Lindum Vale Native Vegetation Precinct Plan

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1 Lindum Vale Native Vegetation Precinct Plan August 2017

2 MAPS Map 1 NVPP Area 4 Map 2 NVPP Vegetation Patches & Trees Required to be Retained 8 Map 3 NVPP Vegetation Patches & Trees that can be Removed 12 TABLES Table 1 Remnant patches required to be retained 9 Table 2 Scattered trees required to be retained 11 Table 3 Remnant patches which can be removed, destroyed or lopped without a planning permit 13 Table 4 Scattered trees which can be removed 14 Table 5 Summary of offset requirements for the removal of specified native vegetation 16 Table 6 Breakdown of offset requirements for native vegetation specified to be removed 16 2

3 Contents 1.0 LINDUM VALE NATIVE VEGETATION PRECINCT PLAN PURPOSE Biodiversity Assets Strategic Biodiversity Context Planning Scheme Considerations Vegetation protection objectives to be achieved NATIVE VEGETATION & TREES TO BE RETAINED Native vegetation patches requiered to be retained Scattered trees required to be retained NATIVE VEGETATION & TREES THAT CAN BE REMOVED, DESTROYED OR LOPPED WITHOUT A PLANNING PERMIT Native Vegetation Patches that can be removed or destroyed without a planning permit Scattered Trees that can be removed or lopped without a planning permit OFFSET CALCULATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS How the required offset will be secured Management actions and requirements for retained areas Conditions Procedures for the Collection of any Payments Reference Documents GLOSSARY APPENDICES 20 3

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5 1.0 LINDUM VALE NATIVE VEGETATION PRECINCT PLAN This is the Lindum Vale Native Vegetation Precinct Plan (NVPP) listed under the Schedule to Clause of the Hume Planning Scheme. The removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation in accordance with this Native Vegetation Precinct Plan, does not require a planning permit provided the conditions and requirements specified in this Native Vegetation Precinct Plan are met. The Lindum Vale NVPP applies to all land shown in Map PURPOSE The purpose of the Lindum Vale NVPP is to: Summarise the biodiversity values of the site. Apply a holistic, landscape wide approach to retention and removal of native vegetation, within the Lindum Vale NVPP area as identified on Map 1. Ensure that areas set aside to protect native vegetation are managed to conserve ecological values in accordance with the Lindum Vale Precinct Structure Plan. Ensure that the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation, and the management of the native vegetation specified to be retained is consistent with conserving the ecological values of these areas and is in accordance with no net loss objective as set out in the Permitted clearing of native vegetation- Biodiversity Assessment Guidelines (DEPI 2013) (Guidelines). Describe the offset requirements for any permitted removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation as identified in this plan. Streamline the planning approvals process through a landscape approach to native vegetation protection and management. 2.1 Biodiversity Assets The Lindum Vale PSP precinct contains hectares of native vegetation. Remnant vegetation includes the Plains Grassy Woodlands (Ecological Vegetation Class 55) which includes four patches (Habitat Zones 1, 2, 3 and 4) that have a relatively intact cover of understorey species rather than the presence of canopy trees alone. Past agricultural and farming practices including grazing domestic stock and cropping have resulted in the land becoming highly modified and significantly degraded. Despite these practices the area supports a range of ecological features including: 61 scattered trees many of which are large hollow bearing trees. Populations of Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana (critically endangered in Australia) and Austral Crane s-bill (vulnerable in Victoria). Contribution to surrounding ecological values by providing a degree of habitat continuity for more mobile fauna such as birds and bats. 5

6 2.2 Strategic Biodiversity Context The Lindum Vale NVPP is located north east in the Victorian Volcanic Plain bioregion and is in close proximity to the boundary with the Central Victorian Uplands. There are no permanent creeks which traverse the area. The land is located less than two kilometres from the Mount Ridley Grasslands Nature Conservation Reserve and is connected to the reserve by other areas of agricultural land. The land that connects the two is zoned for future residential development. Contained within the Lindum Vale PSP is the Plains Grassy Woodlands which supports an open canopy of River Red-gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis and occasionally Grey Box Eucalyptus microcarpa. While the Plains Grassy Woodlands typically have an open shrub layer of various wattles, this is largely absent from the site due to the long term grazing. Despite the precinct being subject to modification, the south eastern portion of site has been designated as a conservation area as it meets the definition of the Grassy Eucalypt Woodland under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). The Grassy Eucalypt Woodland is a critically endangered ecological community and is one of Victoria s most threatened and fragmented ecosystems with less than five per cent of the original extent remaining*. *Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, 2011, Nationally Threatened Ecological Communities of the Victorian Volcanic Plain: Natural Temperate Grassland & Grassy Eucalypt Woodland, date accessed 15 April 2017, from < 6

