The meanings of vegetation condition.

The article discusses the concept of vegetation condition in Australia. Applications of the concept of vegetation condition have been developed to assist decision-making for incentive payments, clearing approvals and offset actions in the management of native vegetation. Three main meanings of vegetation condition that are derived from the concepts of aesthetics, production and biodiversity were identified. The meanings with examples and their interrelationships were discussed. It was concluded that confusion about what good condition means for contemporary management of native vegetation can be reduced in various ways.