REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOYDER Animal & Plant Control (SA ...€¦ · EBS Ecology, Adelaide. Front...

REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOYDER

Animal & Plant Control (SA Murray-Darling Basin

Natural Resources Management Board)

Section: A

Version No: 1

Adopted: 18/02/14

Last Review: 16/04/2019

Next Review: UNDER REVIEW

Minutes Ref: 63/19

Responsibility: Tech Services

Burra Office Site

That the Board be granted approval to upgrade, surface and maintain the right of way for the purpose of access and carpark.

That should the Board wish to obtain ownership of the right of way all costs will be borne by the Board.

Min 575/00 17.10.00

Min 26/14 18.2.14

Proclaimed/Pest Plants - Contaminated Soil

That the Leading Hands being aware of the problems that occur when soil and other materials from areas with known infestations of proclaimed and other pest plants are relocated to other sites, consult with the Authorised Natural Resources Management Officer prior to the removal of soil and other materials from Council land, quarries or to Council land.

Min 065/06 21.2.06

Min 145/07 17.4.07

Min 26/14 18.2.14

Proclaimed/Pest Plants - Private, Council and Reserve Pits

(a) When it is intended to open new pits or reopen/reuse existing pits, the area be inspected by the Natural Resources Management Board’s Senior Authorised Officer, in conjunction with the Leading Hand prior to work commencing. The Officer then submits a report to the Technical Services Department.

(b) No rubble is to be transported without prior consultation with the Senior Authorised Officer, if it contains or is suspected of containing the following Proclaimed Plants:

African Rue Creeping Knapweed Cut-leaf Mignonette Hoary cress Innocent weed Noogoora burr complex Skeleton weed Silver-leaf Nightshade Lincoln weed Bathurst burr Caltrop Cape tulips Wild artichoke Three cornered jack Field bindweed

(c) Suitable records are to be kept by the South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board of all contaminated, private, Council and reserve pits.

(d) If it is the opinion of Council that soil and/or rubble used by Council caused an infestation of Proclaimed Plants on that said road, then the Council accept the cost of controlling the respective Proclaimed plants for a period of 2 (two) years. At the conclusion of this period the cost of control would be borne by the adjoining landowner. The Senior Authorised Officer, after inspection of all pits to be used for roadworks, all private, Council and reserve pits will provide an amount that will be considered in the budget, specifically to accommodate this expenditure.

(e) After re-instatement of pits and/or rubble removal areas, a suitable program be implemented to obtain economical control of Proclaimed Plants.




Section: A

Version No: 1

Adopted: 18/02/14



Minutes Ref: 63/19


(f) That Proclaimed Plants in private pits be controlled by Council for a period of 2 (two) years after reinstatement.

(g) That the Senior Authorised Officer, after inspection of all private, Council and reserve pits, will provide an amount that will be considered in the budget to specifically accommodate this expenditure.

(h) Sources from which soil and/or rubble is transported from outside the Council area be inspected by the Senior Authorised Officer or nominee, prior to being transported into the area of the Regional Council of Goyder.

Min 066/06 21.2.06

Min 145/07 17.4.07

Min 319/12 18.12.12

Min 26/14 18.2.14

Roadside Vegetation Management Plan

That Council adopt as Policy the Roadside Vegetation Management Plan prepared by EBS Ecology 2010.

Min 164/98 20.4.98

Min 145/07 17.4.07

Min 169/11 15.06.11

Min 26/14 18.2.14

Work on Council Land That the Natural Resources Management Board be asked to notify the Technical Services Department before carrying out works on land under the care and control of the Council.

Min 067/06 21.2.06

Min 319/12 18.12.12

Min 26/14 18.2.14




Section: A

Version No: 1

Adopted: 18/02/14



Minutes Ref: 63/19


Regional Council of Goyder

Roadside Vegetation Management Plan

Regional Council of Goyder Roadside Vegetation Management Plan

10 SEPTEMBER 2010

Version 1

Prepared by EBS Ecology for the Regional Council of Goyder

Document Control

Revision No. Date issued Authors Revision type

1.0 10/09/2010 S. O’Neill First Draft

Distribution of Copies

Revision No. Date issued Media Issued to

1.0 10/09/2010 Electronic Trevor Woods, Regional Council of Goyder

COPYRIGHT: Use or copying of this document in whole or in part (including photographs) without the written

permission of EBS Ecology and the Regional Council of Goyder constitutes an infringement of copyright.

LIMITATION: This report has been prepared on behalf of and for the exclusive use of EBS Ecology Client, and is

subject to and issued in connection with the provisions of the agreement between EBS Ecology and its Client. EBS

Ecology accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for or in respect of any use of or reliance upon this report by

any third party.

CITATION: EBS Ecology (2010) Regional Council of Goyder Roadside Vegetation Management Plan. Report to

Regional Council of Goyder. EBS Ecology, Adelaide.

Front cover photo: roadside Mallee along Hallelujah Hills Road.


Abbreviations and Acronyms

Abbreviation Definition

DENR Department of Environment and Natural Resources (Government of South Australia)

DTEI Department of Transport, Energy and Infrastructure (Government of South Australia)

NRM Board Natural Resources Management Board

NVC Native Vegetation Council, an independent body appointed by the Governor of South

Australia

RVMP Roadside Vegetation Management Plan

Definitions

Term used Definition

Carriageway the formed section of road reserve currently allowing for the passage of vehicles.

Clearance From the NV Act:

killing, destruction or removal of native vegetation

severing of branches, limbs, stems or trunks of native vegetation

burning of native vegetation

any other substantial damage to native vegetation, and includes the draining or flooding of land.

Clearance envelope area necessary for the safe passage of legal height vehicles across the full width of the

traffic lanes.

Introduced plants all plant species that are not natural to the area (not present prior to European

settlement).

Native vegetation vegetation that is natural to the area (indigenous) and present prior to European

settlement. This includes native trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses.

Pest plants / weeds introduced plants that can adversely affect native vegetation and/or agricultural crops.

Remnant vegetation native vegetation that has remained in similar form and composition for that location since

European settlement.

Roadside vegetation any vegetation growing on roadsides. This includes native vegetation of conservation

value and vegetation dominated by introduced species.

Road reserve a corridor of land bordered by property boundaries.

Road shoulder the area on a sealed road between the edge of seal and the road verge.

Road verge the area between the edge of the carriageway or the edge of the shoulder and the

vegetation.

Undeveloped Road a corridor of land designated for future road purposes, not developed as yet.

Vegetation (or plant

material):

any living or dead plant material. This includes native trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses.


CONTENTS ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS..................................................................................... I DEFINITIONS ........................................................................................................................ I 1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Why manage roadside vegetation? .................................................................... 1 1.2 Legislative responsibilities of Council for road reserve management .................. 3 1.3 Role of this RVMP .............................................................................................. 3 1.4 Who should use this RVMP? .............................................................................. 4

2 COUNCIL COMMITMENT AND POLICY STATEMENTS ............................................ 5 2.1 Commitment ....................................................................................................... 5 2.2 Management issues ........................................................................................... 5 2.3 Other management issues identified .................................................................. 6

3 MANAGEMENT ISSUES AND GUIDELINES ............................................................... 7 3.1 Road construction .............................................................................................. 7 3.2 Road maintenance ........................................................................................... 10 3.3 Verge maintenance for road safety ................................................................... 11 3.4 Installation and maintenance of services .......................................................... 14 3.5 Stockpile sites and quarrying ............................................................................ 15 3.6 Weed control .................................................................................................... 16 3.7 Bushfire hazard reduction ................................................................................ 18 3.8 Bushfire fuel breaks ......................................................................................... 19 3.9 Bushfire access tracks ..................................................................................... 20 3.10 Clearing along fence-lines ................................................................................ 21 3.11 Clearing for property access............................................................................. 23 3.12 Cropping of roadsides ...................................................................................... 24 3.13 Plant material and seed collection .................................................................... 25 3.14 Pest animal control ........................................................................................... 26 3.15 Maintenance of roadside native vegetation ...................................................... 27 3.16 Rehabilitation ................................................................................................... 29 3.17 Revegetation .................................................................................................... 30 3.18 Other Issues ..................................................................................................... 32

4 RISK ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF KEY THREATS ............................... 33 5 IMPLEMENTATION ................................................................................................... 39

5.1 Internal Council approvals ................................................................................ 39 5.2 Roles and Responsibilities ............................................................................... 40 5.3 Job environmental Analysis Checklist .............................................................. 40 5.4 Training and Education .................................................................................... 40 5.5 Vegetation assessment and approval ............................................................... 42 5.6 Monitoring of roadside vegetation..................................................................... 46

6 REPORTING AND REVIEW ...................................................................................... 47 6.1 Annual reports .................................................................................................. 47 6.2 Reviews ........................................................................................................... 47

7 ASSOCIATED PROGRAMS ...................................................................................... 48 7.1 Roadside vegetation surveys ........................................................................... 48 7.2 Roadside marker schemes ............................................................................... 48

8 REFERENCES........................................................................................................... 49 9 APPENDICES ............................................................................................................ 50 Appendix 1. Summary of the Regional Council of Goyder Roadside Vegetation Survey 50 Appendix 2. Summary of legislation relevant to roadside vegetation management 52 Appendix 3. Roadside Vegetation Categories54 Appendix 4. Construction and Maintenance Standards of Sealed Council Roads 56 Appendix 5. Construction Standards of Unsealed Council Roads 57 Appendix 6. Maintenance Standards of Unsealed Council Roads 58 Appendix 7. Description of Maintenance Activities 1 Appendix 8. Guideline for three-cut method for trimming branches 3


Appendix 9. Additional information on bushcare principles and recommended guidelines for weed removal 4 Appendix 10. Contact details of relevant groups and organisations 5 Appendix 11. Council documents Error! Bookmark not defined. Appendix 12. Permit application forms Error! Bookmark not defined.

Council reporting documents Document A. Roadside Activity Job Environmental Analysis. Error! Bookmark not defined. Document B. Roadside Native Vegetation Incident Report. Error! Bookmark not defined. Document C. Roadside Vegetation Management Plan Annual Report to the Native Vegetation Council.

Error! Bookmark not defined. Permit application forms Form A. Permit to Use a Road Reserve Error! Bookmark not defined. Form B. Permit to Install or Maintain Utility Services within a Road Reserve Error! Bookmark not

defined. Form C. Permit to Construct or Widen a Road Reserve for Property Access Error! Bookmark not

defined. Form D. Permit to Conduct Weed/Pest Animal Control within Road Reserves Error! Bookmark

not defined. Form E. Permit to Construct or Maintain a Fence-line Adjacent to Road Reserve Error! Bookmark

not defined. Form F. Permit to Collect Plant Material from Road Reserves. Error! Bookmark not defined. Figures

Figure 1. Clearance envelope for a sealed rural road. 10 Figure 2. Clearance envelope for an unsealed rural road. 10 Figure 3. Maintenance of verge areas at intersections (maximum distances shown). 13 Figure 4. Secondary clearance envelope for signs or guideposts (maximum distances shown).

14 Figure 5. Roadside activity assessment and approval process. 39

Tables

Table 1. Council policy statements relating to the 17 key management issues. 5 Table 2. Council policy relating to other management issues. 6 Table 3. Road category descriptions. 8 Table 4. Severity of consequences. 33 Table 5. Likelihood of consequence occurring. 34 Table 6. Risk matrix. 34 Table 7. Risk assessment of hazards associated with the key management issues. 35 Table 8. Roadside management matrix. 37 Table 9. Vegetation assessment and approval guidelines. 42


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1 INTRODUCTION

Roadsides have been developed far beyond providing for vehicle transport, and are frequently utilised to

accommodate a variety of utilities including telecommunications, gas, electricity, and water, and to act as

fuel breaks protecting communities and high-value community, State Government, and Council assets. In

rural areas in particular, roadsides often contain the only significant remnants of native vegetation

representative of the wider landscape prior to broad-scale clearance. As a result, roadsides are important

not only for providing space for required infrastructure, but also for providing environmental and

conservation benefits to the landscape, as well as adding aesthetic values for local communities and

commuters using the roads.

As a consequence of the pressures roadsides are put under to provide the various utility, environmental,

and visual services, roadsides must be managed appropriately, with the needs of the environment, the

conservation of flora and fauna species and ecosystems, and local communities considered. This

Roadside Vegetation Management Plan (RVMP) aims to facilitate and promote the Regional Council of

Goyder’s (the Council) role in the protection, conservation and enhancement of native vegetation within

roadside reserves, and provides guidelines on how this can be best achieved whilst utilising roadsides for

all required purposes. With approval from the Native Vegetation Council (NVC) this RVMP allows for the

exemption under the Native Vegetation Act 1991 for the Council to clear native vegetation within

roadsides providing the approved guidelines are strictly followed.

Section 1 of this RVMP establishes the context in which the plan has been prepared. Section 2 lists the

management issues considered to be a risk to damaging roadside vegetation. Section 3 discusses these

management issues in further detail, sets clear policies, objectives and guidelines on how these activities

will be managed. The policies and guidelines take into consideration the legislative requirements,

particularly those of the Native Vegetation Act 1991. Section 4 details the findings of a risk assessment

conducted following the NVC guidelines procedure, which takes into consideration the consequences of

no or poor management, the severity of these consequences, and the likelihood of the consequences

arising. Included in Section 4 is a roadside management matrix which clearly outlines the necessary

restrictions on various roadside activities, and identifies permit requirements for the different categories of

roadside vegetation. Section 5 details how this RVMP plan should be implemented, the procedures

required, and the responsibilities of Council to ensure the requirements of the RVMP are met to satisfy

both NVC and Council requirements. Section 6 continues with reporting requirements. Recognised

roadside vegetation programs are included in Section 7. Required forms and reports are included as

appendices.

1.1 Why manage roadside vegetation?

Maintaining remnant vegetation within road reserves is beneficial for many reasons. A healthy cover of

roadside vegetation can:

prevent the establishment of weeds

maintain lower fuel loads and fire risk in comparison to introduced vegetation

provide shelter for stock in adjacent land

define road curves leading to a safer driving environment


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reduce soil erosion and hence road maintenance requirements

provide a windbreak for adjoining properties.

The presence of remnant vegetation in road reserves also provides many conservation benefits. A healthy

cover of roadside vegetation can:

support rare or threatened plant species or vegetation associations

provide important habitat for fauna

provide corridors between patches of remnant vegetation

provide valuable seed sources for local restoration projects.

Furthermore, road reserves containing native vegetation add to the visual amenity of area, especially

within landscapes where there has been broad-scale clearance.

In 2008 a wide-scale roadside vegetation survey (EBS 2009) was conducted following the Guide to the

Roadside Vegetation Survey Methodology in South Australia (Stokes et al. 1998). This survey covered

602 km of roads under the management of the Regional Council of Goyder. Condition from the areas

surveyed ranged from locations devoid of native vegetation with no conservation value, through to

vegetation associations of high biodiversity value, including locations of rare and threatened flora species.

