This explanatory report details amendment S5 to all Planning Schemes in Victoria that sets out the planning policies for the retention and reestablishment of native vegetation on all land in Victoria comprised in parcels of more than 0.4 hectare and provides for a permit to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation.
The amendment is part of a package of measures to conserve remaining native vegetation in Victoria, in conjunction with a major revegetation program and other land and water protection initiatives. It recognises the crucial role of native vegetation in salinity and erosion control, stabilising streams, wildlife habitat, shade and shelter, limiting greenhouse impacts, maintaining gene pools, and landscape quality.