Owning environmental zone land

WHEN we bought our bush block a few years ago we had no idea what our responsibilities as owners of this land were.
We read the Section 32 documents and understood that it was zoned Rural Conservation Zone (RCZ) and that it had an environmental significance overlay but what did that mean?
We had to do some digging to figure it out.
It is important that we as landowners understand the limitations on how we use our land not just to escape fines for improper use but so that we can conserve the integrity of our land and our neighbourhood.
It is also important to understand the zoning of land you are considering buying to make sure your intentions are appropriate.
The old fashioned view that owning land means you can do whatever you like to it no longer applies.
RCZ zoned land has the tightest regulations against uses or developments that are considered environmentally unsustainable.
There are 1958 RCZ properties in the Shire of Yarra Ranges equalling 15,500 hectares of land.
On RCZ land you are limited to keeping two animals and there is restricted business use.
All native vegetation is protected from the trees and shrubs, right down to the grasses and mosses.
Illegal removal of native vegetation carries a heavy fine so it is important you figure out what you can and cannot do before you act.
Now is the time of year when many people living on RCZ bush blocks are tidying up to prepare for the upcoming bush fire season.
Every weekend across the shire, the chainsaw chorus and bonfires start up.
Keep in mind that removal of native vegetation outside your CFA approved fire management zone is illegal and can get you a fine.
It is also weakening our native bush and opening it up to erosion and weed invasion.
To find out your property zone visit www.land.vic.gov.au and do a title and property search or contact the council.
Information on zones and overlays can be found on www.dse.vic. gov.au/planningschemes/yarraranges/home.html.
To check the limits of your fire management zone contact the CFA biodiversity officer on 9262 8640.
If you think you see any illegal clearing of native vegetation you can call the shire on 1300 368 333 and ask them to check it out.
The environmental compliance officers work 24/7 and have to keep your tip anonymous.