Attachment 1 to Item 53 - Roadside Vegetation Management Plan

H AW K E S B U R Y C IT Y C O U N C IL R O AD S ID E V E G E T AT IO N M AN AG E M E N T P L AN
o anticipated tree growth rates and mature heights (to minimise pruning); and
o rehabilitation techniques.
• Where existing indigenous vegetation is disturbed during works, ensure that contractors
and staff rehabilitate works areas to (as close as practical) the condition prior to
commencement of works. Use species of robust indigenous ground cover species that are
naturally present in vegetation communities in works areas rather than exotic grass
species. Provide replacement indigenous plants naturally present in vegetation
communities in works areas to compensate for any trees removed during installation
works. Monitor site rehabilitation and vegetation re-establishment, control weeds and
replace any lost planted stock for 12 months after completion of works, as part of the
contract; and
• During trenching works, ensure that contractors salvage, store and respread topsoil to
match the original soil profile. Also, ensure that works areas are stabilised with
revegetation using indigenous species that are naturally present in vegetation communities
in works areas or alternatively a sterile cereal rye grass. Rather than severely pruning
trees (e.g. cut to near ground level) growing directly under any power lines, encourage
removal of the tree and replacement with indigenous species naturally present in
vegetation communities in works areas that do not require such pruning.
6.13 LANDUSE (AGRICULTURAL USE – TRAVELLING STOCK ROUTES)
As grazing by stock can have negative effects on biodiversity and contribute to erosion or change the
nutrient status of soil or local hydrology (see Section 3.14), the issuing of stock permits must be
carefully considered. The following actions detail how roadside environments should be managed for
grazing.
• Develop a roadside grazing policy specifically outlining the conditions under which
roadside grazing will be approved and the issues of consideration when determining
approval. Issues of consideration may include:
o the sensitivity of vegetation or environment in the proposed grazing area and along
the route;
o the nature of any weeds in the area and the potential for livestock to contribute to
weed spread; and
o driver safety.
• Require that all people who have been issued with a stock permit to display their stock
permit on any nearby fencing within the area that is being grazed;
• Only permit roadside grazing in low conservation priority roadsides unless a Fire
Management Plan or Weed Control Plan allows for limited grazing on medium
conservation priority roadsides, avoiding:
o areas that allow access to natural waterways and drainage lines;
o areas near sensitive areas such as wetlands and national parks;
o areas where regeneration of native vegetation is occurring; and
o areas comprising EECs.
• Only permit grazing where soil stability is sound. Avoid:
o areas lacking a stable vegetation cover;
o areas where soils are wet;
o areas which contain steep surfaces such as road batters; and
o areas highly exposed to wind and water run off.
• Restrict grazing between September - October and late January so that native grasses and
other plants can flower and set seed;
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