Biodiversity conservation and management is an integral part of the Victorian Government’s environmental policies. VicRoads recognises the importance of protecting and where possible, enhancing biodiversity. An objective of our Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy 2010-2015 is to protect and enhance the natural environment.
 

We understand that flora and fauna and ecosystems need to be maintained and enhanced for our economic, cultural and social well being. 

In meeting the challenge, VicRoads has a number of policies in place which aim to:

• maintain and where possible improve roadside biodiversity
• minimise the threats to plants and animals when we build roads
• maintain landscapes through native vegetation offsets and revegetation
• manage state and regionally prohibited weeds

• Avoid adverse impacts, especially through vegetation clearance.
• If we can’t avoid impacts, we minimise impacts through planning and design.
• If clearing must occur, the clearing must be offset through the Net Gain process.

Permits and approvals
Various permits and approvals are required for any potential impacts to plants and animals. A majority of these fall under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988, Planning and Environment Act 1987 and Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. VicRoads works closely with key stakeholders (i.e. Councils, DSE and Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities), in processing these applications to avoid, reduce and/or remediate impacts to these species.

Fauna
Road projects are designed to have minimal impact on fauna-rich areas, such as wildlife corridors. Wildlife corridors are often located along creeks intersecting with motorways. We protect fauna movement where possible by creating fauna crossings (underpasses or overpasses). This reduces fragmentation of habitats and improves and maintains species diversity.

Roadside vegetation
We manage around 80,000 hectares of roadsides. Much of this consists of high quality vegetation. Our road reserves support a significant proportion of remnant vegetation and make a major contribution to ecological landscape connectivity.

In the regions of Victoria where native vegetation is fragmented, our roadsides provide valuable habitat for a number of threatened plants and animals. Our roadside conservation management plans help us protect the roadside environment and manage the spread of introduced weeds and pests. 

Recognition of roadside vegetation
A Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Sustainability and Environment and VicRoads recognises the significance of roadside vegetation. In particular, the recognition of roadside vegetation as a potential source of offsets will further assist VicRoads in meeting it future native vegetation objectives.

Indigenous plants
When landscaping our roadsides VicRoads prefers to use plants sourced from seeds collected from local trees and plants. These plants are more adapted to local conditions and have a greater tolerance to withstand drought. By planting natives, VicRoads is supporting the continuation of local species and helping to enhance local biodiversity.