In keeping with the ecological principle of ‘protect the best,’ the following objectives focus on patches of native biodiversity (vegetation or habitat) that are greater than 10 ha in area and comprise ‘endangered’ EVCs, priority ecological communities or provide important habitat for a threatened species. The size threshold of 10 ha recognises that the best outcomes for the resources available will be seen when larger areas are targeted. This is not to say that areas less than 10 ha should not be protected, but a focused effort should be on larger patches. A smaller area may be deemed a priority for protection if it provides important habitat for a threatened species.
There are 19,000 ha of remnant native vegetation, in patches exceeding 10 ha, in the South Gippsland BPP area that are not yet protected via an on-title covenant or in a conservation reserve or equivalent.
The South Gippsland BPP proposes that within 10 years, at least 75% of this land will be protected from threats, including by installing stockproof fencing and/or by permanent on-title protection.
In addition to permanent protection and fencing to exclude stock, other measures that aim to achieve increased protection for remnant native vegetation include addressing instances of permitted and non-permitted clearing and increasing incentives for landholders to protect and manage their native biodiversity.
Objectives, actions and measures
The table below sets out each objective in this Strategic Direction, the actions that will help achieve it and the measures of success after 10 years, as published in the plan.
| Objective | Action | Measure |
|---|---|---|
| At least 75% of all areas of priority* remnant native biodiversity permanently protected within 10 years. The remainder to follow | Coordinate with Trust for Nature to engage target landholders to consider covenanting areas of priority* remnant native biodiversity. | At least 50% of priority* remnant native biodiversity on private land permanently protected with TfN covenants. |
| Establish programs for other forms of on-title protection for priority* remnant native biodiversity. For example, via Section 173 or Section 69 agreements. | 25% of priority* remnant native biodiversity on private land protected by other forms of on-title agreement. | |
| 75% of priority* remnant native biodiversity protected from stock grazing | Seek funding to ensure that 75% of priority* remnant native biodiversity is protected from stock grazing via fencing where required. | 75% of priority* remnant native biodiversity protected from stock grazing. |
| Increase the protection of biodiversity values through planning policy | Work together and strengthen the partnership between SGLN and SGSC (including planning division). This could include considering an ESO review if required and developing a policy and/or guidelines to link Biolinks Project outcomes with planning policy, which could influence and inform planning decisions. | ESO review considered and policy, or similar strategic document, completed. |
| Improve compliance with planning regulations through education and engagement | SGSC continue to educate landholders on their obligations related to planning controls for biodiversity via developing fact sheets, information on website, and pre-application meetings. | Increased access to online information, i.e. downloads of fact sheets and visits to webpage/s. |
| Reporting episodes of illegal clearing or damage to conservation values is easy, accessible and encouraged. | SGSC records show that all instances of illegal clearing have been effectively responded to. | |
| Responsible Authorities (Councils and DEECA) investigate and enforce compliance in line with policies and protocols. | ||
| Where appropriate, compliance actions are publicised. | The results of compliance actions are publicised. | |
| Improve incentives for protection of native biodiversity | Seek improved incentives for landholders to protect native biodiversity. | A greater range of incentives for the protection of native biodiversity are in place resulting in improved protection. |
*priority = greater than 10 ha and comprising endangered EVCs or priority ecological communities or providing important habitat for a threatened species.