7 2.3 Planning Scheme Considerations The Victorian Planning Provisions, at Clause 72 of the Hume Planning Scheme defines native vegetation as Plants that are indigenous to Victoria, including trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses. Clause within the Hume City Planning Scheme requires a planning permit to remove, lop or destroy native vegetation, unless: The native vegetation is exempt from requiring a planning permit under the Clause Exemptions, or The native vegetation is identified for removal on land identified within a Native Vegetation Precinct Plan incorporated in the Schedule to Clause of the Hume Planning Scheme. The native vegetation permitted to be removed and retained under this NVPP has been classified and assessed as either remnant patches or scattered trees for the purpose of assessment of the biodiversity values at a state wide level. The definitions and assessment process used in the development of this plan accords with Permitted clearing of native vegetation Biodiversity assessment guidelines (DEPI 2013). These guidelines are an incorporated document in all Victorian planning schemes under Clause 82 of the Victoria Planning Provisions. Native vegetation that is defined under the biodiversity assessment guidelines as either remnant patches or scattered trees, which have been identified throughout the precinct area, and assessed in accordance with these statutory requirements of the guidelines Other statutory considerations and approvals The native vegetation permitted to be removed under this NVPP is subject to statutory approvals other than the Planning and Environment Act Proponents should ensure that there are no other statutory approvals required for protected species and communities under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (all land tenures), or the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (land owned or managed by a public authority, including roadsides and Crown land). Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) The study undertaken for this report confirms the presence of Grassy Eucalypt Woodland of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and the Golden Sun Moth. As these are matters of national significance and are considered to be critically endangered under the EPBC Act, approval from the Minister for the Environment (Commonwealth) is required as it is proposed to remove habitat for the Golden Sun Moth. Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) The FFG Act applies to the removal of native vegetation from public land only and currently does not apply to the Lindum Vale precinct. 2.4 Vegetation protection objectives to be achieved The vegetation protection and management objectives to be achieved include: To protect and manage native vegetation shown as to be protected including communities and species listed under the state Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and ecological communities and species listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act To manage the native vegetation to be protected for conservation purposes and allow for passive recreation on the edge of habitat zones, where appropriate, without damaging native vegetation. To protect and manage the habitat zones and scattered trees identified to be protected, as they provide existing habitat for indigenous fauna species, a functional link to habitat across the landscape, and provide a focus for revegetation activities. To retain the majority of scattered trees within public open space. To maximise the ability of native vegetation to persist without human intervention. 7

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9 3.0 NATIVE VEGETATION & TREES REQUIRED TO BE RETAINED 3.1 Native Vegetation Patches Required to be Retained The native vegetation described in Tables 1 and 2 and shown on Map 2 and as to be retained should not be removed. This vegetation is to be retained following a landscape wide approach to retention and removal of native vegetation. Decisions relating to retention or removal of scattered trees and/or remnant patches of native vegetation have been made in a holistic manner. The possible future ad-hoc removal of native vegetation which has been identified as to be retained may undermine the holistic and landscape wide approach adopted for the preparation of this NVPP. Any vegetation identified as being retained for native vegetation offsets must meet the eligibility requirements of the Native Vegetation gain scoring manual and be managed in accordance with the offset site management plan. Table 1 Remnant patches required to be retained PSP PROPERTY NUMBER PROPERTY ADDRESS HABITAT ZONES 1 SIZE (HA) CONDITION SCORE STRATEGIC BIODIVERSITY SCORE Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) HZ Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) HZ Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) HZ Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) HZ Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) HZ Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) HZ Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) HZ Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) HZ Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) HZ Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) HZ Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) HZ Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) HZ Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) HZ Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) HZ Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) HZ Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) HZ Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) HZ Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) HZ Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) HZ Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) HZ Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) HZ Habitat zone numbers are taken from the Lindum Vale Biodiversity Assessment (Biosis, 2015) and the BIOR appended to the Assessment. 9

