Vegetation management rules are often seen as red tape, but they are also a means to an end, intended to help maintain biodiversity, prevent land degradation, protect vegetation that we value, and control deforestation.
Alongside areas of environmental significance where clearing is heavily regulated, all vegetation in the state of Queensland is categorized to describe what level of clearing, if any, is allowed. The categories present in the Gilbert catchment are outlined below:
- Category A areas are declared areas, offset areas, exchange areas or areas that have been subject to unlawful clearing. Clearing cannot occur in these areas.
- Category B areas are comprised of remnant vegetation and can only be thinned via a development approval.
- Category C areas are comprised of high-value regrowth vegetation. Clearing can occur for fodder harvesting, managing non-native plants or declared weeds and managing encroachment.
- Category X areas are not regulated by vegetation laws and can be readily cleared
Before a landholder clears any (additional) land on their property, they should apply for a property map of assessable vegetation (PMAV). Once a PMAV is certified, it overrides the regulated vegetation management map for determining the different vegetation categories of a property. A PMAV can also amend the state wide vegetation mapping if an error can be proved. A PMAV Application Form and associated application fee have to be supplied to the Department of Resources. The Department of Resources have compiled a PMAV Application Guide to assist landholders in making a PMAV application. Section 20C to 20HC of the Vegetation Management Act 1999 relate to applications of a PMAV by a landholder.
Resources
- Queensland Government Vegetation management
- Vegetation Management Act 1999
- Call 135 VEG (135 834) for further information regarding vegetation mapping and clearing regulations
- Contact at Department of Resources: Lisa Gale (lisa.gale@resources.qld.gov.au)
On this website: Vegetation Ecological assets
Data sources
Vegetation Management Act series including Regulated vegetation management map
Matters of State Environmental Significance includes a wide range of regulated vegetation, including:
- Regulated vegetation - category C endangered or of concern; category B endangered or of concern
- Regulated vegetation - 100m from wetland
- Regulated vegetation - essential habitat
- Regulated vegetation - intersecting a watercourse
- High ecological significance wetlands
- Protected area - estates
- Protected area - nature refuges
- Wildlife habitat - endangered or vulnerable wildlife; special least concern animal