Vegetation management - where to start

Clearing vegetation on your property – where to start

Managing vegetation on your property by knowing what you can and cannot clear is a critical part of land management. The Vegetation Management Act 1999 regulates the clearing of vegetation in Queensland for development and land use.  This includes clearing for grazing purposes, establishing fence lines, fire breaks and new infrastructure. The Act allows the Queensland Government to monitor changes to vegetation cover using things such as satellite imagery.  The penalties to the landowner are significant if they are found to have conducted unlawful clearing on their property.

Prior to undertaking any clearing on your property, it is important to understand a) the different types of vegetation on your land and b) the requirements for clearing the vegetation under the Vegetation Management Act.

This sounds quite complex. Fortunately, much of this information can be obtained for free from the Queensland Government – Department of Resources website for free. Vegetation mapping for each title can be accessed by entering the lot and plan details. The maps will be sent almost immediately to the email address you entered.  This is the best place to start (see link at the bottom of this page).

Generally speaking, there are three types of vegetation that is mapped: Remnant vegetation; regrowth vegetation and Category X (Exempt).

Land mapped as Category X (white on the maps) can be cleared for any purpose without the need for a permit or requirement to notify the local or state authorities.

The clearing of remnant and regrowth vegetation is determined by assessment categories. The assessment category that applies will also depend on the purpose of the clearing. Some clearing activities are exempt – things like clearing for fire breaks. Again, this information is readily available on the Queensland Government’s website.

So, if you are wishing to clear vegetation on your land, the basic steps are:

1. Obtain the vegetation maps for your property from the Qld Government website
2. Determine the types of vegetation identifiable on your property
3. Work out the assessment category that applies and/or whether it is considered an exempt activity
4. Notify the government Department (if necessary)

Whilst we are unable to provide specific advice to buyers and landowners regarding the clearing regulations of the properties we market, we do include a copy of the vegetation maps relevant to the property in our Property Information Memorandum.

Relevant links:

Queensland Government - Request a free vegetation management report or map
https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/management/vegetation/maps/map-request

Queensland Government - Understanding Queensland's native vegetation clearing laws
https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/management/vegetation/clearing-laws