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11 3.2 Scattered Trees required to be retained Table 2 Scattered trees required to be retained PSP PROPERTY NUMBER PROPERTY ADDRESS TREE ID SPECIES COORDINATES X LATITUDE Y- LONGITUDE STRATEGIC BIODIVERSITY SCORE Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) 23 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) 25 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) 26 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) 55 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) 56 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) 68 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) 74 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) 90 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) 91 Eucalyptus microcarpa Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) 112 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) 113 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) 152 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) 205 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) 206 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) 211 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) 212 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) 213 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) 214 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) 215 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) 216 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) 217 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) 233 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) 243 Eucalyptus camaldulensis

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13 4.0 NATIVE VEGETATION & TREES THAT CAN BE REMOVED, DESTROYED OR LOPPED WITHOUT A PLANNING PERMIT 4.1 Native Vegetation Patches that can be removed or destroyed without a planning permit The native vegetation described in Tables 3 and 4 shown in Map 3 can be removed, destroyed or lopped without a planning permit, subject to the requirements and conditions set out in Section 9 of this plan and as allowed under Clause of the Hume Planning Scheme. Table 3 Remnant patches which can be removed, destroyed or lopped without a planning permit PSP PROPERTY NUMBER PROPERTY ADDRESS HABITAT ZONES 2 SIZE (HA) CONDITION SCORE STRATEGIC BIODIVERSITY SCORE Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) HZ Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) HZ Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) HZ Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) HZ Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) HZ Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) HZ Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) HZ Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) HZ Habitat zone numbers are taken from the Lindum Vale Biodiversity Assessment (Biosis, 2016) and the BIOR appended to the Assessment. 13

14 4.2 Scattered Trees that can be removed or lopped without a planning permit Table 4 Scattered trees which can be removed PSP PROPERTY NUMBER PROPERTY ADDRESS TREE ID SPECIES COORDINATES X LATITUDE Y- LONGITUDE STRATEGIC BIODIVERSITY SCORE Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) 21 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) 27 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) 28 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) 29 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) 33 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) 36 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) 46 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) 47 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) 54 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) 57 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) 72 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) 73 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) 75 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) 76 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) 77 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) 78 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) 85 Eucalyptus microcarpa Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) 86 Eucalyptus microcarpa Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) 92 Eucalyptus microcarpa Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) 96 Eucalyptus microcarpa Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) 98 Eucalyptus microcarpa Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) 109 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) 110 Eucalyptus microcarpa Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) 111 Eucalyptus microcarpa Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) 119 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\LP144228) 131 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) 153 Eucalyptus camaldulensis

15 PSP PROPERTY NUMBER PROPERTY ADDRESS TREE ID SPECIES COORDINATES X LATITUDE Y- LONGITUDE STRATEGIC BIODIVERSITY SCORE Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) 159 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) 162 Eucalyptus microcarpa Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) 163 Eucalyptus microcarpa Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) 165 Eucalyptus microcarpa Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) 177 Eucalyptus microcarpa Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) 178 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) 179 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) 180 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) 187 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) 193 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) 199 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) 203 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) 204 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) 210 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) 219 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) 220 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) 221 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) 232 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947284) 257 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) 276 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Mickleham Road (1\TP947278) 277 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Habitat zone numbers are taken from the Lindum Vale Biodiversity Assessment (Biosis, 2016) and the BIOR appended to the Assessment. See Appendix for more detailed maps regarding Trees To Be Retained or Removed. 15

