Environmentally sensitive areas

Environmentally sensitive areas (ESAs) are classes or areas of native vegetation where the exemptions for clearing vegetation under the Environmental Protection (Clearing of Native Vegetation) Regulations 2004 (Clearing Regulations) do not apply.

The current list of ESAs was gazetted on 8 April 2005. Recent amendments to the EP Act mean that in future, ESAs will be prescribed in regulations. However, until these changes are in place, the existing regulatory framework under the ESA notice remains in effect.

It is an offence to clear native vegetation without a permit or a determination by the CEO that a permit is not required, unless the clearing is for an exempt purpose. 

There are two types of exemptions:

• for clearing assessed and authorised under other statutory processes set out in Schedule 6 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986, and
• for generally low-impact and routine maintenance clearing activities listed in regulation 5 of the Clearing Regulations.

The exemptions under the Clearing Regulations do not apply within ESAs, so a clearing permit is required. A clearing permit is not required for clearing under the Schedule 6 exemptions, even if it is within an ESA.

If you are uncertain whether your proposed clearing is within an ESA or if a clearing permit is required, see our ESA fact sheet or contact the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation on (08) 6364 7098 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

How do I use the Clearing Permit System map to view ESAs?

1. Go to the Clearing Permit System map.
2. In the search box under ‘map’, enter a property address:
   • use shortened forms (e.g. ‘St’ instead of ‘street’)
   • enter GPS coordinates instead if desired, by clicking on the cross-hair symbol in the lower right corner of the map.
3. Select a matching address from the drop-down box to zoom to the property and wait for the layers to load.
   • A transparent green layer shows where ESAs are mapped.
4. View or remove layers by clicking on the ‘layers’ button in the toolbar.
5. Turn map layers on or off by clicking the check box next to the layer.
6. See the layer called ‘Clearing Regulations – Environmentally sensitive areas’ to view ESAs.

Where can I access more information about the ESA classes or areas?