Coffs Harbour City has a number of important guidelines in place to assist landholders and consultants to correctly identify and address any issues in relation to proposed development or activities on our natural environment. The guidelines aim to be complementary to council biodiversity conservation goals, by providing concise information to correctly satisfy all requirements and legislative responsibilities through the development application process in regards to flora, fauna, ecosystems and landscapes.
Tree Preservation Orders
The preservation of native trees is an important part of Coffs Councils conservation goals. The Coffs Harbour Tree Preservation Order (TPO) aims to prevent unnecessary damage or uncontrolled removal of native vegetation. To check if the TPO applies to your property a flow chart is attached below:
Tree Preservation Order Flow Chart
Vegetation Management Planning
Both Vegetation Management Plans (VMP) and Preliminary Vegetation Management Plans (Prelim VMP) are documents which specify the protection and restoration of natural bushland areas. They are often a conditional requirement under the development application process and must be completed by suitably qualified persons. Compensatory plans are general plans for minor offsets and maybe completed by the landholder.
Biodiversity Guideline 1a: Preparing Vegetation Management
Biodiversity Guideline 1b: Preparing Preliminary Vegetation Management Plans
Arborist Reports
Development applications or activities requiring any of the following activities may require consultation with a suitably qualified and/or experienced aborist.
- modification or removal of native trees
- construction within critical root zones of retained trees
- modification of ground levels in close proximity to trees
As well as the TPO, decisions made regarding the retention and protection of trees on developments must be in compliance with AS4970-2009: Protection of trees on development sites.
Biodiversity Guideline 2a: Preparing Arborist Assessment Reports 2010
Biodiversity Guideline 2b: Preparing Arborist Cover Notes 2010
Ecological Survey and Assessment Standards
Flora and fauna Reports are scientifically based documents which identify survey technique required under a development application process. They must be prepared by a suitably qualified consultant and address specific issues and assessment standards in relation to flora & fauna.
Biodiversity Guideline 3a: Preparing Comprehensive Ecological Survey & Assessment 2010
Biodiversity Guideline 3b: Preliminary Ecological Survey 2010
Biodiversity Guideline 3c: Preparing Ecological Reports 2010
Compensatory Planting
Any development or activity which requires the removal of native vegetation maybe required to provide compensatory planting or offsets. The objective of compensatory planting is to provide a replacement to lost habitat. The ratios are determined based on the value of habitat lost.
Biodiversity Guideline 4: Compensatory Planting Advice 2010