A diversity of vegetation types are contained within Regional Council of Goyder road verges including

grasslands, shrublands, and woodlands. Vegetation communities of conservation priority known to exist

within the Council area include Mallee Box (Eucalyptus porosa) Woodland, South Australian Blue Gum

(Eucalyptus leucoxylon) and Peppermint Box (Eucalyptus odorata) Woodland, Southern Cypress Pine

(Callitris gracilis) Woodland, Black Oak (Casuarina pauper) Woodland, Cotton-bush (Maireana aphylla)

and Bitter Saltbush (Atriplex stipitata) Shrubland, and Hairy-pod Wattle (Acacia glandulicarpa) Shrubland.

These communities are considered poorly conserved within South Australia (Neagle 1995; Kahrimanis et

al. 2001; Graham et al. 2001; Robertson 1998; Playfair and Heard 1995). Refer to the Roadside

Vegetation Survey for the Regional Council of Goyder Native Vegetation (EBS 2009) for further

information (see also Appendix 1. Summary of the Regional Council of Goyder Roadside Vegetation

Survey).

Roadside vegetation is extremely vulnerable to disturbance and threatening processes such as weed

invasion, vehicle damage, firewood collection, erosion and increased solar penetration. Any significant

disturbance to road reserves has the potential to cause long-term and irreversible damage. Therefore,

road reserves containing native vegetation need to be actively managed to ensure remnant vegetation is

preserved.


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1.2 Legislative responsibilities of Council for road reserve management

There are several Acts of parliament that affect the way in which roadside vegetation is managed within

South Australia. These Acts include:

Commonwealth legislation

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

State legislation

Local Government Act 1999

Native Vegetation Act 1991

National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972

Natural Resources Management Act 2004.

Council must ensure all works or activities conducted within road reserves have appropriate approvals and

are conducted subject to the requirements under the relevant Acts. See Appendix 2.Summary of

legislation relevant to roadside vegetation management for further information.

1.3 Role of this RVMP

The role of this RVMP is to provide a framework which will enable Council to address a variety of issues

associated with management of road reserves whilst also ensuring that native vegetation is protected and

its conservation value recognised.

This RVMP has been developed to provide a framework for managing roadside vegetation within the

Regional Council of Goyder. It has been developed in accordance with the requirements of the Native

Vegetation Act 1991 with assistance from the Native Vegetation Biodiversity Management Unit of the

Department for Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), following the document Preparing Roadside

Vegetation Management Plans: Guidelines for Local Government (NVC 2004). This RVMP contains:

an outline of the activities and issues that are affecting or have the potential to impact upon roadside

vegetation, with council policies, objectives and guidelines for undertaking these activities or

addressing these issues

a risk assessment of threats to native roadside vegetation

a roadside management matrix that identifies activities that are acceptable for different categories of

roadside vegetation and any restrictions associated with each activity

information specifying how this RVMP will be implemented

procedures for environmental assessment and approval prior to implementation of activities to be

conducted within road reserves

an outline of the requirements for reporting and review of this RVMP

details of Council’s current progress regarding Roadside Vegetation Survey work and Roadside

Marker System (RMS) development.


4

1.4 Who should use this RVMP?

1.4.1 Policy makers and compliance assessors

The following Council plans and policies have been reviewed as part of the development of this RVMP:

Roadside Native Vegetation Management Plan (RCG 2006)

Tree Policy (RCG 2006)

Classification of Roads Within Council Area Policy (RCG 2006)

Existing council management systems relating to roadside vegetation were reviewed whilst developing

this RVMP. Where appropriate previous systems have been modified and incorporated into this RVMP to

reflect an increased appreciation for the requirements to successfully protect and manage roadside

vegetation.

Council staff involved with the implementation and review of Council policies and standard operating

procedures should be familiar with the requirements and guidelines outlined in this RVMP. Of particular

note for Council workers is the creation of a set of new permits which will need to be processed and

approved by selected Council staff, with other staff made aware of their existence in order to assist

community members and utility service providers. These forms are mentioned under the relevant

guidelines within section 3 (see also Error! Reference source not found.).

1.4.2 Maintenance workers

Council staff and contractors should be familiar with the requirements and the specific guidelines outlined

in this RVMP. Section 5 (page 39) provides information on how this RVMP should be implemented, and

the necessary steps to follow.


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2 COUNCIL COMMITMENT AND POLICY STATEMENTS

2.1 Commitment

The Regional Council of Goyder will promote and actively participate in the protection, conservation and

enhancement of remnant vegetation within roadside reserves.

2.2 Management issues

Seventeen key management issues have been identified (Table 1) and are discussed in further detail in

section 3. Two additional management issues have also been identified, these do not require detailed

guidelines, and have been stated below (Table 2). Policy statements have been prepared for each

management issue, and reflect Council’s standpoint on how the issue will be managed. Objectives have

been set for each policy statement, and reflect the requirements of the NVC, other State government

requirements, and the goal of protecting and conserving remnant vegetation.

Table 1. Council policy statements relating to the 17 key management issues.

Issue Council Policy Statement

Road

construction

Council will undertake road construction work in accordance with safe design standards whilst

minimising the removal and disturbance of native vegetation. Native vegetation clearance

approval will be obtained for major construction projects that involve the disturbance of areas of

roadside vegetation.

Road

maintenance

Council will undertake road maintenance work in accordance with safe design standards whilst

minimising the removal and disturbance of native vegetation.

Verge

maintenance

for road safety

Council will undertake road verge maintenance work in accordance with safe design standards

whilst minimising the removal and disturbance of native vegetation.

Installation and

maintenance of

services

Council require service providers and contractors operating within road reserves comply with

relevant guidelines to minimise the impact of all works on native vegetation

Stockpile sites Council will ensure that existing stockpile sites will be used where possible rather than creating

new sites. When new stockpile sites are required, they will be created and managed to minimise

the disturbance to native vegetation. Council will not source quarry material from road reserves.

Weed control Council will ensure all weed control is undertaken in accordance with Council guidelines and

advice from the relevant NRM Board NRM Officer.

Bushfire

hazard

reduction

Council will manage roadside vegetation by conducting bushfire hazard reduction following the

approved Bushfire Prevention Plan. Council will seek approval from the NVC and SA Country

Service for any other bushfire hazard reduction activities not covered in the Bushfire Prevention

Plan.

Bushfire fuel

breaks

Council will manage roads surrounding townships and identified high value community and

council assets as fuel breaks by following the approved Bushfire Prevention Plan. Council will

seek approval from the NVC and SA Country Service for any construction or maintenance of fuel

breaks activities not covered in the Bushfire Prevention Plan.

Bushfire

access trails

Council will manage bushfire access trails to the guidelines of the approved Bushfire Prevention

Plan and the guidelines of Managing Native Vegetation: Reduce the Impact of Bushfire.


6

Issue Council Policy Statement

Clearing along

fence lines

Council will ensure clearance of roadside vegetation along fence-lines complies with Council

policies and procedures and NVC guidelines. Any approved clearance will be conducted using

minimal impact techniques.

Property

access

Council will ensure all vegetation clearance for property access complies with Native Vegetation

Council and local council guidelines. Any approved clearance will be conducted using minimal

impact techniques.

Cropping

within road

reserves

Council will ensure that cropping within road reserves will only be permitted in areas devoid of

native vegetation.

Plant removal

and seed

collection

Council will ensure plant material and seed collection is conducted according to the appropriate

Council permit and State Government permit approvals. Council will generally permit the removal

of native seeds for revegetation activities, removal of specimens for identification purposes, and

removal of plant material (including seeds, fruit and flowers) for bushfood. Council will generally

not permit the removal of plant material (including fallen timber), unless part of an approved

bushfire hazard reduction activity.

Pest animal

control

Council will ensure all pest control work is undertaken in accordance with Council guidelines and

advice from the NRM Board NRM Officer.

Maintenance of

roadside native

vegetation

Council will ensure roadside vegetation of conservation significance is identified and managed

for its protection.

Rehabilitation Council will actively manage degraded road reserve remnants in priority locations to encourage

natural regeneration of native plant species and communities.

Revegetation Council will encourage the revegetation of priority, degraded areas of road reserve utilising local

native species with seed collected as close as possible to the revegetation site.

2.3 Other management issues identified

Council policies for two additional management issues are presented in Table 2. The Council’s position on

not permitting collection of firewood from roadsides is important to consider as this has implications for

other management issues. Effectively this means that vegetation cleared cannot be removed from site,

however it may be permitted as part of planned bushfire hazard reduction activities. Council will not permit

the long-term grazing of road reserves containing native vegetation, unless an existing lease is in place.

Note that this RVMP does not include the Burra Heritage Area, or street trees in townships. Separate

Council policies are applicable.

Table 2. Council policy relating to other management issues.

Issue Council Policy

Collection of

firewood

Council does not permit the cutting and collection of live timber for firewood. Council does not

allow the collection of roadside trimmings.

Grazing of

roadside

The droving of stock along road reserves is accepted where it is a legitimate part of property

management, but where the road reserves have important native vegetation, the use of

alternative routes will be encouraged where this a practical option. Longer term grazing of

roadsides which contain native vegetation is not permitted. The only exception is with leased

roads, in which case lease conditions may be negotiated to protect areas containing significant

vegetation.


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3 MANAGEMENT ISSUES AND GUIDELINES

Seventeen key management issues relating to the Councils management of roadside vegetation have

been identified. The measures to minimise the impact of Council related activities on roadside vegetation

are identified below.

3.1 Road construction

When planning and designing road construction projects (including road widening and re-alignment)

where clearance of native vegetation is un-avoidable, Council must submit a formal application and obtain

clearance approval from the NVC prior to undertaking any on-ground work.

When planning road construction works Council should refer to the guidelines outlined within the manual

‘Managing unsealed roads in South Australia’ (Local Government Association 1994) and the DTEI

guidelines, including those within the ‘Environmental Code of Practice for Construction – Road, Bridge and

Marine Facilities’ (Transport SA 1997). Relevant principles of both the LGA manual and DTEI guidelines

have been included within this RVMP.

Council is committed to maintaining and providing a safe passage for vehicles along carriageways whilst

also maintaining and protecting native vegetation within road reserve areas. This requires appropriate

planning to ensure that proposed roads or significant road widening or re-alignments are designed to meet

engineering standards for adequate road safety and to minimise the potential impact on native vegetation.

3.1.1 Policy

Council will undertake road construction work in accordance with safe design standards whilst minimising

the removal and disturbance of native vegetation. Native vegetation clearance approval will be obtained for

major construction projects that involve the disturbance of significant areas of roadside vegetation.

3.1.2 Objectives

Objectives of this policy are to:

design and undertake new road construction projects whilst minimising the impact of the work on

native vegetation within road reserve areas

ensure approval for major construction projects requiring native vegetation clearance is obtained from

the NVC.

3.1.3 Guidelines

The guidelines below establish the maximum clearance envelop for each road category within the Council

area. It is important to note that the maximum distances for envelope clearance have been cited and

illustrated within this section, however environmental constraints may require flexible and innovative

design standards and the maximum distance may not always be appropriate. Any road construction

should aim only to remove the minimum amount of native vegetation required to fulfil safe design

standards.


8

Table 3. Road category descriptions.

As modified from the Council document: Classification of Roads Within Council Area (adopted July 1997, revised February 2006).

Road category

Description of roads

1 include the major roads within the Council area that operate as local arterial roads

carry traffic through the Council area and are the highest trafficked roads

formation width: 11 m

require 12 m width and 5 m vertical envelope.

2 include roads within the Council area that are major roads for local traffic

carry high priority local traffic such as school buses



3A, 3B, 3C provide the balance of Council’s constructed road network that have been formed and sheeted

provide all year access to residences and farms and are based on overall traffic volumes



4 generally unformed and provide access to farming land for the movement of plant machinery and

livestock

allow landowners to access private property with farm machinery (e.g. headers and seeders).

one lane tree trim of 5 m height clearance and 3.5 m clearance envelope

subject to inspection on site and agreement with the Manager Technical Services or designated

Council Officer Note: extensive networks of road reserves exist throughout the region where no road or track exits.

1.1.1.1

1.1.1.2 All Roads

The following guidelines apply to the construction of all roads (category 1 – 4).

The NVC must be consulted and an application submitted for any proposed clearance of native

vegetation associated with the construction of new roads and widening and/or re-alignment of

existing roads.

The vertical height clearance envelope of new roads is to be 5 m

- for sealed rural roads this will mean 5 m vertical clearance over the sealed carriageway and 1 m from the

edge of bitumen (Figure 1)

- for unsealed rural roads this will mean 5 m vertical clearance over the table drain or the edge of the formed

road (Figure 2).

New roads are to be positioned to minimise the impact on native vegetation, while still taking into

account the need to provide adequate road safety and to comply with design and engineering

standards.

The positioning of a new road within the road reserve will take into account offsetting the alignment

along one side of the road reserve as a means of retaining the best possible strip of roadside

vegetation.

Roadside vegetation of ecological significance, including sections identified during the council’s

Roadside Vegetation Survey (EBS 2009) as being Category A or Category B (Appendix 3. Roadside

Vegetation Categories), will be protected as much as practicable.

If the roadside vegetation has not yet been surveyed and assigned to Category A – F under the

roadside survey methods, a vegetation survey must be undertaken by suitably qualified persons (this


9

may include experienced Council workers using other known sites as a reference) to assign the

vegetation present into these categories prior to undertaking any design or construction works.

Clearance and disturbance of topsoil in areas of native vegetation must be kept to a minimum to

prevent the spread of weed species and plant or soil diseases (see 3.6, page 16).

Vegetation cleared should not be removed (unless it poses a bushfire hazard risk), however seed

may be collected with approval (see 3.13 Plant material and seed collection, page 25) and utilised for

local restoration activities.

If trees are to be removed, they should be felled into the construction zone and not into undisturbed

native vegetation. Wood is not to be taken.

Larger native trees with hollows, including dead native trees, will be retained where practicable. If

trees with hollows must be removed, attempts must be made to remove the intact hollow and attach it

to nearby trees, or to install appropriately designed artificial hollows.

Vehicles are to be confined to the construction zone of the new or old alignment, and vehicles are to

turn around within road intersections, within the road envelope, or within previously designated turn-

around areas. Vehicles and machinery will not be driven, stored or parked in areas of native

vegetation which are outside of the construction zone.

Bunting should be installed to identify the boundaries of road construction works to prevent

unintentional damage to native vegetation.

Stockpile sites and storage of equipment will be undertaken in areas away from native vegetation and

beyond the drip line of trees to avoid root compaction. If cleared areas are not available, cleared

areas on adjoining properties are to be considered.

Immediately prior to road works commencing each day, the site will be surveyed for native animals

trapped within the site.