16 5.0 OFFSET CALCULATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS This section identifies and summarises the offset requirement for the removal of native vegetation (identified in Section 4) as required by Clause Offset requirements are detailed in the BIOR report appended to the Lindum Vale Biodiversity Assessment (Biosis, 2015) and determined in accordance with the Permitted clearing regulations Biodiversity assessment guidelines and the Native vegetation Gain scoring manual Table 5 Summary of offset requirements for the removal of specified native vegetation OFFSET TYPE GENERAL OFFSET AMOUNT (GENERAL BIODIVERSITY EQUIVALENCE UNITS) GENERAL OFFSET ATTRIBUTES VICINITY Minimum strategic biodiversity score GENERAL OFFSET GENERAL UNITS PORT PHILLIP AND WESTERNPORT CATCHMENT MAN- AGEMENT AUTHORITY (CMA) OR THE HUME CITY COUN- CIL DISTRICT WHERE CLEARING TAKES PLACE 3 Minimum strategic biodiversity score is 80 per cent of the weighted average score across habitat zones where a general offset is required Table 6 Breakdown of offset requirements for native vegetation specified to be removed OFFSET TYPE CLEARING SITE BIODIVER- SITY OFFSET EQUIVA- LENCE SCORE RISK MULTI- PLIER OFFSET AMOUNT (BIODIVERSITY EQUIVALENCE UNITS) General GBES general units 5.1 How the required offset will be secured OFFSET REQUIREMENTS OFFSET ATTRIBUTES Offsets must be within Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority (CMA) or the Hume City Council District where clearing takes place Offset must have a minimum strategic biodiversity score of The individual or organisation wanting to remove, lop or destroy the native vegetation identified for removal as part of the NVPP is responsible for ensuring that the required general and specific offsets have been secured before any permitted clearing starts. The provision of offsets must accord with the conditions and any permit notes specified on any permit granted, and the conditions and permit note in section 9 of this NVPP. The individual or organisation may deliver a first party offset or purchase a native vegetation credit from a third party. In both circumstances the offset must be located within the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority area or within Hume City Council municipal boundaries. 16

17 5.2 Management actions and requirements for retained areas Management of any offset site must meet the minimum standards in the Native vegetation gain scoring manual. The table below details the responsibility, objectives and values of the native vegetation that is to be retained in local parks, the conservation reserve and the retarding basin. Of all the trees to be retained, five are located outside the aforementioned locations (tree numbers 23, 25, 74, 90, and 91). Trees 25, 74, 90 and 91 will be located on the future boulevard street and will be the responsibility of Hume City Council. The retention of Tree 23 is dependent on detailed design. It is likely that it will be located within the median strip but may be retained elsewhere subject to approval from the responsible authority. PARK ID RESPONSIBILITY OBJECTIVES VALUES LP-03 Hume City Council Local Park LP-04 Hume City Council Local Park LV-01 Hume City Council Tree Reserve LV-02 Hume City Council Tree Reserve LV-03 Hume City Council Tree Reserve LV-04 Hume City Council Tree Reserve Unencumbered open space and protects tree groups Unencumbered open space and protects tree groups Encumbered open space includes shared pedestrian paths Encumbered open space includes shared pedestrian paths Encumbered open space includes shared pedestrian paths Encumbered open space includes shared pedestrian paths LV-05 Hume City Council Scattered Tree Retained tree LV-06 Hume City Council Scattered Tree Retained tree LV-07 Hume City Council Scattered Tree Retained tree LV-08 Hume City Council Tree Reserve LV-09 Hume City Council Tree Reserve LV-10 Hume City Council Tree Reserve Encumbered open space includes shared pedestrian paths Encumbered open space includes shared pedestrian paths Encumbered open space includes shared pedestrian paths LV-11 Hume City Council Scattered Tree Retained tree CR-01 Hume City Council Conservation Reserve Native vegetation retention RBWL-01 Melbourne Water and Hume City Council* Drainage Reserve Stormwater drainage and water quality treatment infrastructure. Encumbered open space * Hume City Council will be responsible for maintaining trees located within RBWL-01. See Appendix 7.6 Open Space for the identification and locations of parks, conservation reserve and the drainage reserve. 17

