classifications
Example of a map of the vegetation categories for the road network within the District Council of xxx
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
Appendix 4: Hierarchical Road Classification
Example of a map of the road hierarchy for the District Council of xxx
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
Appendix 5: 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.
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
SECTION 3: DISTRICT COUNCIL of XXX - ACTION PLAN
Activity
Action Statement
Priority
Timeline
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New Road Works Clearance
Vegetation Survey
Stakeholder Consultation
Page No.
Refer to vegetation category mapping or, where vegetation has not been surveyed, conduct a
vegetation survey, along proposed new roadworks to determine if works are likely to have significant
June –
August
impact on native vegetation.
2011
Consult with relevant stakeholders (Council’s Natural Resource Officer, NVC) prior to planning
development , and road infrastructure, to ensure that (in particular) damaging activities along Category
A and B roadside vegetation can be avoided, and routes can be selected along areas without roadside
vegetation.
Modify Works
Once routes are settled on, further modify design to minimise vegetation impacts.
Capacity Building
Train workers and contractors in erosion control, vegetation removal and vegetation protection
measures prior to commencement of works.
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Road Maintenance
Road Classification
Maintenance of clearance envelopes to provide adequate sight distance will be based on previous
clearance envelopes. However, upper limit should be bound by the nominal width of the road in
accordance with the function or hierarchy of the road
Site Inspections
Conduct site inspections with all interested parties prior to commencement of maintenance activities to
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
reduce potential impacts of maintenance works on native vegetation
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Public Safety Clearance
Safety Audit
Conduct a road safety audit to identify roads with a high risk to public safety
Category A-C Site
Site assessments on roads with Category A-C vegetation will be conducted to ensure appropriate low
Assessments
impact clearance methods are use to minimise damage to vegetation of high conservation significance.
Installation and Maintenance of Utilities
Permits requirements
Council to provide service authorities with the appropriate information regarding permit requirements
before any proposed new works on roadsides commence
Training
Ensure that contractors and staff from service authorities involved in the installation or maintenance of
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services (particularly on high conservation value roadsides) have the relevant skills
Mapping
Map potential routes for new or replacement services to identify cleared land or low conservation value
roadside vegetation
Notification
Notify adjacent landholders if proposed works are likely to have an impact on their land
Pest Plant and Animal Control
Develop Management
Develop a pest plant and animal management action plan.
Plan
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
Mapping
Map infestations of priority pest plant and animal species.
Priorities
Prioritise pest plant and animal species for eradication or containment.
Standard Operating
Procedures
8
Develop and implement a Standard Operating Procedure for pest plant and animal control activities
using standard minimal disturbance techniques (eg. work from best to worst areas).
Raising Community
Awareness
Develop community awareness programs to ensure landholders understand their responsibilities
regarding pest plants and animal control activities on roadsides.
Monitoring
Monitor outbreaks of declared weed and animals
Eradication
Produce a strategy to eradicate such outbreaks.
Soil-borne Pests and Diseases
Contain and minimise the
spread
Map and monitor locations of Phytophthora and Mundulla Yellows in the Council district
Minimise effect on the
Use appropriate hygiene procedures when undertaking roadworks to prevent spread from infected
environment and on
recreational activities
areas,
Erect signage on site to identify Phytophthora and Mundulla Yellows locations
8
If deemed necessary.
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
Promote information on locations and methods to be used (web site/council office/papers)
Uninfected areas
Hygiene procedures and stations to be advertised / provided as per Guidelines (wash-down stations at
protected from infection
entrances to reserves)
Raising community
awareness
Dissemination of information relating to Phytophthora and Mundulla Yellows in affected areas /
letters/website
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Fenceline Clearance
Raising Community
Ensure landholders understand the requirements for clearing on roadsides.
Awareness
Encourage landholders to ensure that all litter and rubbish (such as fencing wire, packets) is removed
from the roadside at completion of works and is properly disposed.
Approval Process
Provide information to landholders notifying any removal of roadside vegetation for maintenance/
construction of fence lines requires council approval
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Property Access Clearance
Minimal impacts to
Provide property access to landholders through council control road reserves that have minimal impact
vegetation
on native vegetation
Sight triangles
Ensure safe sight distance triangles for the clearance of native vegetation meet the required standards
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Bushfire Hazard Reduction
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
Bushfire Management
In conjunction with the CFS Regional Prevention Officer develop and implement an approved BMP
Plan
Reduce High Fuel Loads
Liaise with CFS Regional Prevention Officer and landholders adjoining council roadside reserves to
develop and implement strategies to reduce areas of high fuel loads
Protect Category A-C
In the BMP ensure Category A-C vegetation sites are identified and techniques are appropriate to
Vegetation Sites
protect these areas
Map Strategic Fire
Breaks
Record as part of the Council BMP, the conservation categories of roadsides designated as strategic
fire breaks.
Prioritise Strategic Fuel
Develop a priority list of Strategic fuel breaks and roadways for broad scale fire prevention purposes.
Breaks
Develop an annual maintenance program to establish standards for:
Conduct Ecological

