# Ecology 2.1 - Enhanced ecological value - Biodiversity Management Plan
# Applies to
All subdivisions
# Relevant Victoria Planning Provisions
# Clause 56
# 56.05-1 Integrated urban landscape objectives (opens new window)
To incorporate natural and cultural features in the design of streets and public open space where appropriate.
To protect and enhance native habitat and discourage the planting and spread of noxious weeds.
Standard C12
The landscape design should:
- Implement any relevant streetscape, landscape, urban design or native vegetation precinct plan, strategy or policy for the area set out in this scheme.
- Create attractive landscapes that visually emphasise streets and public open spaces.
- Respond to the site and context description for the site and surrounding area.
- Maintain significant vegetation where possible within an urban context.
- Take account of the physical features of the land including landform, soil and climate.
- Protect and enhance any significant natural and cultural features.
- Protect and link areas of significant local habitat where appropriate.
- Support integrated water management systems with appropriate landscape design techniques for managing urban run-off including wetlands and other water sensitive urban design features in streets and public open space.
- Promote the use of drought tolerant and low maintenance plants and avoid species that are likely to spread into the surrounding environment.
- Ensure landscaping supports surveillance and provides shade in streets, parks and public open space.
- Create low maintenance, durable landscapes that are capable of a long life.
- The landscape design must include a maintenance plan that sets out maintenance responsibilities, requirements and costs.
# Other relevant clauses
# 15.01-3S - Subdivision design (opens new window)
(...) subdivision should be designed to create liveable and sustainable communities by:
- Protecting and enhancing habitat for native flora and fauna, and providing opportunities for people to experience nature in urban areas.
# 52.17 Native Vegetation (opens new window)
Purpose includes: To ensure that there is no net loss to biodiversity as a result of the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation.
# Summary
# Better practice
Awarded where a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) is prepared to demonstrate enhancement of ecological values—including soil health, native flora and fauna—and where the Subdivision Design Response clearly identifies biodiversity areas.
Existing vegetation should be prioritised for retention in line with tree retention standards; where absent, enhancement measures should be guided by qualified biodiversity professionals. The plan should also respond to the presence of any Federally or State-listed species and include relevant management strategies. In growth areas, this may include a Kangaroo Management Plan where required by the Precinct Structure Plan.
The Biodiversity Management Plan may also incorporate Biodiversity Improvement Strategies, focusing on biolinks, buffers, species diversity, and species-specific habitat responses tailored to the local context (e.g. improving habitat and connectivity for threatened species). These strategies can inform other plans and guide sensitive design responses around conservation reserves, such as active frontages and lower-density development to minimise ecological impact.
# Documentation & evidence required
# Site & context plan
- Existing areas of significant biodiversity marked on plans including areas for conservation
# Landscape Masterplan
- Initiatives for biodiversity protection & enhancement outlined in Biodiversity Management Plan marked on plans (eg. biolinks, buffers, species diversity, habitat for local and listed species)
# Other documents
- Biodiversity Management Plan submitted