Victoria’s Native Vegetation Framework was released in 2002 by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (now the Department of Sustainability and Environment) and the then Minster for Environment and Conservation, Sherryl Garbutt MP.

The Framework sets up a State-wide policy framework for native vegetation management in Victoria. It was developed according to the primary goal that Victoria achieve “a reversal, across the entire landscape, of the long-term decline in the extent and quality of native vegetation, leading to a Net Gain” (see p.14).

Net Gain is the outcome where overall gains are greater than overall losses. Losses and gains are determined by a combined quality-quantity measure over a specified area and period of time (see p.18).

The Framework suggests native vegetation management objectives can be incorporated into current programs to promote a permanent change to the way landholders use and manage remnant vegetation on their land (see p.32). Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs) have prepared Native Vegetation Plans for their regions which have the flexibility to incorporate additional offset criteria and be more specific about management priorities (see p.33).

The Regional Native Vegetation Plans will act as a reference to conservation status of communities within the region. The Plans will also provide regional guidelines for responsible and referral authorities in determining permit applications to remove native vegetation (see p.33). The Plans have identified priority actions for the protection and management of remnants where the habitat is of equal value (see p.33). In implementing Regional Native Vegetation Plans regard will be had to applying the Net Gain principle in three steps (see p.23):

1. Avoid adverse impacts, particularly through vegetation clearance.
2. Where impacts cannot be avoided, to minimise impacts through appropriate consideration in planning process and expert input into project design or management.
3. Identify appropriate offset options.

• Native vegetation and Victorian planning laws

• Victorian Government - Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) - Victoria's Native Vegetation Management Framework