Land clearing changes to reduce red tape

• Native vegetation clearing changes will reduce administrative burden for farmers and land managers

• Changes will be gazetted today and will take effect tomorrow

The State Government is reducing red tape for farmers and land managers by making changes to native vegetation clearing rules.

Environment Minister Albert Jacob said the amendments would result in changes to two key areas and would take effect from tomorrow.

"Farmers and land managers will be able to increase the amount of clearing for what is known as limited clearing exemptions from one hectare to five hectares, per financial year," he said.

"This change reflects contemporary farming practices and the need for the removal of vegetation to accommodate larger machinery.  For example, existing vehicle tracks may need to be widened to allow for a larger combine harvester.

"The other change will mean farmers and land managers will have 20 years to maintain land previously cleared lawfully, without applying for a clearing permit. This is an increase from the current 10-year time frame.

"These changes are designed to make life easier for farmers and land managers, without resulting in any significant risk to the environment. They are intended to reduce regulatory burdens that prohibit future growth and success for land owners and managers, and help farmers get on with managing their land."

The amendments follow several reviews of the clearing provisions in the Environmental Protection Act 1986 and continue the Liberal National Government's commitment to approvals reform.  

Mr Jacob said he was confident the amendments would deliver improvements to the regulation of clearing without causing any significant risk to the environment.

"The State Government is also considering further amendments to the Act to streamline approvals and improve regulatory effectiveness, and is committed to a new biodiversity conservation act that will replace the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950," the Minister said.

"The Department of Environment Regulation will ensure these changes are communicated to farmers and land managers via targeted education, compliance and enforcement programs."

        Fact File

• Native vegetation clearing in WA is regulated under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 and Environmental Protection (Clearing of Native Vegetation) Regulations 2004

• More information is available at http://www.der.wa.gov.au/nvp  

Minister's office - 6552 6300