Working together to care for our rural roadsides

The Rural City of Wangaratta has released a practical guide to help landholders understand how to responsibly manage and protect roadside vegetation. These areas are vital for biodiversity, cultural heritage, and the survival of native species.

Why Roadsides Matter

• Roadsides contain remnants of native grasslands, woodlands, and forests.
• They serve as habitat corridors for wildlife and may include significant cultural heritage sites.
• Many roadsides host rare or endangered species and ecological communities.

Activities & Responsibilities

Landholders must be aware of what activities are permitted and when a permit is required. Key points include:

✅ Permitted with Conditions

• Slashing & Mowing: Allowed adjacent to properties, but advice is recommended for high conservation areas.
• Grazing: Requires a permit; generally not allowed on high-value roadsides.
• Droving Stock: Permit required; not permitted on high conservation roadsides.
• Weed & Pest Control: No permit needed, but care must be taken to avoid harming native vegetation.

❌ Not Permitted

• Firewood Collection: Illegal on roadsides; permits available for collection from Council depots.
• Ploughing, Cropping, Haymaking: Generally prohibited due to soil disturbance and weed spread.
• Burning: Requires Council approval; not allowed during Fire Danger Periods or for fallen timber.
• Native Vegetation Removal: Some exceptions allowed but always requires a permit.

Conservation Value Mapping

Roadsides are classified into five categories:

• Very High
• High
• Medium
• Low
• Nil

These classifications determine what activities are allowed and help guide landholders in protecting sensitive areas. You can view a roadside conservation value map here to see what conservation value your roadside has.

Support & Resources

• Council Officers offer advice and can assist to source permits.
• Firewood depots provide sustainably sourced timber.
• Weed identification guides are available from Council.

Download our Working together to care for our rural roadsides brochure.