18 5.3 Conditions The following conditions apply from the gazettal of the NVPP. All earthworks must be undertaken in a manner that will minimise soil erosion and adhere to Construction Techniques for Sediment Pollution Control, EPA, Water run-off must be designed to ensure that native vegetation to be retained is not compromised. Any native vegetation to be removed (in accordance with this NVPP) must be clearly marked on site to the satisfaction of the responsible authority whilst works are being undertaken within the vicinity. Prior to the commencement of works authorised by this permit, evidence that an offset for any native vegetation that will be removed in accordance with Section 4 of this NVPP has been secured must be provided to the satisfaction of the responsible authority. This offset must meet the offset requirements set out in this NVPP and be in accordance with the requirements of Permitted clearing of native vegetation Biodiversity assessment guidelines and the Native vegetation gain scoring manual. Offset evidence can be either: o o A security agreement, to the required standard, for the offset site or sites, including a 10 year offset management plan signed by both parties. A credit extract from the Native Vegetation Credit Register. Prior to the felling of any tree which may be removed, the tree must be examined by a suitably qualified zoologist for the presence of fauna in hollows or external nests. If native fauna species are located, they must be salvaged and relocated to the closest suitable vegetation, in consultation with the Department of Environment and Primary Industries. Priority to works commencing, high visibility vegetation protection fencing must be erected around each scattered tree (or group of trees) identified in this NVPP to be retained. This fence will protect the tree by demarcating the tree retention zone and must be erected in accordance to AS Protection of trees on development sites or succeeding Australian Standard. Except with the written consent of the Responsible Authority, within the tree retention zone, a) No vehicular or pedestrian access, trenching or soil excavation is to occur; b) No storage or dumping of tools, equipment or waste is to occur; and c) No entry and exit pits for underground services are to be constructed. Prior to works commencing, high visibility vegetation protection fencing must be erected around all remnant patches of native vegetation identified in this NVPP to be retained on site. This fence must be erected around the patch at a distance of 2 metres from the retained native vegetation. Except with the written consent of the responsible authority, within the tree retention zone, a) No vehicular or pedestrian access, trenching or soil excavation is to occur; b) No storage or dumping of tools, equipment or waste is to occur; and c) No entry and exit pits for underground services are to be constructed. And other conditions as may be relevant 5.4 Procedures for the Collection of any Payments A requirement for payments has not be identified to date. 5.5 Reference Documents Permitted Clearing of Native Vegetation- Biodiversity Assessment Guidelines, DEPI 2013 Native Vegetation Gain Scoring Manual, DEPI* Lindum Vale Biodiversity Assessment, Biosis 2016 Lindum Vale Tree Assessment and Arboricultural Report, Biosis 2014 *current version of document to be used 18

19 6.0 GLOSSARY Condition Score A measure between 0-1, determined by a habitat hectare assessment. It is an indication of how close the native vegetation is to its mature natural state, as represented by a benchmark reflecting presettlement circumstances. Canopy foliage cover Canopy foliage cover is the proportion of the ground that is shaded by vegetation foliage when lit from directly above. General Offset An offset that is required when a proposal to remove native vegetation is not deemed, by application of the specificgeneral offset test, to have a significant impact on habitat for any rare or threatened species. Habitat Zone A discrete area of native vegetation consisting of a single vegetation type of similar value. There may be multiple habitat zones within a remnant patch, based upon property boundaries, changes in vegetation type or quality. Native canopy tree A native canopy tree is a mature tree that is greater than three metres in height and is normally found in the upper layer of a vegetation type i.e. Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC). Canopy trees that are less than 3m or have not yet reached maturity i.e. are unable to flower, are considered part of the understorey. EVC descriptions provide a list of typical canopy species but a native vegetation assessor should determine using site based information, EVC descriptions and other published data whether a particular species is a native canopy tree in a particular location. If there is doubt, then it is assumed that the tree is a native canopy tree. Native vegetation Native vegetation is defined in the Victoria Planning Provisions as plants that are indigenous to Victoria, including trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses. Other native vegetation Native Vegetation that is neither a remnant patch nor a scattered tree. This vegetation would normally require a planning permit to remove under the Victorian Planning Provisions. Remnant Patch An area of vegetation where at least 25 per cent of the total perennial understory plant cover is native, or any area with three or more native canopy trees where the canopy foliage cover is at least 20 per cent of the area. Scattered Tree A native canopy tree that does not form part of a remnant patch of native vegetation. Specific Offset: An offset that is targeted to a particular species (or multiple species) impacted by the removal of native vegetation. Specific-general offset test A test used to determine whether a general or specific offset is required based on the impact of native vegetation removal on the habitat for rare or threatened species. Strategic Biodiversity Score A score that quantifies the relative value of a location in the landscape with regard to its condition, extent, connectivity and the support function it plays for species. 19