G Tippett	Native Vegetation Inquiry	23/2/04

I found the Interim Report of the Native Plants & Biodiversity regulation inquiry most interesting & informative.

In The Native Vegetation & Biodiversity regulation schemes there are four acts:
The PE 	Planning & Environment Act
The VPP 	Victorian Planning Provisions
The FFG	Flora & Fauna Guarantee
The EDBC	Environment Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act, together with the Local Government Planning Schemes.

The requirements & exemptions of all these authorities to administer Native Plant & Biodiversity regulations has resulted in the confusing decisions of departmental issuing or rejecting permits.

The only appeal of redress to the decisions of departmental beauracrats is through VCAT or the Supreme Court where the contractory requirements & 

exemptions of the four acts could be a bonanza for some of the legal profession.

30% of Victoria is State owned land it comprises areas of all manner of soils found in Parks Forests & Roads.

The privately owned country is used for Farming Grazing & some Forestry together with City & Town property’s.

The Native Vegetation & Biodiversity acts seem to be mostly aimed at protecting Native Vegetation on private properties which are used to produce food, fibre for …… & trees for timber to build houses or make paper.

If any Native Plants not already in the 30% of State owned land are located on rural properties they could be re-located to Parks, Forests or Roads to preserve & nurture them. Should they become a usefull or desirable plants they could

then be rapidly multiplied with scientific know how.

I am certain rural folk would be more inclined to report unusual plants located on their properties without fear of harassment from Native Plant present regulations.

Public servants would be better employed & happier tending these plants with potential on public land, Parks Forests or Roads, than engaging in …... & dictator capers with the 4 existing Native Vegetation & Biodiversity regulations.

Many of us who have made submissions will be hoping that the report findings will receive favourable legislation.