Native Vegetation Clearance

The significance of isolated and scattered native vegetation.

Back at the time when the Lower South East was settled by Europeans the area was covered with a variety of native vegetation, predominantly eucalypts and acacias and a diverse understorey of many smaller species. With settlement came clearance which has continued up until the mid 1980's.

As a result of this clearance for agriculture and combined with impacts of burning programs, drainage, vermin and weed invasion, we have less than ten per cent of our original native vegetation left. Often all that is left are scattered or isolated trees in otherwise cleared areas. These remaining trees are often in poor condition. Some are reaching old age, others affected by die-back, soil compaction or stock ring barking.

In the South East these remaining trees (commonly old red gums) are under attack not only from the above threats but also from increasing development such as vineyard and other intensive horticulture or cropping.

Many of the surviving species are unique to this area, or are rare and vulnerable plants. We must all do our utmost to protect what is left and to add to it where possible.

There is pressure on local government and farming bodies to replant native trees. Many trees are being replaced, but with quick growing species which are not indigenous. Western Australia flowering gums, Yates and Tasmanian Blue are often replacement species.

Council and our residents play an integral role in ensuring the future of our unique South East native vegetation and its associations. The Grant Community Environment Committee is an Advisory Committee consisting mainly of interested community members. This Committee will be the driving force behind most of Council's Environmental decisions.

• A Roadside Vegetation Management Plan is an essential starting point; Council has commenced work on this plan.
• Ratepayers and Council both must be aware of the requirements of the Native Vegetation Act and its exemptions and conditions.
• Council will disseminate information to ratepayers relating to the importance of maintaining our environment.
• Good sustainable land management practices, and revegetation with local species, are encouraged.

Council, the Environment Committee and National Parks are working closely together to protect this fragile remainder of our natural environment. Please contact the following if you have any queries at all:

Development Manager
District Council of Grant
PO Box 724
MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290

(324 Commercial Street West)
Ph 8721 0444

Resource Protection Officer
National Parks
PO Box 1046
MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290

(SGIC Building, 11 Helen Street)
Ph 8735 1123

Native Vegetation Group
Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation
GPO Box 2834
ADELAIDE  SA 5001

Ph (08) 8124 4753    Email: nvc@saugov.sa.gov.au

Click here to access more information regarding the Native Vegetation Act.