All council staff, contractors and sub-contractors conducting work on roads and road reserves are to

be made aware of all related guidelines within this RVMP prior to commencing work.


10

Figure 1. Clearance envelope for a sealed rural road.

Figure 2. Clearance envelope for an unsealed rural road.

3.2 Road maintenance

Road maintenance activities are necessary to continue to provide a safe passage for vehicles along the

road carriage. Road grading is the major road maintenance activity necessary to ensure a safe and

efficient road network is maintained. The use of graders and other heavy machinery may have an impact

upon native vegetation within road reserves if procedures to manage these activities are not specified and

followed. Council has a dual responsibility to maintain a safe road network and minimise potential impacts

upon native vegetation within roadside reserve.

Current Council road maintenance activities include:

re-sheeting

maintenance of shoulder sections

sign maintenance

pot-holing and heavy-patching of sealed roads

patrol-grading of unsealed roads

side/cut-off drain maintenance

driveway maintenance and construction

stockpiles

dust control

fire track maintenance.


11

3.2.1 Policy

Council will undertake road maintenance work in accordance with safe design standards whilst minimising

the removal and disturbance of native vegetation.

3.2.2 Objectives

The objective of this policy is to:

plan and undertake maintenance activities whilst minimising the impact of road maintenance on

native vegetation within road reserve areas.

3.2.3 Guidelines

As identified in guidelines for road maintenance (see section 3.2.3, page 11), the maximum clearance

envelop for each road category within the Council area also applies to road maintenance. It is important to

note that the maximum distances for envelope clearance cited may not always be appropriate and

environmental constraints may require flexible and innovative design standards and the maximum

distance may not always be appropriate.

1.1.1.3 All roads

The following standards apply to all roads.

The vertical height clearance envelope of any road is to be 5 m

- for sealed rural roads this will mean 5 m vertical clearance over the sealed carriageway, extending to 1 m

either side of the sealed carriageway (Figure 1, page 10)

- for unsealed roads this will mean 5 m from the table drain or the edge of the formation (Figure 2, page 10).

Grading must not be conducted outside of guideposts or the edge of road carriageway

Excess road material is not to be pushed onto native vegetation within the road reserve, where

possible any excess material should be removed

Debris and vegetative material obtained through maintenance activities must not be deposited on

native vegetation within the road reserve

Any runoffs in areas of significant vegetation should be fenced to protect them from damage through

maintenance operations

Hygiene procedures should be undertaken on grading equipment before leaving a site to prevent the

spread of weed species, and pests and plant diseases

Graders are to turn around within road intersections, within the road envelope, or within previously

designated turn-around areas

The creation and maintenance of stockpile areas must refer to guidelines outlined in section 3.4,

(page 14)

All Council staff, contractors and sub-contractors conducting work on roads and road reserves are to

be made aware of all related guidelines within this RVMP prior to commencing work.

3.3 Verge maintenance for road safety

Verge maintenance of roads within the Council area predominantly involves clearance of vegetation from

the edge of the carriageway for road safety reasons. Council aims to maintain road verges so that a safe

passage is provided and whilst ensuring the conservation values of native vegetation within the road verge


12

are maintained. Only large plant species that impede visibility will be removed, with groundcovers and low

shrubs retained. Therefore, where possible the Council will not clear native vegetation within road verges

to the maximum clearance widths if it is deemed a safe passage for vehicles and can be maintained within

smaller clearance boundaries.

Council follows Australian standards for urban pruning procedures and refers to the guiding document AS

4373 (Standards Australia 2007). Council will continue to utilise AS 4373 guidelines for vegetation

trimming.

Maintenance for sight distance clearance can include:

removal of wind damaged/fallen or leaning high risk trees

clearing vegetation surrounding signs for visibility

removal of saplings and re-growth at intersection road bend sight lines

treatment of cut vegetation with herbicide to prevent regrowth.

3.3.1 Policy

Council will undertake road verge maintenance work in accordance with safe design standards whilst

minimising the removal and disturbance of native vegetation.

3.3.2 Objectives

Objectives of this policy are to:

manage road verge maintenance activities to minimise the potential impact to native vegetation within

road reserve areas

assess the level of clearance required to maintain safety sight lines for travelling vehicles, without

clearing vegetation to the maximum clearance widths if a safe passageway can be maintained within

smaller clearance boundaries.

3.3.3 Guidelines

As identified in guidelines for road construction (see section 3.2.3, page 11) and road maintenance

(section 3.2.3, page 11), the maximum clearance envelop for each road category within the Council area

(section 3.1.3, page 7) also applies to verge maintenance. It is important to note that the maximum

distances for envelope clearance cited may not always be appropriate, and environmental constraints may

require flexible and innovative design standards and the maximum distance may not always be

appropriate.

The following guidelines apply.

Native vegetation present within the road verge that will not impair sight distance or pose a significant

risk to vehicle safety is to be retained and promoted.

Trimming of vegetation or removal of individual trees within the road verge may be required for safe

sight distance and vehicle safety. The AS 4373 standards and the three-cut method is to be used for

trimming of vegetation.

Horticultural best practice for vegetation trimming (three-cut method) (Appendix 8. Guideline for

three-cut method for trimming branches) may require limbs to be pruned beyond the 2.4 m road


13

verge in order to prune limbs back to the nearest suitable fork or to the ground in the case of mallee

species. This approach minimises damage to vegetation and maximises road safety.

At road intersections where corners are created, verges are to be maintained for safe sight distance.

Clearance areas may be maintained up to a maximum of 50 m along the road from the corner,

however smaller clearance areas can be used if a safe passageway is maintained without needing to

clear the maximum area.

A secondary clearance envelope is to be maintained to allow for safe sight distance of signs and

guideposts. This clearance envelope is to extend 300 mm around the sign or guidepost.

Grading or bulldozing must not be used for verge clearance.

Equipment including flail mowers, articulated slashing devices and hydro-axe may be used for verge

maintenance work when appropriate.

Debris and vegetative material obtained through the various maintenance activities must not be

deposited on native vegetation within the road reserve and must remain on site (unless it poses a

bushfire hazard risk), or deposited in an approved area.

Figure 3. Maintenance of verge areas at intersections (maximum distances shown).

Note: The 50 m clearance envelope is the maximum standard clearance limit for native vegetation on roadsides, but any road maintenance should aim ONLY to remove the minimum vegetation required to maintain safety sight lines. Note: Any road maintenance should aim only to remove the minimum vegetation required to maintain safety sight lines within standard clearance envelopes.

Clearance area

Edge of carriageway

Up to a maximum of 50 m from corner

Up to a maximum of 50 m from corner


14

Figure 4. Secondary clearance envelope for signs or guideposts (maximum distances shown).

3.4 Installation and maintenance of services

Provision of services to the community typically involves locating service routes within road reserve areas.

The services include power, telecommunications, gas and water. Construction and ongoing maintenance

of these services has the potential to impact upon roadside vegetation through clearance, physical

disturbance, and introduction of weed species, pests and pathogens.

Service providers must obtain a Council permit before conducting any installation or maintenance of their

service within road reserve areas. A copy of the application Permit to Install or Maintain Utility Services

with a Road Reserve is included Error! Reference source not found. Error! Reference source not

found..

Service providers have their own standard operating procedures (SOPs) for installation and maintenance

of their service in regard to native vegetation management, including the following documents:

DTEI: Vegetation Removal Policy - Standard Operating Procedure under the Native Vegetation Act

1991

ETSA: Vegetation Management Plan and Environmental Management System – Vegetation

Management Guideline

SA Water: Native Vegetation Standard Operating Procedure – SA Water, June 2006, Standard

operating procedure requirements for native vegetation clearance approvals and regulation

compliance during construction works, operation and maintenance activities

Council will ensure service providers follow their own SOPs whilst working within the Council area.

Additional general procedures have been adopted by Council to further protect native vegetation within

road reserves. These procedures incorporate those identified within the Guidelines for the Management of

Roadside Vegetation as detailed by the NVC. Council will ensure that service providers without

appropriate native vegetation SOPs who intend to conduct work within the council area are provided with

the relevant information regarding the protection of roadside vegetation.


15

3.4.1 Policy

Council require service providers and contractors operating within road reserves comply with relevant

guidelines to minimise the impact of all works on native vegetation.

3.4.2 Objectives


minimise the impact of the installation and maintenance of services to native vegetation within road

reserves.

3.4.3 Guidelines


The NVC must be consulted when new services are proposed to be established along roadsides

containing native vegetation, or when proposed maintenance clearance is in excess of existing

standards.

All service providers intending to conduct work within the Council area must obtain a permit from

Council. The permit application must be received a minimum of seven days prior to the

commencement of any work. A copy of the application Permit to Install or Maintain Utility Services

within a Road Reserve is included in Error! Reference source not found. Error! Reference source

not found..

Hygiene standards must be followed on all vehicles, machinery and equipment before leaving a site

to prevent the introduction or spread of weed species, pest or pathogens.

New or replacement services are to be established on existing cleared land wherever possible. When

installation of a service is planned within a road reserve containing vegetation of Category A, B or C,

alternative location options must be considered.

If the roadside vegetation has not yet been assigned to Category A – F following the Roadside

Vegetation Survey methods (see Appendix 3. Roadside Vegetation Categories), a vegetation survey

must be undertaken by suitably qualified persons (this may included an experienced Council worker

using surveyed sites as a reference) to assign the vegetation present into these categories prior to

undertaking any works.

Clearance of native vegetation and soil is to be kept to a minimum.

3.5 Stockpile sites and quarrying

Road reserves for the purposes of stockpile sites are an important requirement for road construction or

road maintenance activities. Poor planning and management of stockpile sites has the potential to

severely impact upon native vegetation within road reserves. Impacts to roadside vegetation may include

physical damage to native vegetation, soil disturbance and the introduction of pest weed species.

Council will not source quarry material from road reserves, and only source material from commercial

operators.


16

3.5.1 Policy

Council will ensure that existing stockpile sites will be used where possible rather than creating new sites.

When new stockpile sites are required, they will be created and managed to minimise the disturbance to

native vegetation. Council will not source quarry material from road reserves.

3.5.2 Objectives

The objectives of this policy are to:

locate new stockpile sites in road reserve areas which are devoid of native vegetation

manage existing stockpile sites to minimise the physical impact on existing native vegetation.

3.5.3 Guidelines


Previously established stockpile sites located within vegetation within sections of Category D and E

roads (see Appendix 1. Summary of the Regional Council of Goyder Roadside Vegetation Survey)

should be utilised as stockpile sites instead of creating new sites.

Existing stockpile sites within roadside vegetation of Category A – C are to be inspected prior to use.

They should not be utilised if natural regeneration of native vegetation is evident. If no native

vegetation is evident, they can be utilised and management strategies, such as pegging the extent of

the site, need to be implemented to ensure they do not expand in size and encroach on native

vegetation.

Stockpile sites will be regularly inspected and maintained to control weed infestations. Weed control

is also to be conducted on site prior to the installation of stockpile sites to ensure that weed material

doesn’t contaminate stockpiled material.

New stockpile sites are not to be created within roadsides where the native vegetation is of Category

A, B, or C (see Appendix 1. Summary of the Regional Council of Goyder Roadside Vegetation

Survey). Ideally stockpile sites are to be located within areas containing no native vegetation.

Adjacent cleared land, including private land, will be considered as a first option for positioning new

stockpile sites if no suitable sites occur within the road reserve.

Approval from the Manger of Technical Services is required prior to the development of any new

stockpile sites.

All council staff, service providers and contractors conducting work on roads and road reserves are to

be made aware of designated stockpile sites prior to commencing work at a site.

Any materials stored in stockpile sites are to be removed from the site at the completion of the

project.

3.6 Weed control

Pest plant species, especially weed species, are of particular concern within the Council area and control

within road reserves is a significant management issue within the region. Particular emphasis is placed on

controlling weed species within roadside vegetation classified as Category A, B, and C (see Appendix 3.

Roadside Vegetation Categories for mapped locations), and new outbreaks of declared weed species.


17

The NRM Board’s can provide advice for the control of declared and environmental weed species. Where

declared species are present on road reserves it is the role of the NRM Board NRM Officer’s to assess

infestations and when necessary work with Council to develop a control program. The relevant NRM

Board must approve all declared pest plant control work on road reserves where the costs are to be

recovered from the adjoining landholder under the NRM Act.

Weed control must be conducted in a way that minimises the potential impact on native vegetation. It is

recognised that in some cases disturbance of native vegetation may be required in order to achieve

adequate weed control. The NVC Guidelines for the Clearance of Native Vegetation Associated with the

Control of Plant and Animal Pests (NVC undated) provide guidelines for the clearance of native vegetation

where this is necessary for pest plant control, and which comply with guidelines issues by the NVC.

As a requirement of the Local Government Act, landholders must seek permission from Council prior to

undertaking any control activity in roadsides adjoining their property. A copy of the application Permit to

Conduct Weed/Pest Animal Control within Road Reserves is included in Error! Reference source not

found. Error! Reference source not found.. Council must refer the request to the relevant NRM Board

prior to granting a permit to ensure that proposed techniques are consistent with regional past plant

control strategies.

3.6.1 Policy

Council will ensure all weed control is undertaken in accordance with Council guidelines and advice from the

relevant NRM Board NRM Officer.

3.6.2 Objective


manage weeds within road reserves whilst ensuring control activities minimise impact to native

vegetation

encourage the regeneration and recovery of native vegetation within road reserves.

3.6.3 Guidelines


Landowners or land occupiers adjacent to road reserves must apply to Council for a permit to

conduct weed control activities within road reserves. A copy of the application Permit to Conduct

Weed/Pest Animal Control within Road Reserves is included in Error! Reference source not found.

Error! Reference source not found..

Council will liaise with the relevant NRM Board NRM Officer to ensure the best methods and

techniques are applied. The permit applicant must also be made aware of the recommendations

(either directly from the NRM Officer, or via Council).

Landholders will not be permitted to undertake weed control works on vegetation classified as

Category A, B, and C (see Appendix 3. Roadside Vegetation Categories for mapped locations) or

areas yet to be formally assessed but are considered by a suitability qualified consultant or

experienced Council worker to fall into these categories.


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Pruning native vegetation is permitted (by Council and permit holders) if it is essential to provide

access to pest plants, and must be minimised so that it does not result in the death of the plant(s)

involved.

Clearance of native vegetation must be kept to a minimum to achieve effect control.

Spot spraying of declared weeds amongst native vegetation is acceptable (by Council and permit

holders) provided manufacturer instructions and advice from the NRM Officer must be followed.

Boom-spraying or broad-scale spraying in areas of native vegetation requires approval by the NVC

as well as Council.

Hand-held equipment is preferable to heavier machinery for weed control to minimise the

environmental impact.

Bushcare principles and methods (e.g. cut and swab, drill and fill, wipe) should be utilised to prevent

damage to native vegetation. Care must be taken to minimise soil disturbance and off-target effects

on native vegetation (e.g. trampling).

