Biodiversity Policy and Biodiversity Strategy
The following statement is in response to enquiries from The Courier regarding koala protection within the Ballarat Planning Scheme.
Statement attributable to City of Ballarat Director of Development and Growth, Natalie Robertson.
Protection mechanisms are embedded within the Ballarat Planning Scheme such as the Environmental Significance Overlay – Koala and Koala Habitat Protection together with a Local Planning Policy Framework at Clause 22.04 in the Ballarat Planning Scheme provides guidance for protection of our koala’s and koala habitat.
The consultant’s findings will inform the Biodiversity Policy and Biodiversity Strategy, and a koala committee could be formed by the outputs and findings of a Biodiversity Policy and Strategy.
The Living Corridors strategy was primarily focussed on the east of Ballarat. Improving biodiversity and habitat in Ballarat, it is necessary to look at biodiversity across the municipality. The City of Ballarat is subsequently developing a Biodiversity Policy and Biodiversity Strategy which will provide the framework to inform a Living Corridors Strategy.
The Biodiversity Policy and Biodiversity Strategy is in progress following stakeholder workshops with over 40 representatives from local community groups.