the identified roads;

dates to be achieved;

management plans for site specific conflict areas
Conduct ecological burn between one and three year intervals.
Burns
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Grazing
Grazing Licences
The issuing of grazing licenses will only be granted roadsides where there are no native shrub or
understorey species present, and where there is no evidence of recent or periodic regeneration of
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
native plant species
Undeveloped Road
Grazing of native vegetation in undeveloped road reserves requires clearance approval from the NVC if
Reserves
there is any change in grazing practice which increases the pressure on native vegetation.
Important native vegetation to be protected through a management agreement, or through removal of
the area from the lease.
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Droving Stock
Raising community
awareness
Educate landholders about the value of roadside vegetation and of the potential impact stock droving
has on roadside vegetation.
Monitoring impacts
Monitor impacts of stock droving on roadside native vegetation
Category A and B
vegetation
Discourage the droving of stock along Category A or B vegetation except where no suitable alternative
route is found
Recreational Use of Road Reserves (Including Undeveloped Roads)
Raising Community
Awareness
Educate the community about the value of roadside vegetation and of the potential impact recreational
use of road reserves has on roadside vegetation.
Discourage the recreational use of road reserves in Category A or B vegetation
Monitoring Impacts
Monitor impacts of recreational use of road reserves on roadside native vegetation
Promotion
Promote the environmental and tourist benefits of lawfully established and recognised public
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
recreational tracks.
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Cultivation and Cropping
Permit requirements
Ensure landholders comply with council permit requirements before any proposed cropping works on
roadsides commence
Community awareness
Ensure landholders are aware of the roadside cropping best management practices for minimising
external impacts on native vegetation
Prevention
Landholders will not be permitted to crop roadsides with native vegetation, including native grasslands
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Removal of Plant Material
Permits
Permits for seed collection on roadsides will be given preference for local revegetation projects
Tree Trimming
Tree trimming programs (for verge maintenance) will be undertaken in consultation with local
revegetation groups to facilitate the collection of seed from trimmed vegetation.
Community Awareness
Distribute information to landholders on the guidelines for removal of plant material on road reserves
Maintenance of Vegetation Diversity
Community Awareness
Promote community interest and involvement in roadside vegetation management;
Community Involvement
Involve local people in roadside revegetation projects and other management programs
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
Expertise
Provide the local community with direct access to local expertise
Monitoring
Monitor the effectiveness of roadside management techniques and ascertain any changes in condition
Priority Setting
Identify high and medium conservation value roadsides to aid in maintenance of vegetation diversity.
Protection of Vegetation of High Conservation Significance
Roadside Vegetation
Conduct roadside vegetation surveys to determine where significant species or vegetation occur,
Surveys
Roadside Marker System
Establish and manage a Roadside Marker System to identify significant sites, particularly for District
Council staff or contractors,
Site Register
Develop a comprehensive Register of sites showing all threatened or significant vegetation and fauna
area’s, linked to standard Council databases.
Training
Conduct training programs for District Council staff and others (eg. contractors)
Ensure all contractors and service providers are aware of the roadside quality and sites of significance
before any works commence
Work Procedures
Develop work procedures to ensure the protection of significant sites
Monitoring
Monitor signed sites and review management (if necessary) in consultation with NVC, the local
community, field expert or the site nominator.
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
Roadside Vegetation
Conduct roadside vegetation surveys to determine where significant species or vegetation occur,
Surveys
Restoration and Revegetation of Roadside Reserves
Priority Areas
Priority will be given to roadsides of high conservation significance
Targeted revegetation programs will link good quality but fragmented remnants to provide continuous
vegetation
Seed Collection
Tender for collection of local native seed for annual revegetation program
Pest Control
Conduct pre/post pest plant and animal control works to encourage regeneration and rehabilitation of
roadside vegetation.
Community Group
Participation
Involve Landcare and Community groups in programs for the planting of indigenous vegetation on
roadside corridors.
Raising Community
Provide information such as indigenous species lists and potential growers to the community to
Awareness
encourage authorised planting of local indigenous species on roadsides.
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District Council of XXXX Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
3.1 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 District 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.
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