Native Vegetation Offset Scheme
Residents that require native vegetation offsets are able to purchase these offsets through the Native Vegetation Offset Scheme (NVOS).
Council has developed the NVOS to provide an alternative third-party native vegetation offsetting instrument for permit holders requiring offsets, as required by the Victorian Planning Provisions.
In addition to improving the efficiency with which permit holders can source native vegetation offsets, the NVOS will also enable for vegetation offsets to be retained within the municipality and improve the quality and extent of vegetation at offset sites.
What is a Native Vegetation Offset?
Native vegetation includes trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses and their removal may require a planning permit.
Approved removal of native vegetation usually requires the provision of vegetation offsets to replace the vegetation that was removed. The planning permit process will determine if a vegetation offset is required, and if so, the type and amount.
A native vegetation offset usually consists of a site that protects existing patches of native vegetation and/or involves planting of new native vegetation.
For offsets to be formally recognised they must be legally protected and registered on the state Native Vegetation Credit Register.
Go to the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) website to find out more about the vegetation removal regulations.
Obtaining a native vegetation offset
There are two options for sourcing native vegetation offsets:
- First Party offsets, which are usually located on land owned by the landholder who is proposing to remove the native vegetation; and,
- Third Party offsets, which are located on land owned by a third party.
For First Party offsets, landholders must first meet eligibility criteria before this offset option can be used. When these eligibility criteria cannot be met, Third Party offsets represent the only option for permit holders to source an offset. Council’s NVOS trades in Third Party offsets within the native vegetation offset market.
For more information on native vegetation offsets, go to the DELWP website.
Council’s Native Vegetation Offset Scheme (NVOS)
To meet planning permit requirements, permit holders requiring native vegetation offsets can source their offset through the Council’s NVOS. If the type and quantity of offsets required is available through the NVOS, and the permit holder is happy to purchase the offset at the price identified by Council, a simple payment can be made at Council’s Customer Service Centres to purchase the offset. In addition to providing you with your required offset, Council will provide you with an official offset receipt (Native Vegetation Credit Extract) required by your planning permit.
Native Vegetation Offset Prices
Offset prices may vary depending on which offset option you choose to use (that is, First Party or Third Party), and the type of offset identified by the planning permit, whether general or specific. The price of Third Party offsets may also vary between different offset providers.
Native vegetation offsets purchased through the NVOS represent official vegetation credits that are registered on the State Native Vegetation Credit Register.
Details of native vegetation credits for sale through Council’s NVOS are contained in the table on this page. These prices are valid until May 2016.
| Offset Site |
Catchment Management Authority (CMA) Area |
General/Specific Biodiversity Equivalence Unit (BEU) Price |
| Trafalgar South |
West Gippsland |
$240,000.00 per BEU |
| Lardner |
Port Phillip and Westernport |
$240,000.00 per BEU |
For more information and advice regarding the purchase of a native vegetation offset, please contact Council via email or phone on 5624 2411.