Soil disturbance is to be minimised and where soil disturbance is unavoidable, site monitoring should

follow the initial control work to selectively eradicate pest plants, which might re-establish.

Driving vehicles in intact native vegetation to conduct the weed control must be avoided.

Cultivation of road reserve for the purposes of weed control requires permission from the Council,

and will only be approved when there is no native vegetation present and where there is an

associated long-term plan to revegetate with native plant species.

3.7 Bushfire hazard reduction

Council is required to manage vegetation within road reserves to comply with its responsibility towards

bushfire prevention under the Fires and Emergency Services Act 2005, and to conserve native vegetation

as required under the Native Vegetation Act 1991. Council’s Bushfire Prevention Plan is reviewed

regularly, and sets out guidelines which must be followed. Activities and guidelines in the approved

Bushfire Prevention Plan can be conducted typically without additional approval from the NVC, but Council

must liaise with both the Manger Technical Services and the SA Country Fire Service for certain activities.

Roadside bushfire hazard reduction refers to the reduction of bushfire fuel and other hazardous materials

between roadside and boundary fence lines. Such hazards include excessive growth of weeds and

grasses, and dead vegetation. The removal of rocks and other debris from roadsides provides improved

access for slashing to remove weeds. All roadside hazard management, including the reduction of

bushfire hazards, must take into account sound land management principles and comply with guidelines

set out by the NVC, including the guide Managing Native Vegetation: Reduce the Impact of Bushfire

(Government of SA 2009).

The following guidelines are based on the premise that undisturbed native roadside vegetation will usually

be less of a bushfire hazard than roadsides with a mixture of native species and exotic species,

particularly introduced grasses, but that a planned approach is needed with fuel reduction at strategic sites

to protect assets.


19

3.7.1 Policy

Council will manage roadside vegetation by conducting bushfire hazard reduction following the approved

Bushfire Prevention Plan. Council will seek approval from the NVC and SA Country Service for any other

bushfire hazard reduction activities not covered in the Bushfire Prevention Plan.

3.7.2 Objective

The objectives of this policy statement are to:

manage vegetation within road reserves to minimise the threat of fire to life and property

manage vegetation within road reserves for fire management to conserve native vegetation and to

maintain ecological processes.

3.7.3 Guidelines


Any bushfire hazard reduction within road reserves is to be undertaken strictly in consultation with the

Manger Technical Services and to be in accordance with the approved Bushfire Prevention Plan.

Hazard reduction within roadsides should be achieved through control or removal of introduced

weeds, rather than native vegetation, including native grasses.

Removal of native vegetation (other than regrowth on existing fuel breaks, see section 3.8 below) or

on behalf of the Regional Council of Goyder Bushfire Prevention Committee, is permitted if

considered essential for hazard reduction and identified in the approved Bushfire Prevention Plan. If

the clearance is not identified in the Bushfire Prevention Plan, approval from the NVC is required.

Hazard reduction methods, particularly spraying, mowing or slashing of weeds should be conducted

well before summer to allow for the material to decompose.

Mechanical fuel removal is not permitted on slopes of greater than 18o because of the potential to

cause soil erosion.

Any controlled burning of native vegetation within road reserves must be in accordance with the

approved Bushfire Prevention Plan, with approval from the NVC and SA Country Service, and must

be carefully planned to ensure there will be no loss of conservation significant species through

burning too frequently, or at the wrong time or intensity.

3.8 Bushfire fuel breaks

Fuel breaks reduce the spread of fire and can be used as an area from which fire fighters can launch an

attack on the fire. Roads, particularly those surrounding townships and high value community and council

assets, are heavily relied upon to act as fuel breaks, as well as to ensure the safe progress of emergency

vehicles and the evacuation of residents threatened by fire. Consequently roads should be maintained to

fuel break guidelines.

This RVMP incorporates the standards within Managing Native Vegetation: Reduce the Impact of Bushfire

(Government of SA 2009) developed by the DLBWC (now part of DENR), NVC, DENR, and SA Country

Fire Service.


20

3.8.1 Policy

Council will manage roads surrounding townships and identified high value community and council assets as

fuel breaks by following the approved Bushfire Prevention Plan. Council will seek approval from the NVC and

SA Country Service for any construction or maintenance of fuel breaks activities not covered in the Bushfire

Prevention Plan.

3.8.2 Objectives


manage vegetation within road reserves surrounding townships and high value community and

council assets to fuel break standards.

3.8.3 Guidelines


New fuel breaks up to 5 m in width may be constructed along existing fence-lines and must be in

accordance with the Bushfire Prevention Plan. These fuel breaks are termed ‘standard fuel breaks’ in

Managing Native Vegetation: Reduce the Impact of Bushfire (Government of SA 2009). The 5 m

width measurement must include any immediately adjoining land where the vegetation has already

been removed as this reduces the amount of native vegetation that may need to removal overall.

Fuel breaks up to 20 m in width can be constructed on private property (not roadside reserves) to

protect primary production assets (see Managing Native Vegetation: Reduce the Impact of Bushfire

Government of SA 2009, for details) and must be in accordance with the Bushfire Prevention Plan.

Fuel breaks exceeding 20 m in width can be constructed and maintained if covered in the approved

Bushfire Prevention Plan.

Where a road reserve containing established native vegetation adjoins cleared farmland, any

required fuel breaks must be established on the cleared land rather than through clearance of native

vegetation. Clearance on the road reserve can be up to a maximum of 5 m.

The preferred methods of maintaining fuel breaks include slashing and mowing. Soil disturbance

should be minimised to prevent likely problems with weed invasion and erosion.

If a prescribed burn is required to construct a fuel break, approval from the SA Country Fire Service is

required.

3.9 Bushfire access tracks

A bushfire access track is a track designated, constructed and maintained for the safe passage of fire

fighting vehicles undertaking fire suppression activities. Existing roads are therefore not considered

access tracks, however access tracks may be located within roadside reserves where roads have yet to

be constructed.

3.9.1 Policy

Council will manage bushfire access tracks within road reserves to the guidelines of the approved Bushfire

Prevention Plan and the guidelines of Managing Native Vegetation: Reduce the Impact of Bushfire.

3.9.2 Objectives

The objective of this policy statement is to:


21

manage vegetation of road reserves utilised as bushfire access tracks to the guidelines of the

approved Bushfire Prevention Plan and Managing Native Vegetation: Reduce the Impact of Bushfire

(Government of SA 2009).

3.9.3 Guidelines


Bushfire access tracks must be maintained to a width between 4 and 5 m, and be sufficiently clear of

vegetation (both at the sides and overhead) to allow safe access and ensuring that single lane

access is permitted on through roads (these are termed minor fire tracks under the guidelines of

Managing Native Vegetation: Reduce the Impact of Bushfire, Government of SA 2009).

Bushfire access tracks may be constructed with passing bays permitting two-way access, providing a

minimum length of 17 m, a minimum width of 6 m and a maximum width in native vegetation of 8 m,

and providing opportunities to pass no less than every 400 m (these are termed standard fire tracks

under the guidelines of Managing Native Vegetation: Reduce the Impact of Bushfire, Government of

SA 2009).

Bushfire access tracks may be constructed and maintained to a minimum width of 7 m, allowing

ready and safe two-way access (these are termed major fire tracks under the guidelines of Managing

Native Vegetation: Reduce the Impact of Bushfire).

Bushfire access tracks should be established on land where native vegetation has already been

modified, and be incorporated within a fuel break, and be positioned to complement other fire access

tracks outlined in the approved Bushfire Prevention Plan.

Bushfire access tracks should be located to minimise soil disturbance to retain sufficient vegetation

cover to reduce erosion. Tracks design should include erosion control measures, and maintain

natural drainage lines. All tracks should be designed to allow run-off.

3.10 Clearing along fence-lines

Under the Local Government Act 1999 (Section 221) landholders who wish to clear native vegetation

within the road reserve for fence-line clearance require approval from the Council. Council recognises that

landholders have a reasonable right for vehicular access to their fence-lines, particularly for maintenance

and construction purposes. However, it is usual for the adjacent farmland to be cleared and fences can be

accessed from that side, without any impact on native vegetation within the road reserve.

There are some instances where private land adjacent fence-lines contain native vegetation. Under

Regulation 5(1)(s) (Native Vegetation Regulations 2003) native vegetation may be cleared on landholders

property if clearance is for the purpose of providing a strip of cleared land of up to 5 m in width to provide

access for maintenance of an existing fence or establishing a fence and;

the fence is reasonably required to control access by people or the movement of animals; and

the clearance is required to give reasonable access to the fence and is limited to the extent

reasonably required to achieve that access; and

there is no other practicable alternative (including, in the case of a new fence, to the position of the

fence) that would involve no clearance or the clearance of less vegetation or the clearance of


22

vegetation that is less significant or (if relevant) the clearance of vegetation that has been degraded

to a greater extent than the vegetation proposed to be cleared.

Removal of roadside vegetation for fence-line clearance requires Council approval. Branches of trees

protruding through or that overhang the fence from the road reserve may be removed. Shrubs and bushes

growing through the fence-line within the road reserve may be removed if they are growing within one

metre of the fence-line. All fence-line maintenance and construction by landholders must be conducted in

a manner that minimises any potential impact on native vegetation.

3.10.1 Policy

Council will ensure clearance of roadside vegetation along fence-lines complies with Council policies and

procedures and NVC guidelines. Any approved clearance will be conducted using minimal impact techniques.

3.10.2 Objective

The objective of this policy statement is to:

ensure the potential impact on native vegetation within road reserves is minimised, whilst enabling

landholders to gain appropriate access to fence lines for maintenance and construction purposes.

3.10.3 Guidelines


Landholders must obtain a permit from Council to undertake clearance for fence construction,

replacement, or maintenance requiring clearance. A copy of the application Permit to Construct or

Maintain a Fence-line Adjacent to a Road Reserve is included in Error! Reference source not

found. Form D.

The removal of limbs growing through or overhanging the fence will be permitted. For mallee trees

these branches should be cleanly cut off at the base of the tree, not broken off. For other trees, limbs

should be cut cleanly off at the nearest major fork.

The removal of stumps on the actual fence-line will be permitted.

Where shrubs or bushes within the road reserve are growing through the fence-line, Council will allow

those bushes growing within one metre of the fence-line to be removed.

Where shrubs are to be removed from the base, minimal impact techniques should be used to

prevent soil disturbance.

Where the proposed clearance of roadside vegetation along fence-lines is in excess of the above

standards, or includes rare or threatened species under either the National Parks and Wildlife Act

1972 or the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, applications will be

referred to the NVC or the Commonwealth Department for Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts

for formal approval.

Ploughing or grading of roadside vegetation will not be permitted.

Where the proposed clearance exceeds the minimum clearance widths as described in the guidelines

above, formal NVC approval for vegetation clearance will be required.


23

3.11 Clearing for property access

Clearance of native vegetation may be required by landowners to provide for access or improved access

to private properties. Proposed construction of driveways or widening of driveways that would require the

removal of native vegetation must be in accordance with the Native Vegetation Act 1991, and requires

approval from the Council under the Local Government Act 1999. Approval from DTEI is required when

constructing access along arterial roads.

The NVC’s booklet Guidelines for the Management of Roadside Vegetation outlines clearance standards

with regard to property access and the Regional Council of Goyder incorporates these standards within

the current RVMP.

Constructing or widening driveways can potentially impact on significant and sizable areas of native

vegetation and council intends to manage property access applications such that the clearance or

disturbance of native vegetation is minimised.

3.11.1 Policy

Council will ensure all vegetation clearance for property access complies with NVC and local council

guidelines. Any approved clearance will be conducted using minimal impact techniques.

3.11.2 Objective


enable landholders to gain appropriate access to private properties, whilst keeping native vegetation

clearance to a minimum.

ensure the potential impact on native vegetation within both road reserves and private property for

property access is minimised.

3.11.3 Guidelines


Landholders must obtain a permit from council to establish new, or widen property access points

within areas of native vegetation. A copy of the application Permit to Construct or Widen a Road

Reserve for Property Access is included in Error! Reference source not found. Form C.

Unless there are no other alternative access options, additional access points will not be permitted on

road segments of Category A, B or C.

Where clearance of native vegetation is required, approval will only be given where there will be an

overall environmental gain (eg appropriate revegetation is undertaken). This may include

revegetating suitable cleared sections of road reserve.

If the roadside vegetation has not yet been assigned to Category A – F, a vegetation survey must be

undertaken by suitably qualified persons (or experienced Council worker using existing surveyed

sites as a reference) to assign the vegetation present into these categories prior to undertaking any

works.

Vegetation trimmed or cleared and soil that has been removed is not to be placed on the road

reserve.


24

A clearance width of 5 m is allowed for normal vehicle access tracks to private property. In addition to

this, clearance along the road reserve is allowed to provide adequate sight distance, providing only

the minimum clearance required is undertaken. The clearance envelope for adequate sight distance

is allowed to be an area starting from 5 m back from the intersection of the road and driveway,

extending to a point 50 m along the road on either side of the intersection. The distance along the

road required for adequate sight distance will be assessed more specifically on a case by case basis

whereby only vegetation impairing sight distance is removed. Proposed clearance for sight distance

greater than 50 m from the intersection will need to be assessed by suitably qualified persons.

A clearance width of 10 m is allowed for wider farm vehicle access tracks to private property. In

addition to this, clearance along the road reserve is allowed to provide adequate sight distance,

providing only the minimum clearance required is undertaken. The clearance envelope for adequate

sight distance is permitted as an area beginning 5 m back from the intersection of the road and

driveway, extending to a point 50 m along the road on either side of the intersection. The distance

along the road required for adequate sight distance will be assessed more specifically on a case by

case basis so that vegetation impairing sight distance can be selectively removed within the area.

Proposed clearance for creation of safe sight distances greater than 50 m from the intersection will

need to be assessed by suitably qualified persons.

Where the proposed clearance exceeds the minimum clearance widths as described in the guidelines

above, formal NVC approval for vegetation clearance will be required.

3.12 Cropping of roadsides

3.12.1 Policy

Council will ensure that cropping within road reserves will only be permitted in areas devoid of native

vegetation.

3.12.2 Objectives


locate sites for community organisations to carry out cropping in road reserve areas which are devoid

of native vegetation

manage community organisation cropping sites and minimise the physical impact on existing native

vegetation.

3.12.3 Guidelines


Community organisations within the Council area may apply to Council to crop within road reserves

for community purposes. All applications must provide a statement from all adjoining landowners

agreeing to the area of the road reserve to be cropped. A copy of the application Permit to Use a

Road Reserve is included in Error! Reference source not found. Error! Reference source not

found..

All proceeds of the cropping must be for the sole benefit of the community organisation.

All approved applications for cropping within road reserves will be granted for a period of three years

only, pursuant Section 222 of the Local Government Act 1999.


