Bass Coast Shire Council has voted to establish its third Native Vegetation Offset site, located at The Gurdies.
This site will complement two already established Native Vegetation Offset sites within the Shire and allow for the continuation of the Native Vegetation Offset Scheme.
Native Vegetation Offset sites enable the protection and enhancement of native vegetation, as well as the sale of native vegetation credits to permit holders in the market place.
It is expected that The Gurdies offset site will generate around $1.1 million through the sale of credits to permit holders. This income will be used to ensure that the vegetation is managed to a high standard and registered on title to permenantly protect the flora and fauna.
The Gurdies site has been assessed for suitability and all considerations have been taken into account, including pest plant and animal control and fire management. The vegetation on the site will be permanently protected under a Section 69 agreement of the Conservation, Forests and Lands Act 1987, which means the area cannot be used for other purposes.
Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari said establishing a Native Vegetation Offset Site at The Gurdies has a number of benefits.
“It gives us the opportunity to improve management of Council owned land and biodiversity outcomes, while receiving funding to do so,” Cr Tessari said.
“Council already has two established native vegetation offset sites – one at Smiths Beach and one at Little Screw Creek in Inverloch.
“The site at The Gurdies is being established because of a high demand for vegetation offsets from around Port Phillip and Western Port.”
