Environmental Protection (Clearing of Native Vegetation) Regulations 2004

Amendments to the Environmental Protection (Clearing of Native Vegetation) Regulations 2004 were gazetted on Tuesday 3 December 2013 and take effect on Wednesday 4 December 2013.

The amendments follow several reviews of the clearing provisions in the Environmental Protection Act 1986, including that chaired by Associate Professor Garry Middle, which reported to the Minister for Environment in 2009; the Environmental Stakeholder Advisory Group 2010 review of approvals reform; and the native vegetation government working group review of 2011.

Increase in time

The time for owners and occupiers to maintain previously lawfully cleared areas for pasture, cultivation or forestry, without a clearing permit has been increased from 10 to 20 years (regulation 5, item 14).

Increased limited clearing area

The total area allowed per financial year, per property, for prescribed limited clearing has been increased from one hectare to five hectares. Limited clearing means clearing to construct a building, clearing for firewood, clearing to provide fencing and farm materials, clearing for woodwork, clearing along a fenceline, clearing for vehicular tracks, clearing for walking tracks, and clearing isolated trees.

Reducing regulatory burden

These changes will contribute towards reducing unnecessary regulatory burden on landowners and land managers prohibiting their future growth and success, without compromising significant environmental values.

DER information programs

To complement the introduction of the amended regulations, DER will implement targeted education, compliance and enforcement programs.

Updated resources

These resources have been updated:

• Native vegetation fact sheet 9937.44 KB—clearing limited to five hectares a year

Any enquiries may be directed to:

Native Vegetation Conservation
p: (08) 9333 7469
e: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
w:www.der.wa.gov.au/nvp

Or by mail to:

Native Vegetation Conservation
Department of Water and Environment Regulation
Locked Bag 10
Joondalup DC
JOONDALUP WA 6919