25

In agreeing to the terms and conditions of the lease, the lessee indemnifies Council from all claims

and actions.

Cropping will only be approved for sections of road reserves devoid of native vegetation, such as

sections identified as Category E under the Roadside Vegetation Survey (see Appendix 3. Roadside

Vegetation Categories). If the roadside vegetation has not yet been assigned a category following the

Roadside Vegetation Survey methods, a vegetation survey must be undertaken by suitably qualified

persons or experienced Council worker using sites already surveyed as a reference, to assess the

vegetation and assign an appropriate category.

Only one side of the carriageway can be cropped at any one time to facilitate the droving of stock if

necessary.

Only road reserves along two and three chain roads will be available.

The approved community organisation is responsible for the control of declared weeds and vertebrate

pests within the approved section of the road reserve for the term of the permit period and for two

years after the permit expires.

3.13 Plant material and seed collection

Council recognises the importance of remnant vegetation within road reserves as it provides a seed

source of local indigenous native species suitable for local revegetation and restoration projects. Council

also recognises plant species specimens are required for educational and species identification purposes.

Plant material (leaves, fruit, flowers, stems, bark, and seed) collection from roadside vegetation requires

approval from Council under the Local Government Act 1999 and from DENR under Section 49 of the

National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 through a Permit to Collect Native Plant Material.

3.13.1 Policy

Council will ensure plant material and seed collection is conducted according to the appropriate Council

permit and State Government permit approvals. Council will generally permit the removal of native seeds for

revegetation activities, removal of specimens for identification purposes, and removal of plant material

(including seeds, fruit and flowers) for bushfood. Council will generally not permit the removal of any other

plant material (including fallen timber), unless part of an approved bushfire hazard reduction activity.

3.13.2 Objectives


manage the collection of plant material to conserve and sustain local native species and habitat

values within roadsides

promote revegetation using local seed stock.

3.13.3 Guidelines


Collection of plant material and seeds from within road reserve requires council approval. A copy of

the application Permit to Collect Plant Material from Road Reserves is included in Error! Reference

source not found. Error! Reference source not found.. The permit requires additional non-council

permits, the appropriate DENR Permit to Collect Native Plant Material for an Individual, Community

Group or Botanic Garden, or Permit to Collect Native Plant Material for ‘Other’, or Permit to Collect


26

Native Plant Material for Class A Type Permits, and NVC permit (if required), to be attached. Also

note that a DENR permit to collect plant specimens for identification requires an Application to

Undertake Scientific Reserve in South Australia. These permit application forms are available from

www.environment.sa.gov.au/biodiversity/sustainable-use (collection permits)

http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/science/permits/permits.html (scientific permits).

Council will consult with DENR when assessing all applications.

Collection must be undertaken in accordance with the conditions of the permit issued by Council,

DENR, and NVC (if required).

Native plant materials must only be collected from healthy plants that have neighbouring plants of the

same species within 20 metres. Collection from five or more plants of the same species, at a distance

of at least 100 metres between plants is also encouraged in order to maximise the diversity of seed

collected.

No more than 20% of the seed/fruit stock is to be removed from any one plant.

Council and DENR permits are to be carried at all times and is to be produced to a DENR or Council

Officer upon request.

The sourcing of locally indigenous plant material for revegetation works will only be permitted if

resulting plant stock is to be planted as close as possible to the collection location.

Tree trimming programs (for verge maintenance) will be undertaken in consultation with local

revegetation groups to facilitate the collection of seed and fruit from trimmed vegetation.

Council does not permit the collection of roadside trimmings cut as part of Councils routine program,

or the collection of timber, unless it is part of a recognised bushfire hazard reduction activity approved

by the Manger Technical Services.

Council does not permit bush cutting or flower harvesting (other than for permitted bushfood

collection) from roadside vegetation.

3.14 Pest animal control

Pest animal species present within the Council area are a conservation and public safety issue. Of

particular concern are foxes and rabbits. The NRM Officers should be contacted to provide advice on

control programs and to recommend specific activities required to control the species of concern. Costs

incurred by Council to conduct pest animal control can be recovered from the NRM Board, however

approval must be granted prior to the activities taking place. Adjoining landholders should be encouraged

to participate in declared animal control programs to enhance the size of the control area and minimise the

risk of reinvasion.

Landholders must seek permission from Council prior to undertaking any control activities within

roadsides. The use of poison baits on road reserves is prohibited without the permission of Council and

the relevant NRM Board.

When conducting pest animal control it is essential that control work be conducted in a way that minimises

the potential impact to native vegetation, which is a requirement of the Natural Resources Management

Act 2004. It is recognised that in some cases disturbance of native vegetation may be required in order to

http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/biodiversity/sustainable-use

http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/science/permits/permits.html


27

achieve adequate pest animal control. The NVC Clearance of Native Vegetation Associated with the

Control of Plant and Animal Pests provides guidelines that Council must comply with. These guidelines

are included below.

3.14.1 Policy

Council will ensure all pest animal control work is undertaken in accordance with Council guidelines and

advice from the NRM Board NRM Officer.

3.14.2 Objectives


manage pest animal control activities within road reserve areas to achieve effective control whilst

minimising any impact on native vegetation.

3.14.3 Guidelines


Landowners or land occupiers must obtain Council permission before conducting any pest animal

control within road reserve areas prior to commencing any pest animal control activities. A copy of the

application Permit to Conduct Weed/Pest Animal Control within Road Reserves is included in Error!

Reference source not found. Error! Reference source not found..

Council will liaise with the NRM Board NRM Officers prior to granting permits. Landowners or land

occupiers must be made aware of the recommendations, either directly from the NRM Board or via

Council workers.

If pruning of native vegetation is essential to provide access to pest animals (eg. rabbit warrens), it is

acceptable to prune as long as it does not affect the overall viability of the plant(s) involved.

Clearance of native vegetation must be kept to the minimum required for effective pest animal

control.

If entire native plants need to be removed in order to facilitate effective pest animal control, prior

discussion with, and endorsement by the NVC must be granted.

Soil disturbance (eg. ripping of rabbit warrens) is to be minimised. Where soil disturbance is

unavoidable, site monitoring should follow the initial control work to selectively eradicate pest plants,

which might establish at the site.

Fumigation is the preferred method for the control of rabbits and foxes within roadside vegetation.

Fumigation may be followed by closing Rabbit warrens with hand tools, or mechanical rippers to

close Fox dens provided the vegetation is not Category A, B or C.

Destruction of rabbit warrens should be avoided where possible due to the high risk to damage to

native vegetation. The method is not to be undertaken in vegetation of categories A, B and C.

Baiting (or either Rabbits or Foxes) will not be undertaken within roadsides.

3.15 Maintenance of roadside native vegetation

The significance of roadside vegetation within the Council area varies from Category A through to

Category F (summarised in section 1.6, see also Appendix 3. Roadside Vegetation Categories). Some

sections of road reserve within the Council area contain native vegetation (individual plant species or


28

vegetation communities) that is considered to be of very high ecological and conservation value (Category

A and B). Furthermore, some sections are considered to be representative of a vegetation community that

may be close to its pre-European condition (Category A).

In a council area that has been extensively cleared, the importance of high quality remnant vegetation

within roadsides is recognised and valued. A complete Roadside Vegetation Survey identifies roadside

vegetation that is of high conservation and ecological value, including its habitat value for important locally

indigenous fauna species. It is important that all areas of high conservation and ecological value are

identified and managed appropriately.

In order to maintain sections of high conservation value (Category A and B) roadside vegetation, active

management must be undertaken by Council, contractors and volunteers, to preserve biological diversity

and promote the natural regeneration of native species.

Management of native vegetation within road reserves may include activities such as weed control,

fencing and rubbish collection. Council has partnerships with organisations to undertake bushcare

programs of this nature, often involving trained community volunteers. However, the management

responsibility and coordination of such programs ultimately rests with the Council.

3.15.1 Policy

Council will ensure roadside vegetation of conservation significance is identified and managed for its

protection.

3.15.2 Objective


identify and manage roadside vegetation of high conservation and ecological significance.

3.15.3 Guidelines


Council should maintain a roadside vegetation database (and appropriate GIS information), so that

information is readily available. All data collected from roadside vegetation surveys (including data

provided to DENR database) should be incorporated.

Roadside Significant Sites (Category A and B) identified from any Roadside Vegetation Surveys

should be incorporated within a Roadside Marker Scheme. Appropriate signage, including RMS

markers, should be erected on the roadside to ensure that council staff, contractors and the

community are aware of the existence and extent of significant native vegetation within a given area.

Segments of roadside vegetation that have been identified as Category A are of first priority, followed

by Category B.

Council’s Roadside Marker Site database and GIS layer is to be maintained and annually updated to

incorporate any newly delineated Roadside Significant Sites.

Council must take responsibility for maintenance and protection of native vegetation within council’s

roadside reserves.


29

Council staff, contractors and volunteers who undertake work within road reserves are to undertake

training to develop and improve work procedures that will ensure the protection of Roadside

Significant Sites. Information on suitable training courses will be provided by Council.

Council will actively direct any staff, contractors and volunteers participating in the management of

roadside native vegetation through the development of detailed project specifications, work plans and

site maintenance standards.

3.16 Rehabilitation

Many road reserves containing native vegetation are degraded and intervention is required to improve

remnant condition and resilience. Degraded roadside remnants have been disturbed by a variety of factors

including vegetation clearance, increased solar exposure, altered water regimes, pest animal and plant

invasion. The Council is committed to ensuring that activities conducted within roadsides are undertaken

in a manner to minimise further degradation of native vegetation, and to rehabilitate distributed areas

where appropriate. Rehabilitation efforts will be directed towards roadsides adjacent to high-value remnant

vegetation, such as areas identified in the Roadside Vegetation Survey for the Regional Council of Goyder

(EBS 2009) as being of Category A and Category B, and areas managed for conservation purposes

including conservation parks, and heritage agreements.

3.16.1 Policy

Council will actively manage degraded road reserve remnants in priority locations to encourage natural

regeneration of native plant species and communities.

3.16.2 Objective


improve the condition of native vegetation within remnant areas through natural regeneration

prevent further degradation within road reserves, and protect areas where natural regeneration

occurs

address degrading processes that prevent sites from naturally regenerating.

3.16.3 Guidelines


Ensure all activities to be undertaken within road reserves are conducted according to the policies

and guidelines contained within this RVMP.

Council should give priority to identifying and rehabilitating roadside vegetation that is adjacent to

existing remnants. Priority will be given to roadside vegetation adjacent properties that are actively

managed for conservation purposes.

Community groups or individuals interested in conducting rehabilitation works within road reserves

will be required to have an agreement with Council on the nature and extent of the rehabilitation

project, this can be initiated through a Permit to Use a Road Reserve. A copy of the application form

is in Error! Reference source not found. Error! Reference source not found..


30

Rehabilitation sites are to be monitored to determine if native vegetation condition is improving. If

condition has improved, the roadsides will require to be reassessed to determine the appropriate

roadside vegetation category (see Appendix 3. Roadside Vegetation Categories for category details).

Rehabilitation projects must not interfere with Council’s responsibility to achieve adequate and

specified road safety and bushfire prevention standards. The line of sight of vehicles must not be

restricted, nor greatly reduce road visibility and should not pose any other hazards to road users.

Depending on the location and objectives of the rehabilitation project, Council should consider

collaborating and liaising with community groups and government agencies to execute rehabilitation

works. Partner groups include the NRM Boards, DENR, Greening Australia, Landcare and Trees for Life

(see Appendix 10. Contact details of relevant groups and organisations).

3.17 Revegetation

Many road reserve areas within the Council area have been extensively cleared in the past and contain

little or no vegetation. Cleared roadsides provide an opportunity for revegetation, to increase the amount

of roadside vegetation in the Council area, buffer remnants and improve remnant connectivity. Other

benefits include the creation of habitat for wildlife, improving the visual amenity of an area, and reducing

the risk of soil erosion and salinity.

Council may initiate and encourage strategic revegetation within the region, ensuring that it complies with

Council’s road safety and bushfire prevention objectives. Council managed revegetation programs aim to

establish vegetation that reflects pre-European vegetation communities. The use of locally indigenous

plant species grown from locally collected seed is considered best practise for use within revegetation

programs.

Guidelines for revegetation programs have been outlined within Guidelines for the Management of

Roadside Vegetation and Council policy incorporates these guidelines within this RVMP. Under the Local

Government Act 1999, it is a requirement for others intending to conduct revegetation programmes within

road reserves to obtain permission from local council. This may be initiated through a Permit to Use a

Road Reserve. A copy of the application is provided in Error! Reference source not found. Error!

Reference source not found..

3.17.1 Policy

Council will encourage the revegetation of priority, degraded areas of road reserve utilising local native

species with seed collected as close as possible to the revegetation site.

3.17.2 Objective

The objectives of this policy statement are to:

revegetate priority areas within road reserves to enhance biodiversity values

only utilise locally indigenous species with seed collected as close as possible to the revegetation

site.

3.17.3 Guidelines



31

Revegetation projects should be undertaken within priority areas. These include the road reserves

adjacent to remnants managed for conservation purposes, road reserves that can contribute to

greater remnant connectivity, and road reserves that are greater than 10 m in width. Other priorities

may include the re-creation of preferentially cleared vegetation types, including grassy woodland

communities. Revegetation projects are usually unnecessary within roadside vegetation of good

condition as there may be greater potential for native vegetation establishment through natural

regeneration.

A site assessment conducted by a qualified consultant, contractor or suitable Council staff member

should be undertaken prior to any revegetation work to ensure the proposed site is suitable.

Use of local seed and local species is encouraged for use in revegetation projects. Collection of

seeds should be undertaken according to the guidelines within this RVMP (include the appropriate

permits). All seed or plants used for revegetation projects should be from native vegetation of similar

soil type, slope and aspect as close as practicable to the area to be revegetated (preferable within 10

km).

Care is required to avoid damaging existing remnants, especially areas containing understorey

species. Consultation with an expert may be required.

Revegetation projects must not interfere with Council’s responsibility to achieve adequate and

specified road safety and bushfire prevention standards. The line of sight of vehicles must not be

restricted, nor greatly reduce road visibility and should not pose any other hazards to road users.

Replanting near powerlines must comply with the legislation and guidelines of the ETSA Corporation.

Depending on the location and objectives of the revegetation project, council should consider

partnering and liaising with community groups and government agencies including the relevant NRM

Board and DENR.

All revegetation works should be designed with consideration to ongoing maintenance requirements

and/or have low maintenance requirements. All revegetation proposals should be assessed by

Council to identify maintenance issues or fire hazard issues before planting occur.

Any community groups or individuals interested in conducting revegetation works within road

reserves are required to have an agreement with Council on the nature and extent of the revegetation

project. Individuals or community groups must notify Council on their intent to conduct revegetation,

this can initiated through a Permit to Use a Road Reserve. A copy of the application is included in

Error! Reference source not found. Error! Reference source not found..

