Issues (Issue 36)

Native Vegetation Management Guidelines

On 29th November 2007, the CMPA attended a working group meeting on the Native Vegetation Management Guidelines issue at the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) offices. The purpose of this meeting was to review submissions received from the public, gain an understanding of the mapping and planning tools that are presently available, and review the project details for the development of the guidelines.

As a result of changes in the DSE (with both Chris Pitfield and Gavin Mathieson leaving) and other pressures to progress this project, Andrew Hill of Ecology Partners has been engaged to write the guidelines. This document will be presented in draft form in early March.

To ensure that the CMPA continues to apply pressure on this issue, a meeting was held with a number of other associations (including the CCAA, Property Institute of Victoria and VFF) and independent MP Craig Ingram, MLA.

Those at the meeting presented their organisations views and concerns in relation to the native vegetation management framework and discussed possible strategies in addressing these. A further meeting has been proposed.

Three key points that have not been addressed by either process are:

• Proper parliamentary evaluation of the framework, giving due consideration to the environmental, social and economic implications. This evaluation must be undertaken by a large, reputable firm with wide experience in the financial implications and cumulative legislative burden upon the businesses it is written for.
• Identification of who within government is charged with encouraging an efficient extractive industry which makes best use of the resources in a way that is compatible with the economic, social and environmental objectives of the state and evidence of their duties being carried out.
• Encourage more flexible policy able to utilise ideas such as:
  • Embedding full extractive industry exemptions within the DSE’s framework as this industry is often temporary in nature and already heavily regulated,
  • Taking a balance sheet approach, giving value to the resource on par with vegetation.

Protocol for Environmental Management – Mining & Extractive Industries

It was reported in the last newsletter that the EPA has released the above document. It is now available from the EPA’s website.

The protocol is applicable to both new developments and existing sites when a variation occurs. The most significant part of the document is the table for determining the level of assessment required (see below).

The levels are defined within the protocol, however in summary details the requirements for monitoring data required prior to the assessment, modelling requirements, and ongoing monitoring requirements. Risk management protocols and trigger points apply to all levels, but will change depending upon the risk.

To view the document visit www.epa.vic.gov.au

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