Information for rural landowners

Sustainable land management is an integrated approach to the management of land, water, biodiversity that ensures that the needs of our community are met, whilst ensuring business success and not compromising the long-term viability of our local biodiversity and ecosystems.

On this page you will find information about rural land management practices, your responsibilities as a landowner, and details on the support available to our rural residents.

Our officers are available to discuss property management issues on request.

Rural News eNewsletter

Signup to the Rural News eNewsletter to receive articles that focus on sustainable land management, conservation and agriculture across Whittlesea and the broader region.

A print version of Rural News is sent quarterly to all households in the rural areas of our municipality.

Sign up for Rural News enewsletter

You can view our eNewsletter archive here.

Sustainable land management factsheets

We have produced a number of guidelines to assist rural landowners desiring to protect and enhance the health and biodiversity of their land.

Grant and rebates available to rural landowners

We provide funding incentives to rural landowners for projects that support sustainable land management practices through our Environmental Works Grant Program (EWGP) and Sustainable Land Management Rebate Scheme (SLMRS).

Environmental Works Grant Program

To be eligible properties must be greater than two hectares and zoned Green Wedge (GWZ), Green Wedge A (GWAZ) or Rural Conservation (RCZ). SLMRS: To be eligible properties must be greater than 8 hectares and zoned either Green Wedge (GWZ), Green Wedge A (GWAZ) or Rural Conservation Zone (RCZ).

Sustainable Land Management Rebate Scheme

EWGP: To be eligible properties must be greater than two hectares and zoned Green Wedge (GWZ), Green Wedge A (GWAZ) or Rural Conservation (RCZ).

SLMRS: To be eligible properties must be greater than 8 hectares and zoned either Green Wedge (GWZ), Green Wedge A (GWAZ) or Rural Conservation Zone (RCZ)

Farming and agricultural business support

We offer specialised support services to local farming businesses.

Weed and pest animal programs

The City of Whittlesea Pest Plant Local Law lists 12 priority weed species for management. Seasonal proactive education and compliance programs are conducted for a number of these species each year with the aim of reducing their threat to agricultural and environmental values of the rural areas.

The Pest Plant program compliments sustainable land management incentives, including Council’s Sustainable Land Management Rate Rebate Scheme and Environmental Works Grant, and the Melbourne Water Stream Frontage Management Program. The program is also closely aligned with the annual rural roadside weed management program.

Weeds and pest animals can have an enormous impact on the agricultural, environmental and social values in the community.

Under the Victorian Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994, all landowners have a legal responsibility to manage weeds identified as noxious. Additionally 12 species have been identified as priorities for control and are listed in Council’s general municipal law.

Weeds

Pest animals

Council has a number of resources to assist you in managing pest animals and plants.

Rabbit Control

Fox Control

View the special edition of Rural News.

Whittlesea's native vegetation

The City of Whittlesea is home to a large variety of native plants. These plants play a major role in supporting local biodiversity and contribute to the aesthetics of our rural landscape.

Fire prevention

Under the Country Fire Authority Act 1958 we have a legal obligation to ensure the communities risk associated with bushfire and grassfire is reduced.

As a rural land owner, you may receive a Fire Prevention Notice from us in the lead up to summer that directs you to perform specified vegetation works on your property.

It is important that you comply with these requirements. Failure to comply may result in a fine and/or legal proceedings being taken against you.