Roadsides

Council, the Victorian Government and residents all have a role to play in maintaining and protecting our roadsides.

The Victorian Government (through the Department of Transport and Planning, and associated bodies) is responsible for roadsides along freeways and major roads between townships. Council manages all other local roadsides in the shire.

To find out if a road is managed by the Victorian Government or Council, you can view the below:

• Road repairs and maintenance
• Roadside weed management responsibility
• Map of state-managed roads

If you’ve scanned or seen a QR code on one of our yellow roadside posts — here’s what it means.

Why are the posts there

Roadsides act as wildlife corridors, helping native animals and plants move, feed, shelter and survive. Many of these species are protected under state and federal law, which means looking after these environments is essential.

As part of our Roadside Conservation Management Plan(PDF, 8MB), all Council-managed roadsides are mapped and rated for their conservation value, from low through to very high. This helps us understand which areas need extra care and protection.

Roadsides with ‘high’ or ‘very high’ conservation value are marked with yellow guide posts. These posts signal that the surrounding vegetation is significant, and that work in these areas should be planned and carried out sensitively to protect biodiversity.

What threatens roadside habitats

Vegetation removal, weed invasion and routine roadworks can all damage the ecological value of a roadside if not carefully managed.

Before any works such as mowing, clean-up, planting, or weed control can occur in these locations, you must contact us. Refer to ‘Working on Roadsides’ section below for more information.

What the symbols on each post mean

The koala symbolises our native wildlife that use these roadsides for habitat, and highlights the plight of many animals, whether it be lizards, snakes, marsupials and mammals

Before carrying out any works—such as mowing, clean-up, planting, or weed control—you must confirm with Council.

Native vegetation includes trees, shrubs, grasses, and ground plants that grow naturally in the area. These may be protected by planning controls, including landscape, environmental, vegetation protection, or heritage overlays.

Always check with Council before removing or disturbing native vegetation.

If you're unsure whether your planned works require a permit, contact us on (03) 5422 0333 or complete the expression of interest form below with a description of the proposed activity.

Expression of interest form

Note:
Nature strips are only found in townships. All other areas are considered rural roadsides or roadside reserves.

You may need a permit if your activity:

• Impacts Council land, fencing, or infrastructure, and/or
• Involves removing timber, firewood, or vegetation (including grasses, shrubs, trees, dead wood, or fallen limbs), or includes weed control

For more information, visit native vegetation.

Roadside Assessment and Permit Requirements

Council Officers will assess the roadside and identify any land management considerations, such as:

The presence of native vegetation, noxious weeds, infrastructure or safety concerns.

If a permit is required, you will be notified following the assessment.

If you wish to undertake works on grassed or landscaped nature strips, see Nature Strips

Slashing

With limited resources, we need to strike the right balance between making our roads safe for drivers, preventing fires from starting on our roadsides, and protecting our natural environment. We also need to comply with native vegetation regulations.

Council slashes high use roadsides to reduce the likelihood of fires starting from hot vehicle exhausts, mechanical failures and collisions.

More information: Roadside slashing

Roadside Conservation Management Plan

The vegetation found on our rural roadsides is special. It is often the only remaining native vegetation in the landscape and provides critical habitat for threatened flora and fauna.

This vegetation faces ongoing threats including weed invasion, grazing pressure, unapproved vegetation clearance and roadworks.

With good management, the integrity and quality of the shire’s high and medium valued roadsides can be enhanced. The Roadside Conservation Management Plan seeks to protect the important ecological values whilst ensuring appropriate fire risk mitigation and maintenance of road safety.