Community groups and individuals interested in conducting bushcare within road reserves will be

encouraged to participate in any relevant workshops or training courses.

Where a road or track is considered to be of strategic importance within an area for the prevention of

the spread of fire, the proposed planting of vegetation for biodiversity, aesthetics, conservation or

enrichment, should first be referred to the Manger Technical Services. This will assist in preventing

the establishment of fuel tunnels in high fire risk areas where vehicle access will be required.


32

3.18 Other Issues

3.18.1 Vegetation die-back issues

Die-back in native vegetation may be caused by a number of factors. The decline in the health of remnant

vegetation may in some cases be due to soil-borne pathogens or soil conditions and deficiencies. Plants

that are affected by die-back exhibit a slow decline in health that can result in their death.

The soil-borne pathogen Phytophthora is a major issue within South Australia, causing irreversible

dieback of native vegetation. Mundulla Yellows is a condition less understood, however it is considered

that native vegetation may die back as a result of high soil pH, high salinity levels and nutrient deficiencies

(Czerniakowski et al. 2006) as opposed to previously suspected biotic factors such as pathogens (Luck et

al. 2006).

1.1.1.4 Phytophthora

Phytophthora, often referred to as a root-rot fungus, is a microscopic, soil-borne organism that infects root

systems and basal stem tissue of native vegetation. Once infected with Phytophthora, native vegetation

will suffer from root-rot, show signs of dieback and may eventually die as the movement of water and

nutrients to the plant is inhibited.

Spread of Phytophthora to new hosts is known to occur via transport of infected soil or plant matter (even

small amounts). Infected soil and plant matter may adhere to surfaces including machinery, vehicles,

equipment and footwear which may be a potential means of spreading Phytophthora within and between

roadside reserves.

The Regional Council of Goyder council area is considered to be low risk to Phytophthora as organism

has not been confirmed or suspected to occur in the area. Similarly Phytophthora is unlikely to become

established due to soil type, climate and landform not being conducive to Phytophthora growth and

survival. Plant species susceptible to Phytophthora are not present (DEH 2004).


33

4 RISK ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF KEY THREATS

Identifying the risks to native vegetation from Council activities, and activities managed by Council, is

important so that appropriate control measures to minimise or eliminate the risks can be developed. This

section presents details of a risk assessment conducted following NVC Guidelines (2004), whereby the

following steps were undertaken:

activities and factors that may impact upon roadside vegetation were identified (as presented in

Section 3 Management Issues and Guidelines)

the potential consequences for each activity were identified

the severity of the consequence was determined (see Table 4 for rating categories)

the likelihood of the consequences actually occurring assessed (see Table 5 for rating categories)

the level of risk was established based on both the severity and likelihood ratings (see

Table 6 for the risk matrix)

the potential management and treatments required to reduce the risks were determined.

The risk assessment is summarised in Table 7 The final step of the risk assessment process is the

preparation of the roadside management matrix, which provides a summary of management measures

restrictions placed upon the roadside activities. Both the level of restrictions and the necessity to liaise

with appropriate agencies and experts is based upon the roadside vegetation category, with category A,

the highest quality vegetation, having the most stringent restrictions. The roadside management matrix is

presented in Table 8.

Table 4. Severity of consequences.

Severity Description of environmental consequences1

Negligible No demonstrable or measurable effect.

Minor Few plants affected. No damage to threatened species or vegetation of conservation significance. No

long-term damage to vegetation.

Major

Significant numbers of plants killed. Limited damage to threatened species or vegetation of high

conservation significance or moderate damage to vegetation of lower conservation significance.

Damage reversible in less than five years.

Severe

Substantial damage to vegetation. Moderate damage to threatened species or vegetation of high

conservation significance or severe damage to vegetation of lower conservation significance.

Eventual recovery possible, but not necessarily to the same pre-incident conditions.

Disastrous

Irreversible and irrecoverable changes to areas of vegetation, with little prospect of recovery to pre-

incident conditions. Extensive damage to and loss of vegetation of high conservation significance,

possibly loss of threatened species. 1Based on impacts to good quality native vegetation.


34

Table 5. Likelihood of consequence occurring.

Likelihood Description of likelihood

Virtually Impossible Has almost never occurred, but conceivably could

Rare Has occurred but only a few times

Unlikely Occurs, but not likely

Likely Likely to occur

Virtually certain Can be expected to occur more than once and includes continuous impact

Table 6. Risk matrix.

Likelihood of consequence

Virtually impossible

Rare Unlikely Likely Virtually certain

Se

ve

rity

of

co

ns

eq

ue

nc

e

Negligible Effect Low Low Low Low Low

Minor Effect Low Low Medium Medium Medium

Major Effect Medium Medium Medium Medium High

Severe Effect Medium Medium Medium High High

Disastrous Effect Medium Medium High High High


35

Table 7. Risk assessment of hazards associated with the key management issues.

See Table 4 for severity rating categories, Table 5 for likelihood rating categories, and Table 6 for risk categories.

Management issue Hazard Consequence Severity Likelihood Risk

Road construction excessive movement of equipment through native vegetation

removal/ destruction/ damage of native vegetation Disastrous Likely High

soil disturbance and removal of soil seed bank Severe Likely High

removal of habitat including hollows Severe Likely High

Road maintenance placing grading rill outside formation destruction or damage to native plants (smothering) Major Likely Medium

turning grader in roadside soil disturbance and removal of soil seed bank Major Likely Medium

movement of grader along roads spread of or introduction of pest plant species or soil-borne pests and diseases

Major Likely Medium

Verge maintenance pruning in excess of standards damage to native vegetation Minor Unlikely Medium

plant removal in excess of standards removal of native vegetation Major Unlikely Medium

Installation and maintenance of utilities

equipment operating within road reserves containing native vegetation

clearance / damage of native vegetation Major Unlikely Medium

insensitive methods used to maintain services soil disturbance / removal Major Likely Medium

Stockpile sites creation of new sites in areas of high conservation significance

removal / damage / smothering of native plants Disastrous Rare Medium

removal of soil and soil seed bank Severe Rare Medium

Weed control overspray destruction or damage to native plants Major Likely Medium

herbicide spillage destruction or damage to native plants Major Likely Medium

slashing of native vegetation destruction or damage to native plants Major Likely Medium

Bushfire hazard reduction

excessive clearance / slashing/ mowing removal / damage of native vegetation Major Rare Medium

inappropriate burn regime for fuel reduction loss of threatened plant species Disastrous Virtually impossible

Medium

removal of fauna habitat shelter refuges loss of habitat for fauna Minor Likely Medium

Bushfire fuel breaks excessive clearance / slashing / mowing removal / damage of native vegetation Major Rare Medium

Bushfire access tracks pruning of native vegetation damage to native vegetation Minor Likely Medium

smothering of native understorey vegetation Minor Unlikely Medium

excessive clearance of native vegetation removal of native vegetation Major Unlikely Medium

soil disturbance Severe Unlikely Medium

Clearing along fence pruning of native vegetation damage to native vegetation Minor Likely Medium


36

Management issue Hazard Consequence Severity Likelihood Risk

lines smothering of native understorey vegetation Minor Unlikely Medium

excessive clearance of native vegetation removal of native vegetation Major Likely Medium


Property access pruning of native vegetation damage to native vegetation Minor Likely Medium

excessive clearance of native vegetation removal of native vegetation Major Likely Medium


Cropping within road reserves

clearance of native vegetation removal of native vegetation Major Unlikely Medium


Removal of plant material

over-collection local extinction of threatened plant species Severe Possible Medium

Pest animal control ripping of rabbit warrens clearance / disturbance of native vegetation Major Unlikely Medium

soil disturbance Major Rare Medium

establishment of pest plant species Major Rare Medium

Revegetation Inappropriate planting (eg trees planted within native grasslands)

loss of intact vegetation associations Major Rare Medium


37

Table 8. Roadside management matrix.

Activity Roadside vegetation category

A B C D E F

Value Very high value High value High value Moderate value Low value Unknown value

Restrictions Many restrictions apply Restrictions apply Restrictions apply Some restrictions apply Few restrictions apply Restrictions may apply subject to an assessment of the site

Activity Roadside Management Restrictions

Road construction Avoid

NVC to be consulted

Limit

NVC to be consulted

NVC to be consulted

Road maintenance Avoid if possible

Minimal disturbance methods only


Verge maintenance Minimal disturbance methods only

Service installation Avoid

NVC to be consulted if removal of native vegetation is required.



Service maintenance Minimal disturbance methods only

NVC to be consulted if maintenance clearance is in excess of standards

No vehicle access

Rehabilitation plan required

NVC to be consulted if maintenance clearance is in excess of standards

No vehicle access

No restrictions

Work within approved standard operating procedures or guidelines of RVMP

Assessment required

Stockpiling Not permitted Avoid Select site with care.


Assessment required

Weed control Permit required

Liaise with the NRM Boards

Bushfire hazard reduction

Avoid

Subject to guidelines and approved management plans.

Only if absolutely necessary

Subject to guidelines and approved management plans

No restrictions in areas void of native vegetation.





38

Activity Roadside vegetation category

A B C D E F

Bushfire fuel reduction Avoid Permit required


Liaise with CFS

Permit required

Liaise with CFS

Permit required


Liaise with CFS

Bushfire access tracks Avoid

Permit required

Clearance beyond guidelines requires NVC approval, and if along arterial roads, DTEI approval

Permit required

Clearance beyond guidelines requires NVC approval

Permit required

Clearing along fence lines

Avoid

Permit required


Permit required


Permit required

Clearing for property access

Avoid

Permit required

Clearance beyond guidelines requires NVC approval, and if along arterial roads, DTEI approval

Permit required


Permit required

Cropping of roadsides Avoid Permit required

Pest animal control Permit required

Liaise with the NRM Boards

Plant material and seed collection

Permit required

DENR permit required

May require NVC consent

Maintenance of vegetation diversity

NVC approval required if any disturbance to native vegetation is required

Not undertaken

Revegetation Avoid Permit required

Open areas only – avoid native grass areas

Permit required

Revegetation with local native species suitable

Site marking Mark and add to database of roadside significant sites

Not marked unless threatened species present Not marked


39

5 IMPLEMENTATION

5.1 Internal Council approvals

Prior to activities or works being conducted in roadsides key actions are required. These are outlined in

Figure 5. See section 5.2 Roles and Responsibilities to determine who should implement each step.

Figure 5. Roadside activity assessment and approval process.

Determine the potential impact of the activity to native vegetation within the specific road reserve.

Actions and steps required

Visit the site where the activity is to be conducted.

Refer to the Roadside Management Matrix within this RVMP.

Determine the level of approval required.

None Internal External

Determine the constraints, controls and mitigation measures for the specific activity.

Issue permit, or letter of advice detailing denial.

Consult with NRM Board, DENR, and/or a native vegetation expert if required.

Review existing methods, guidelines and permits.

Ensure all conditions and specific instructions are outlined.

Refer to Roadside Significant Site Database.

Refer to section 3 Risk Assessment Guidelines and Management Issues.

Conduct site inspection to ensure compliance with conditions.

How

How

How


40

5.2 Roles and Responsibilities

5.2.1 Manager Technical Services

The Manager Technical Services is responsible for:

maintaining the RVMP, including any updates which reflect any relevant Council changes, legislative

changes, or NVC requirements that may occur

assessing permit applications, issuing permits, and ensuring permit holders are provided with

sufficient information to met the relevant guidelines of the RVMP

conducting annual reviews and reporting to the NVC

liaison with the NVC, NRM Officers, DENR staff, liaison with adjacent landholders, and the Country

Fire Service

ensuring all roadside users, including Council staff, contractors, community groups, the Country Fire

Service, and individuals known to be working within roadside vegetation are compliant with this

RVMP.

5.2.2 Team Leader

The Team Leader is responsible for:

ensuring works conducted by works crews, including contractors, are conducted in accordance with

RVMP

ensuring all activities and works requiring approval have been approved by the Manager Technical

Services.

5.3 Job environmental Analysis Checklist

The Job Environmental Analysis Checklist (Error! Reference source not found. Error! Reference

source not found.) gathers key information on the activities to be undertaken, and can be used as the

first step in documenting RVMP requirements for the proposed works. The potential risks to roadside

vegetation, and specific actions to be implemented that will eliminate or reduce the risks are identified.

5.4 Training and Education

For this RVMP to be implemented successfully, everyone involved in works or activities in road reserves

needs to be familiar with the RVMP requirements. Council staff are the key to ensuring people outside of

council, including adjacent landholders, community members, contractors, service providers, and anyone

else accessing road reserves are aware that the guidelines exist and where to access information.

Council should work in conjunction with the SA Murray Darling Basin NRM Board and Northern and Yorke

NRM Board, the local CFS, DENR, local community groups, and key landholders to promote a widespread

understanding of why roadside vegetation must be protected and managed, and how the guidelines

contained within the RVMP can achieve this.

Within Council, all staff that work on roads and within road reserves will be required to become familiar

with all aspects of the RVMP. It is intended that a series of workshops will be conducted for Council staff

to become familiar with the RVMP. These workshops should be held following formal approval of this plan


41

by the Native Vegetation Council. It is the responsibility of the Manager Technical Services, to ensure any

new staff become familiar with the plan and that all staff are made aware of any updates incorporated into

the plan. Once council staff are familiar with the RVMP they will be able to liaise with and educate the

general public regarding specific issues as appropriate whilst working within the council area. Where

external contractors, groups and/or individuals intend to conduct activities within road reserves, Council

will provide copies of the relevant policy and guidelines when an application to undertake work within road

reserves is approved. A further approach will be to produce a series of brochures or fact sheets that will

be readily available to promote adherence to the Council guidelines relating to specific issues which will

be released at relevant times throughout the year for distribution.


42

5.5 Vegetation assessment and approval

The process for assessing roadside activities and determining the level of approval required is outlined in Table 9. Criteria have been established to determine

what assessment is required and when referral to the Native Vegetation Council may be necessary.

Table 9. Vegetation assessment and approval guidelines.

Note: Any activity requiring external assessment / approval also requires internal assessment / approval.

Activity

Assessment / approval requirement

External applicants (internal Council approval)

Council works (no approval) Council works (internal approval) All External applications and Council works

requiring external approval by NVC / DENR / NRM Boards / CFS

Road

construction

(Section 3.1)

Not applicable. If all work occurs in an area devoid

of native vegetation.

Very minor and localised clearance,

including pruning of branches or removal

of one or two tree saplings or shrubs

which are listed as common in the area.

Construction of new roads that will require the

removal of native vegetation (NVC).

Road

maintenance

(Section 3.2)

Not applicable. If work occurs within the existing

maintenance envelope.

Minor clearance as defined in the RVMP

guidelines.

Any clearance of vegetation outside of the existing

maintenance envelope (NVC)..

