Native vegetation removal and offsets
A planning permit is usually required to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation in Victoria. This applies to all properties over 0.4ha (approximately one acre). These regulations cover not just trees, but all native vegetation including shrubs, grasses and other understorey plants that are indigenous to Victoria.
Native vegetation provides habitat for plants and animals and helps make land more productive and contributes to human wellbeing.
Offsets and your planning application
If a permit is granted a native vegetation offset must be secured before the native vegetation is removed.
An offset compensates for loss of biodiversity value by protecting and managing native vegetation at an offset site.
There are two types of offset:
- General Offset – required when removal of native vegetation does not have a significant impact on habitat for rare or threatened species.
- Species Offset – required when the removal of native vegetation has a significant impact on habitat for rare or threatened species.
You as the permit holder have a choice where you meet your offset needs:
- First party offsets - you establish an offset site on the land where the native vegetation will be removed. To do this, the site must meet criteria to be an offset site.
- Third party offsets - you buy native vegetation credits from other landowners.
Securing an offset
The Native Vegetation Removal report prepared as part of your permit application identifies your offset requirements and whether you need a general or specific offset, or both. These will be included as a condition of your planning permit.
To prepare the report, refer to the ‘Making an application to remove native vegetation’ section on the Department of Environment webpage.
Purchase offsets from a broker
To purchase native vegetation credits from a third party, contact an accredited broker. They will arrange for all the documents to be completed and signed for you. Go to the Department of Environment's NVCR registered brokers list.
You can also purchase native vegetation offsets through Nillumbik Shire Council’s over-the-counter Native Vegetation Offset Program (NVOP).
Establish a first party offset site
To secure a first party offset you will need to have an Offset Plan prepared by an ecologist and approved by Council. You will need to enter into an agreement with a statutory body that you will protect and manage native vegetation on your property in perpetuity (forever). Go to the Victorian Government's I need to secure an offset page.
Offset costs
Owners of third party offset sites set the price of the native vegetation credits they are selling. The price will depend on the type of security and management required for the offset site. Contact an accredited broker to get an estimate of costs.
The First Party Offset Guide provides information on the costs to secure and manage native vegetation as a first party offset. Find the guide on the Victorian Government's I want to establish a first-party offset page.
More information