JavaScript is required

Enforceable undertaking to protect threatened grasslands

Powercor Australia has entered into a legally binding Enforceable Undertaking with the Conservation Regulator following an investigation into damage of threatened native grasslands and flora at 36 sites across Victoria.

Published:
Wednesday 28 May 2025 at 12:44 pm
Enforceable Undertaking - Grassland
Enforceable Undertaking - Hamilton Highway Grassland

The investigation examined vegetation management and maintenance activities carried out by Powercor in 2023 and 2024, which impacted areas of high conservation value.

These include part of the Western (Basalt) Plains Grasslands Community, which, since European settlement, has been reduced to less than 2% of its original extent in southwest Victoria and a known breeding site of the endangered Eltham Copper Butterfly in Central Victoria.

The Enforceable Undertaking commits Powercor to a range of actions aimed at improving its environmental performance and repairing existing damage, including:

  • Strengthening internal environmental processes, assurance programs, and staff knowledge of relevant legislation
  • Preventing unnecessary harm to protected flora and fauna during future maintenance works
  • Remediating damage at 32 agreed sites and reporting on progress until the undertaking concludes in May 2028.

The Enforceable Undertaking does not prevent Powercor from meeting its legal obligations under the Electricity Safety Act 1998 for the maintenance of powerlines and required vegetation clearances. The company has cooperated with the Conservation Regulator throughout the investigation.

An Enforceable Undertaking is one of several compliance tools available under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988, allowing for environmental remediation and mandatory measures to support practice improvements.

For more information, visit the Enforceable Undertakings Register webpage.

Quotes attributable to Chief Conservation Regulator Kate Gavens:

'This is a reminder to all Victorian landowners and managers that they should be aware of their obligations to protect threatened flora before undertaking any work that may disturb or destroy vegetation.'

'This Enforceable Undertaking ensures this fragile protected flora will be remediated following Powercor’s actions.'

'Powercor has a responsibility to protect threatened flora, and this Enforceable Undertaking will ensure these obligations are met. It does not prevent the Conservation Regulator from taking further action if non-compliance occurs in the future.'

Environment, water & energy

Updated

Back to top