Background

The EnSym Native Vegetation Regulations (NVR) tool has been developed to assist people who need a permit to remove native vegetation or who want to establish an offset site. It also helps identify areas in the landscape that would meet species offset requirements for proposed native vegetation removal.

The EnSym NVR Tool can be used to test clearing and offset scenarios prior to submitting final versions to the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) for processing. The tool can also be used to identify areas within Victoria that provide habitat for a specific set of species. For more information on the native vegetation removal regulations visit:
https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/native-vegetation/native-vegetation

The EnSym NVR Tool uses information contained in GIS shapefiles to determine implications in accordance the native vegetation removal regulations and the Native vegetation gain scoring manual. It uses ESRI shapefiles, projected in VICGRID94 and in the Datum – Geocentric Datum of Australia 1994. These shapefiles are assessed against the following mapped layers:

  • Native vegetation location map
  • Native vegetation condition map
  • Strategic biodiversity value map
  • Habitat importance maps for Victoria’s rare or threatened species.

The outcome of this assessment is presented in Scenario Testing Reports. These reports can be used to determine preferred alternative layouts. Final reports from DELWP will be needed when applying for a permit to remove native vegetation or providing evidence of gains at offset sites.

Support Documentation

Spatial Data Standards

Data Templates

Instructional Videos

Instructional videos on how to install and use the EnSym NVR Tool are provided below. There are four videos showing - how to setup the tool, how to process clearing data, how to process offset data and how to use the species intersection tool (note that these refer to the 2013 version of the tool but operation in the 2017 version of EnSym is fundamentally the same):

Introduction to the EnSym NVR Tool

EnSym NVR Tool - Clearing report

EnSym NVR Tool - Offset reporting

EnSym NVR Tool - Intersect function

EnSym Support

Please direct any queries regarding the installation or operation of the EnSym NVR Tool to EnSymNVRtool.support@delwp.vic.gov.au

System Requirements

Your Windows PC, must meet the following minimum specifications:

  • 4 GB RAM (8GB recommended)
  • Intel Core i5 Processor (equivalent or better)
  • 40GB of free disk space
  • Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10
  • Microsoft Office 2010, 2013, 2016
  • 64 bit operating system is preferred, although 32 bit operating systems are supported

Download Instructions

EnSym setup files, supporting datasets and a licence key can be requested from EnSymNVRtool.support@delwp.vic.gov.au. In submitting a request, please confirm if you have a 32 or 64 bit operating system.

Is my computer 32 bit or 64 bit?
https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/kb/827218

Installing the EnSym NVR Tool:

Administrator permission is required to install the EnSym NVR Tool. If you don't have administrator access you will need to ask your IT support to install the program. You do not need to be an administrator to install the supporting datasets. Each user will need to install this package under their user profile for the EnSym NVR Tool to work.

EnSym Licence Key

A licence key is required to operate the EnSym NVR Tool. Licence keys are renewed and supplied to EnSym operators annually. Please contact EnSymNVRtool.support@delwp.vic.gov.au regarding any licencing issues.

Page last updated: 10/01/23