Rural City of Wangaratta

Council's Roadside Management Strategy recognises the conservation, cultural and recreational values of roadsides in the municipality.  The strategy aims to protect, maintain and enhance native vegetation and biodiversity values when undertaking activities on roadsides. 

Roadside vegetation has been shown to contain highly significant remnant vegetation with very high ecological values (and often threatened species of flora and fauna). In a landscape cleared for agriculture where little remains of the original native vegetation, the roadside verge often contains the last refuge for certain plant communities.  These provide habitat and corridors linking larger areas of vegetation for a multitude of native animals.  Without these corridors, animal communities would become isolated and unable to migrate in search of food and habitat.

Under the Catchment & Land Protection Act, the adjacent Landholder is currently responsible for management of weeds on the roadside area next to the property. Council assist adjacent landholders to appropriately manage roadside vegetation with advice. Through local Landcare groups Council provides assistance to control weeds on roadsides.

The Roadside Management Strategy assessed conservation values on all rural roadsides within the Rural City of Wangaratta, classifying them into High, Medium or Low Conservation value roadsides.  The strategy lists management strategies appropriate for work on each category of roadside.

The Council production ‘Keeping Roadside Secrets Safe’ shows how roadside vegetation protects flora and fauna and enhances roadsides. Contact the Wangaratta Government Centre to receive a FREE copy of this DVD.

Fire and Roadside Vegetation

In light of the devastating fire events in recent years, it is natural that there is a high level of concern among the community to reduce the risk of fire. 

Council shares this concern and has provided support and assistance to those regions which suffered. Both Council and VicRoads cooperate with the CFA to reduce fuel on identified roadside reserves in the municipality. 

Council cooperates with the CFA in controlled burning on selected roadsides. The CFA selects roadsides for controlled burning based on strategic fire breaks, identified fire risk and the risk and control of biodiversity impacts. This occurs in consultation with Council and  Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE).  Simply clearing roadsides of vegetation is generally not a solution. 

In many cases, this can actually increase fire risk because fast growing exotic species will be expected to invade the area and can create a higher fuel load.

Grazing on Roadsides

A permit is required for grazing on roadsides.

Application must be made in writing to Council. For more information, contact the Wangaratta Government Centre’s customer service team on (03) 5722 0888.  Standard conditions and fees apply. 

Grazing is not normally allowed on High Conservation Value roadsides to protect the habitat of many animals and birds. Controlled grazing on medium and low conservation roadsides can help control weeds and requests will be assessed depending on roadside conditions. Council’s Roadside Management Strategy outlines the conditions for grazing on roadsides.

For further information contact Council's Councils Environment unit on (03) 5722 0888 or email them at council@wangaratta.vic.gov.au or download:

Roadside Management Strategy (608 KB)

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