The Vegetation Management Framework Amendment Bill 2013 was introduced to Parliament on 20 March 2013 and aims to restructure the vegetation management framework to support the development of high value agricultural areas.
High Value Regrowth Regulations
The key proposal of the Bill is the return to high value regrowth clearing regulations which were last in effect in 2009. These proposals will remove high value regrowth vegetation regulations from freehold and Indigenous land. Leasehold and reef watercourse regrowth regulations will be retained.
New Clearing Purposes
The removal of high value regrowth regulations is aimed at assisting the agricultural industry in Queensland by allowing new clearing purposes for high value agricultural clearing, irrigated high value agricultural clearing, environmental clearing and land rehabilitation.
Self-Assessable Clearing Codes
Self-assessable clearing codes will benefit landholders by providing a framework for self-management of routine agricultural activities including weed and pest management, fodder harvesting, thinning, managing encroachment and property infrastructure. Provided landholders comply with the self-assessable codes and notify the Department of Natural Resources and Mines of the proposed clearing a permit may not be required.
Vegetation Mapping
Landholders will be assisted by the creation of a vegetation management map. The new map will establish regulated and non-regulated vegetation boundaries to support long term agricultural property planning.
Enforcement Amendments
The Bill will remove the offence and penalty provisions of the Vegetation Management Act 1999 (Qld) to provide more equitable and reliable penalties for illegal agricultural clearing.
Submissions to the State Development, Infrastructure and Industry Committee
The Bill is open for public consultation via the Parliamentary State Development, Infrastructure, and Industry Committee who will examine the Bill's lawfulness and effect as well as consider submissions. If passed in Parliament the amendments are anticipated to be in effect by the end of 2013.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
