Land degradation

Land degradation is a major issue across our rural landscapes. Salinity and soil erosion are some of Victoria's greatest environmental problems, costing farmers and the general community tens of millions of dollars each year. Salinity and soil erosion problems are often the results of native vegetation clearing.

Salinity

Indicators of salinity include:

• Dieback of vegetation
• Bare areas and associated erosion (figure 20)
• Salt stains on dry soil (figure 21)
• Changing vegetation (spiny rush, sea barley grass)

          
Figure 20 – Dieback with associated erosion.        Figure 21– Salt stains.

Constraints

• Native vegetation is protected under the Native Vegetation Provision (Clause 52.17). The provision states that 'a permit is required to remove, destroy or lop vegetation'. Provisions of the local Planning Scheme should be checked to ensure a proposed development is consistent with the Planning Scheme. Information and advice on vegetation management is available from the Department of Sustainability and Environment  and shire offices.
  

Opportunities

• Attract a range of environmental management incentives to address a variety of practical onground issues.
  

Environmental Management Incentives and Organisations

To find out about information on:

• Waterway, Wetland and Dryland grants
• Tendering incentive
• Landcare Victoria

go to www.conservationbroker.net.au - environmental management incentives and organisations  page and use links.