Verge

maintenance

(Section 3.3)

Not applicable. If work occurs within the existing

maintenance envelope.

Minor clearance as defined in the RVMP

guidelines.

Any clearance of vegetation outside of the existing

maintenance envelope (NVC).

Installation and

maintenance of

utilities (Section

3.4)

Council Permit to Install or

Maintain Utility Services within a

Road Reserve required.

If no native vegetation is to be

disturbed.

If native vegetation is to be disturbed

within vegetation of Category D or E.

Any clearance, other than minor pruning - as

defined in the Australian standards for urban

pruning procedures (guiding document AS 4373 -

Standards Australia 2007) of native vegetation

within roadsides of Category A – C (NVC).


43

Activity





Stockpile sites

(Section 3.5)

Not applicable. If existing (including those not

currently in use) stockpile sites are

to be reused and which contain no

native vegetation, and are

surrounded by vegetation of

Category D or E.

If old stockpile sites are to be reused and

are within vegetation of Category A – C.

If new stockpile sites are to be created

within vegetation of Category D or E.

Any clearance of native vegetation within roadsides

of Category A – C, or F vegetation for the

construction of new stockpile sites (NVC).

Weed control

(Section 3.6)

Council Permit to Conduct

Weed/Pest Animal Control within

Road Reserves required.

If no native vegetation is present

based on previous assessment.

Minor clearance based on low off-target

damage risk (eg selective control using

low impact methods) within vegetation of

Category D or E.

All weed control work (NRM Board liaison).

All but minor clearance as defined in the endorsed

RVMP (NVC).

Large control programs (such as those involving the

use of boom-sprays (NVC).

Bushfire hazard

reduction

(Section 3.7)

CFS to liaise with Council.

Not permitted by individuals.



If approved under the Bushfire Prevention

Plan.

If not included in the approved Bushfire Prevention

Plan (NVC, CFS).

Bushfire fuel

breaks (Section

3.8)



If approved under the Bushfire

Prevention Plan.


Plan.

If not included in the approved under the Bushfire

Prevention Plan (including new fuel breaks) (NVC,

CFS).

Bushfire access

tracks (Section

3.9)



If approved under the Bushfire

Prevention Plan.


Plan.

If not included in the approved under the Bushfire

Prevention Plan (including new fuel breaks) (NVC,

CFS).

Clearing along

fence-lines

clearance

(Section 3.10)

Council Permit to Construct or

Maintain a Fence-line Adjacent to

Road Reserve required by

adjoining land-holders.

If no vegetation is to be removed

from the road reserve side of the

fence.

If vegetation is to be removed from the

road reserve within 1m of existing fence-

line and no plants of conservation

significance are likely to be affected based

on previous assessment.

Any clearance exceeding approved standard as

defined in the endorsed RVMP (NVC).


44

Activity





Property

access (Section

3.11)

Council Permit to Construct or

Widen a Road Reserve for

Property Access required.



Maximum 5m wide (normal vehicle

access), 10m wide (machinery) where

native roadside vegetation is of Category

D or E.

Any clearance exceeding approved standard as

defined in the endorsed RVMP (NVC).

Cropping of

roadsides

(Section 3.12)

Council Permit to Use a Road

Reserve required. Not permitted in

Category A – D.

Not applicable. Not applicable. Not applicable (no cropping to occur in areas of

native vegetation).

Removal of

plant material

(Section 3.13)

Council Permit to Collect Plant

Material from Road Reserves

If removal is part of an already

approved pest plant control program

or Bushfire Prevention Plan and

does not require entry into any new

area and is on roadside vegetation

of Category D or E.

As defined in the endorsed RVMP. If

removal of plant material is proposed for a

new area and is not part of an already

existing pest plant program or Bushfire

Prevention Plan and may encroach on

roadside vegetation of Category A-C, or F

Permit to Collect Native Plant Material for an

Individual / Community Group / Botanic Garden, or

Permit to Collect Native Plant Material for Class A

Permit Types, or Permit to Collect Native Plant

Material for ‘Other’ must be also be obtained for the

collection of seeds, fruit, bushfoods. Scientific

Permit required for collection of specimens.

Collection of any other plant material (including

wood or timber) is not permitted.

Pest animal

control (Section

3.14)

Council Permit to Conduct

Weed/Pest Animal Control within

Road Reserves required.



Minor clearance based on low off-target

damage risk (eg selective control using

low impact methods) within vegetation of

Category D or E.

Rabbit baiting programmes where native

vegetation is present.

All pest animal control work (NRM Board

consultation only).

All but minor clearance as defined in the endorsed

RVMP (NVC).

Maintenance of

native

vegetation

(Section 3.15)


Reserve required, and liaison with

Manager Technical Services.

Not applicable. Any maintenance projects – as defined in

the endorsed RVMP.

Any measures involving burning, lopping or other

disturbance of native vegetation (NVC).


45

Activity





Rehabilitation

(Section 3.16)




If an already approved rehabilitation

program is in place within category

D or E.

Any rehabilitation work – as defined in the

endorsed RVMP. If an already approved

rehabilitation program is in place within

category A-C or F, continuous internal

approval may not be required.

Any measures involving burning or other


Revegetation

(Section 3.17)




If an already approved revegetation

program is in place within category

D or E.

Any revegetation work – as defined in the

endorsed RVMP. If an already approved

revegetation program is in place within

category A-C or F, continuous internal

approval may not be required

Any measures involving burning or other



46

5.6 Monitoring of roadside vegetation

Council staff are required to report incidents impacting, or having the potential to impact native vegetation

within road reserves. Council staff are also required to report incidents conducted, or witnessed by

community members, landholders, commercial operators, and anyone else. An incident form Roadside

Vegetation Incident Report is included in Error! Reference source not found. Error! Reference source

not found.. The Manager Technical Services is responsible for reviewing and acting on incident reports.


47

6 REPORTING AND REVIEW

6.1 Annual reports

The NVC require Council to review and assess its performance on the implementation and compliance of

this RVMP, with an Annual Report submitted to the NVC on the twelve month anniversary of the adoption

of this RVMP. The purpose of the Annual Report is to:

keep the NVC informed of developments and management measures being undertaken within

Council area

assist the NVC in the long-term management of native vegetation

show compliance with this RVMP

allow the NVC and Council to assess the success of the plan and identify areas for improvement.

The Annual Report will be evaluated and assessed by the NVC to assess compliance with NV Act, and

continued endorsement of the RVMP will be considered.

It is intended that the RVMP annual reporting process will also form an internal basis for reporting on the

RVMP in Councils Annual Report.

6.2 Reviews

The NVC require this RVMP to be reviewed initially after three years from the commencement of the plan,

and thereafter at five-year intervals. The Manager Technical Services will be responsible for the review of

and any revision of this RVMP.


48

7 Associated Programs

7.1 Roadside vegetation surveys

A Roadside Vegetation Survey (RVS) was conducted within the Regional Council of Goyder (EBS 2009).

The survey covered a length of 600 km, and when counting each side of the road amounts to

approximately 1200 km of roadside vegetation. This survey was conducted according to the guidelines

within Guide to the Roadside Vegetation Survey Methodology for South Australia. This RVS identified and

documented the vegetation associations, both native and exotic, that were present within the road

reserves. Such information is particularly useful for identifying areas of roadside that contain native

vegetation of high conservation value, which will aid council to manage and conserve these areas. Please

refer to the RVS report and supporting maps (EBS 2009) for further details on roadside vegetation when

planning any activity within roadside vegetation.

7.2 Roadside marker schemes

Council is committed to actively managing the roadside native vegetation included within the Roadside

Marker Scheme (RMS) and considers the scheme to be an important component in the management of

areas of high conservation significance.

Council is committed to implementing the RMS scheme by installing markers at all high conservation

value sites within the Council area. The scheme will aim to include all sites identified as Category A and B

in the roadside vegetation survey (Appendix 1).

Council will continue to manage a RMS that requires the following actions and activities:

continued surveying and identification of roadside vegetation currently unassigned to a roadside

category

management and maintenance of an RMS database detailing locations or existing roadside markers,

the assigned conservation category of vegetation within each roadside marker section and the type of

vegetation association present, and time of last review of existing roadside markers

installation and maintenance of roadside markers


49

8 REFERENCES

Australian Standards (2007) AS 4373 - Pruning of amenity trees. Australian Standards, Sydney, Australia.

Czerniakowski B., Crnov R., Smith IW., Luck JE. (2006) Soil properties associated with the tree decline

‘Mundulla Yellows’. Plant and Soil 285: 197-205

Government of South Australia (2005) Guidelines for State Government Agencies, Firebreak and Fire

Access Tracks. Government of South Australia, Australia.

Local Government Association (1994) Managing Unsealed Roads in South Australia. Local Government

Association, Adelaide.

Luck J., Crnov R., Czerniakowski B., Smith I. W., and Moran J. (2006) Investigating the Presence of biotic

agents associated with Mundulla Yellows. Plant disease 90, 404-410.

Native Vegetation Council (1997) Guidelines for the Management of Roadside Vegetation. Government of

South Australia, Adelaide.

NVC (2002) Clearance of Native Vegetation Associated with the Control of Plant and Animal Pests.

Government of South Australia, Adelaide.

NVC (2004) Preparing Roadside Vegetation Management Plans: Guidelines for Local Government. Native

Vegetation Council, Government of South Australia, Adelaide.

Neagle N (1995) An update of the conservation status of the major plant associations of South Australia,

Native Vegetation Conservation Section, Department of Environment and Natural Resources,

South Australia. Crown of Australia.

QED (2005) Regional Council of Goyder: Road Network Plan. Unpublished report to the Regional Council

of Goyder, Adelaide, South Australia.

Stokes A. L., Heard, L.M.B., Carruthers, S., and Reynolds, T. (1998) Guide to the Roadside Vegetation

Survey Methodology in South Australia – Draft Working Document. Transport SA, Adelaide.

Transport SA (1997) Environmental Code of Practice for Construction; Road, Bridge and Marine Facilities.

Transport SA, Adelaide.


50

9 APPENDICES

Appendix 1. Summary of the Regional Council of Goyder Roadside Vegetation Survey

The Regional Council of Goyder roadside vegetation survey was commissioned and funded by the

Regional Council of Goyder, the Native Vegetation Council, the Department of Water, Land and

Biodiversity Conservation and the SA Murray – Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board. The

survey was conducted April - May 2008. The report (EBS 2009) aims to give the Regional Council of

Goyder and other user’s information on the conservation value of roadside vegetation and the location of

roadside segments that are of particularly high importance.

In total, approximately 602.96 km of roadside vegetation on both the left side and right side was surveyed,

for a total of 1205.92 km within the Regional Council of Goyder. Within the surveyed roadsides, 51

vegetation associations were recorded, 40 of which were dominated by native species, six dominated by

exotic species and three consisting of planted vegetation, plus two non-vegetated associations. The most

common vegetation associations recorded were:

Association 42: Avena barbata, +/- Austrostipa sp., +/- Austrodanthonia sp., +/- Enneapogon sp., +/-

Atriplex sp. Tussock Grassland

Association 21: Atriplex stipitata, +/- Atriplex vesicaria, +/- Maireana sp., +/- Nitraria sp., +/-

Zygophyllum sp. Shrubland

Association 11: Eucalyptus oleosa, +/- Eucalyptus brachycalyx, +/- Eucalyptus gracilis, +/- Eucalyptus

odorata, +/- Eucalyptus socialis Mallee.

Of the 51 vegetation associations, five have been allocated the highest conservation priority (rating 1),

with a further 15 also considered of high importance (rating 2), and an additional 23 also of significance

(rating 3). The priority 1 vegetation associations are:

Eucalyptus porosa Low Woodland

Eucalyptus porosa, +/- E. dumosa, +/- E. odorata, +/- E. oleosa, +/- Acacia pycnantha, +/- Alectryon

oleifolius, +/- Callitris gracilis Mallee

Acacia glandulicarpa Shrubland

Austrostipa sp., +/- Austrodanthonia sp., +/- Enneapogon sp. +/- Cymbopogon sp., +/- Lomandra sp.

Grassland

Cymbopogon ambiguus Tussock Grassland.

One Nationally threatened plant species, Acacia glandulicarpa (Hairy-pod Wattle) was recorded during

this survey, with a further two species being classified as Rare in South Australia. The threatened flora

species that were recorded are:

Acacia glandulicarpa (Hairy-pod Wattle) Aus Vulnerable; SA Endangered

Maireana rohrlachii (Rohrlach’s Bluebush) SA Rare

Myoporum parvifolium (Creeping Boobialla) SA Rare.

The Overview Condition of the vegetation recorded during this survey varied considerably, however

vegetation in the worst category, Very Poor, covered 557 km or 45% of the roads surveyed. Vegetation in

the best category, Excellent, covered 0.68 km or 0.05% of the roads surveyed. The following table

represents the distance and percentage for each overview condition category recorded.


51

Summary of the five condition ratings identified during the survey.

Overview condition

Condition terminology

Distance (km)

Percentage (%)

1 Excellent 0.68 0.05

2 Good 30.29 2.44

3 Moderate 272 21.92

4 Poor 362.37 29.20

5 Very Poor 557.3 44.90

Roadside Significant Sites includes sites with high quality native vegetation that have high ecological and

conservation value. For the purpose of this survey, any sites that have an overview condition rating of 1 or

2 have been designated roadside significant sites. Some additional sites that had an overview condition

rating of 3 also have been designated as roadside significant sites within this survey area, due to the

paucity of higher quality sites. During the survey, 31 potential roadside significant sites (RSS) were

identified, and it is recommended that the Regional Council of Goyder implement this system as soon as

possible.


52

Appendix 2.Summary of legislation relevant to roadside vegetation management

Local Government Act 1999

Under the Local Government Act 1999 any works on road reserves require the permission of the local council. The

Regional Council of Goyder is responsible for all roads within the council area (with the exception of the main

arterial roads under the care and control of The Department of Transport, Energy and Infrastructure) and is

therefore responsible for the adjacent road reserve areas. Any works or activities to be conducted on, over or under

these road reserves require permission from the Regional Council of Goyder.

Native Vegetation Act 1991

Under the Native Vegetation Act 1991 removal or disturbance of native vegetation outside the metropolitan area

requires permission from the Native Vegetation Council unless a specific exemption applies through the regulations

of the Act. Some parts of Metropolitan Adelaide, including much of Onkaparinga Council, are also currently covered

by the Native Vegetation Act, providing protection to native vegetation. In these areas, significant trees that are not

protected by the Native Vegetation Act will be protected by the Development Act controls (section 1.4.6).

The Native Vegetation Act 1991 includes an exemption 5(1)(y) allowing district councils to clear roadside

vegetation if it is in accordance with;

1) where the clearance complies with a management plan prepared by the local council and approved by the

Native Vegetation Council

2) where the clearance complies with guidelines issued by the Native Vegetation Council

This RVMP aims to fulfil the requirements of part 1 above.

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The EPBC Act 1999 protects matters of national environmental significance and Commonwealth land. Under the

EPBC Act 1999 a person must not take an action that has, will have or is likely to have a significant impact on

matters of national environmental significance. These actions require approval from the Environment Minister and

may only be undertaken with this approval.

Any clearance of native roadside vegetation that may impact on a species of national significance, as defined by

the EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool, would need separate consideration and approval which is beyond

the scope of this document.

An EPBC Protected Matters Report for the Regional Council of Goyder can be generated by utilizing the Protected

Matters Search Tool located within the EPBC web page www.environment.gov.au/epbc/ .

The resulting report identifies which matters of national environmental significance or other matters protected by

the EPBC Act are relevant to the Regional Council of Goyder including a list of threatened species and

communities.

National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972

The National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 was established in part to provide for the conservation of wildlife in a

natural environment. Under Section 49 National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972, which is administered by the

Department for Environment and Heritage, the removal of native plant material from road reserves requires a

permit. Permits are issued by the Department for Environment and Heritage to regulate the collection of native

seed and fruit on public land and to provide for both the general removal of native plant material, subject to the

conditions of the permit.

Natural Resources Management Act 2004

The Natural Resources Management Act 2004 (NRM Act) was established, in part, to repeal the Animal and Plant

Control (Agricultural Protection and Other Purposes) Act 1986, the Soil Conservation and Land Care Act 1989 and

the Water Resources Act 1989.

The NRM Act 2004 is designed to promote sustainable and integrated management of the State’s natural

resources as well as providing for the control of plants and animals for reasons including the protection of

agriculture, the environment and public safety.

Under the NRM Act it is the responsibility of the local Natural Resources Management (NRM) Board/Group to

control declared pest plants and pest animals within road reserves. Landholders, whose properties are adjacent to

http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/


53

road reserves where the control of declared pests has been carried out by the NRM Board/Group, can be assigned

the cost of that control work for the portion of work up to the middle of the road reserve.

It is also the responsibility of the NRM Board/Group to manage and assess water affecting activity permits. Water

affecting activities (WAA) are activities that can potentially have adverse impacts on the health and condition of

water resources, on other water users and on the ecosystems that depend on water resources.

Other legislation

Numerous other Acts of parliament regulate works on roadsides. These may include, but are not limited to:

Fences Act 1975

Fires and Emergency Services Act 2005

Telecommunications (Interception) Act 1988

Electricity Act 1996

Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Act 1986

Road Traffic Act 1961


54

9.1

Appendix 3. Roadside Vegetation Categories

To assist with the management of native vegetation within road reserves, a series of roadside vegetation

categories have been established (Stokes et al.1999). These categories are identified by analysing the

conservation priority rating and the current condition of the vegetation data collected during the Roadside

Vegetation Survey, and identify the overall roadside vegetation category. Key features discriminate

between the presence or absence of conservation priority associations, different condition ratings, and the

level of weed infestations.

Category Description of key features

A

contain a high priority vegetation association in excellent or good condition

may contain threatened vegetation associations

likely to contain very few or no weeds in the understorey

may be representative of the vegetation that would have been present prior to European settlement

should not be disturbed

B

contain a high priority vegetation association in moderate condition or a lower priority association in

excellent condition

similar to Category A, with slightly more weed species present

may include vegetation associations that are slightly more common in the region but the understorey

is in an excellent condition with no or very few weed species present

should not be disturbed.

C

contain a high priority vegetation association in poor condition or a lower priority association in

moderate condition

may include vegetation associations that are threatened but are also degraded to the extent of a

significant presence of weed species present in the understorey

includes vegetation associations that are relatively common and have a mixture of native and exotic

species present in the understorey

disturbance should be avoided whenever possible.

D

contain limited native vegetation in poor condition

usually heavily disturbed so that little native vegetation remains with an understorey almost

exclusively dominated by exotic species

may be disturbed, subject to further assessment and planning.

E

contain very little or no native vegetation

understorey is usually comprised entirely of exotic species

may be disturbed, generally with no further assessment of native vegetation required.

F

have not yet been surveyed

the conservation significance of vegetation is unknown

vegetation survey should be conducted re-assign the category prior to undertaking any works within

these areas.

The category of surveyed and mapped roads within Council area are provided overleaf.


55


56

Appendix 4. Construction and Maintenance Standards of Sealed Council Roads

Road Type Construction Standards Road Classification Maintenance Standards

Sealed Council Roads

Formation width: 11.0 m

Sealed width: 7.2 m

Seal type: 14/7 mm

Standard cross-section with 3% fall

Pavement thickness: 150-300 mm after compaction

Pavement material: gridded, rock busted or crushed

(depends on material type and availability)

Minimum compaction: sub base 96% MDD, base course 98%

MDD

Rural Sealed Road Reseal every 10 – 12 years

Maintenance to seal as required, e.g. potholes, dig outs

Shoulder grading as required

Posts and delineators

Line marking as required

Replace signs as required

Township Streets Reseal every 10 – 12 years

Maintenance to seal as required, e.g. potholes, dig outs

Line marking as required

Watertable and drains cleaned regularly

Weed spraying and slashing as required

Replace signs as required.


57

Appendix 5. Construction Standards of Unsealed Council Roads

Road Type Detail Category 1 Category 2 Category 3 Category 4

Unsealed Roads Geometric standards

horizontal and vertical to

design standard 100 km/h

horizontal and vertical

alignment to a minimum

of 80 km/h

horizontal and vertical

alignment generally follow

natural terrain

Formation width 11 m 10 m 10 m where practical 3 -5 m

Sheeted width 8 m 8 m 6 m

Sheeted shape 44-6% crossfall 4-6% crossfall 4-6% crossfall

Sheeted thickness (after compaction)

150 mm 150 mm 100 mm

Sheeting material pit material gridded,

rockbusted or crushed off-

site

pit material gridded, or


site

pit material gridded, or


site


58

Appendix 6. Maintenance Standards of Unsealed Council Roads

Road Type Category 1 Category 2 Category 3 Category 4

Unsealed Roads

2-3 grades per year

Resurfacing of blowouts

Side drains and culverts

cleaned regularly

2 grades per year



cleaned regularly


1 grad per year



cleaned regularly


Minimal attention

May be graded if required by the adjoining

landowners with staff to liaise with Ward

Councillors and if budget allows

A road which is rented and Category 4 will receive

no attention unless requires by the adjacent

landholder and may be charged for at private work

rates, with works under $500 being performed at

the discretion of the Manager Technical Services.




Section: A

Version No: 1

Adopted: 18/02/14

Next Review: 18/02/15

Minutes Ref: 26/14


Electronic version in Synergy is the controlled version. Printed copies are considered uncontrolled.

Before using a printed copy, verify that it is the current version.

W:\GDS-SYNERGY\09 Governance\63 Policy\01 Policy\01 Policy Manual\Animal and Plant Control V2.0.doc

Page 1 of 72

Appendix 7. Description of Maintenance Activities

Re-sheeting

The primary activity of re-sheeting is to maintain existing unsealed roads and road shoulders. Re-sheeting involves

the placement of quarry material on the road shoulder for distribution on existing road surfaces through the use of a

grader, loader, truck and roller. Work operations include cleaning out silt and debris from the verge and runoff areas

as required. A front-end loader is used to clear out runoffs.

The runoff from unsealed roads accumulate greater amounts of material than from sealed roads, which primarily

includes gravel, rocks, branches, leaves, bark and litter. This debris is removed off site for disposal.

Maintenance of shoulder section

Maintenance of shoulder sections involves grading and compaction of a hard quarry material surface at the edge of

sealed roads. Additionally, culverts on the side of crossovers within the shoulder sections are maintained through

clearance of debris using a backhoe.

Sign and street furniture maintenance

This activity involves the maintenance and installation of items such as signs, bollards, guide posts, safety barriers

(for example Armco railing) on the shoulders or verges of roads. Damaged infrastructure may require excavation to

replace a sign and post. The Regional Council of Goyder is required to comply with Australian Standards and follow

the AS 1742 guidelines for sign maintenance and installation.

Pot-holing and heavy-patching of sealed roads

As sealed roads deteriorate, potholes and other failures appear. Potholes are maintained by filling the hole with a

bituminous product applied by a mobile plant called a “Jetpatcher”. The larger defects are excavated, filled with

quarry material and compacted prior to the bitumen surface being applied.

Patrol-grading of unsealed roads

Unsealed roads are graded on a regular basis to remove defects to the surface such as rutting, potholes and

corrugations. Occasionally “soft spots” are found where the road material is removed, the sub-grade is compacted

and new quarry material replaced to provide a hard smooth surface.

Side/cut-off drain maintenance

Unsealed and un-kerbed roads have a system of swale-type drains to remove water run-off from the carriageway of

the road. Side drains provide a means of moving the water longitudinally along the road and cut-off drains enable

that water to run across the verge to watercourses or private dams within properties. These need to be cleaned with

backhoes, skidsteers or graders to prevent blockages caused by silt and dropped vegetation.

Driveway / Entrance way maintenance and construction


Animal & Plant Control Policy (SA Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board)




Page 2 of 72

Rural driveways often have crossovers and culverts which direct water through vegetation areas. Maintenance

works require the removal of plant material from the verge area. Construction of driveways and/or entrances is

completed (through use of grader and loader) with minimal disturbance to the ground when the batter is constructed.

Stockpiles

Regional Council of Goyder aim to pile material within already established stockpile sites. Siting of new stockpiles is

the responsibility of trained staff using best practice techniques. Refer to section 2.4.

Dust control

Use of a chemical agent is not always used, but may be applied to the road shoulders to suppress dust on selected

sites where impact of dust is a road safety hazard. The chemical agent is applied by a water truck through use of a

spray bar.

Fire track maintenance

Fire tracks are graded as required in compliance with the Fires and Emergency Services Act 2005. This work

includes the establishment and maintenance of runoffs for drainage, and vegetation clearance within clearance

envelopes to maintain an effective fire buffer. Fallen trees and branch material is left on site.






Page 3 of 72

Appendix 8. Guideline for three-cut method for trimming branches

The three-cut method for trimming or pruning of branches is a method that is designed to minimise the

extent to which the tree is damaged. By using this method the formation of natural wound callus is also

enhanced. The basic principles for performing the three-cut method for pruning of branches or limbs are

described and illustrated below.

1. The first cut is an under cut into the branch to be removed. The distance of this cut from the parent branch or trunk

will be dependant on the size of the limb being removed. Larger limbs will require this cut to be further away from

the parent branch or trunk compared with smaller branches. If performed correctly, the under cut will ensure that

the risk of branch peeling or tearing of bark when the limb is being removed is minimised.

2. The second cut is an upper cut that will result in the removal of the limb. This cut is to be made slightly further out

along the limb compared with the under cut. This will ensure that the limb drops smoothly from the tree. For larger

branches this cut may be as far as 30cm from the parent branch or trunk.

3. The third cut is performed to remove the remaining stump after the main weight of the branch is removed. The

correct positioning of this cut will ensure the trees natural healing abilities are maximised. To perform this cut

accurately the cut is to be made on the outer side of the branch collar and must not damage the branch bark

ridge. The formation of evenly distributed wound growth over time around the cut surface is indicative of an

effective cut.

Three-cut method for trimming branches.






Page 4 of 72

Appendix 9. Additional information on bushcare principles and recommended guidelines for weed removal

For additional information on control of pest plants see Robertson (2005) ‘Stop Bushland Weeds: a guide to

successful weeding in South Australia’s bushland’. This book reviews common pest plant species to the

Council’s area and reviews current methods of control.

Hygiene protocols for pest plants

The following hygiene protocols are recommended to prevent the spread of pest plant material and seed

within the council via the movement or operations by council staff and contractors.

Recommended guidelines

Avoid or limit disturbance within weed infested areas: limit the opportunity for the dispersal of the

roadside reserves will exacerbate weed seed dispersal.

Avoid works within weed infested areas in peak seeding times: this varies between species;

however spring and summer are peak seeding times for many weeds.

Vehicle clean-down procedures: Many weed seeds are easily transported in tyre grooves (e.g.

Horehound) but can also be carried underneath vehicles, in radiator grills and within vehicles.

Therefore, all vehicles and machinery must be cleaned prior to entering the site. No vegetative or soil

material should be brought into the site. All vehicles and machinery should also be cleaned down prior

to leaving a work site if the vehicles or machinery have had contact with soil or vegetative material.

Depot clean-down areas: Vehicles, machinery and equipment, particularly earthmoving equipment

that come into contact with soil or plant material, should be regularly cleaned down. A clean-down

area is available at the Council Depot.






Page 5 of 72

Appendix 10. Contact details of relevant groups and organisations

Native Vegetation Council

Postal address: GPO Box 2834 ADELAIDE SA 5001

Phone: 08 8124 4700 Email: [email protected] NRM Board Contacts Northern and Yorke NRM Board Phone: 08 8636 2361 Email: [email protected] Street address: 41-49 Eyre Road

CRYSTAL BROOK SA 5523

SA Murray Darling Basin NRM Board (head office) Postal address: PO Box 2342

MURRAY BRIDGE SA 5253 Phone: 08 8532 1432 SA Murray Darling Basin NRM Board (Burra office)

Street address: 2 Kingston Street BURRA SA 541

Postal address: PO Box 164 BURRA SA 5417

Phone: 08 8892 3033 Department for Environment and Natural Resources Bush Management Adviser (Murraylands)

Postal address: PO Box 231 Berri SA 5343

Ph: 08 8595 2174 Mob: 0427 604 254 Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Management Unit Street address: Ground floor 1 Richmond Road KESWICK SA 5035 Postal address: GPO Box 1782 ADELAIDE SA 5001 Phone: 08 8124 4753 Permit Unit Street address: Ground floor 1 Richmond Road KESWICK SA 5035 Postal address: GPO Box 1782 ADELAIDE SA 5001 Phone: 8124 4915 Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure

Postal address: PO Box 1 WALKERVILLE SA 5081

Phone: 8343 2222

Greening Australia State office

5 Fitzgerald Rd PASADENA, SA 5042

mailto:[email protected]







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Ph: 08 8372 0100 Email: [email protected] Northern and Yorke District 42 High St WIRRABARA SA 5481 Phone: 08 8668 4312 Trees For Life Inc.

5 May Terrace BROOKLYN PK, SA 5032 Phone: 08 8406 0500 Email: [email protected]

EBS Ecology 4/48 Barwell Avenue Kurralta Park, SA 5037 www.ebservices.com.au t. 08 7127 5607 f. 08 8297 3768








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Document History Version No: Issue Date: Description of Change:

1. 18/02/14 Adopted

2. 17/04/18 Reviewed with changes

2. 16/04/19 Awaiting amendments to Native Vegetation Guidelines before making further amendments

REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOYDER Animal & Plant Control (SA ...€¦ · EBS Ecology, Adelaide. Front...

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