Native vegetation
A draft revised Native Vegetation Framework was released for public consultation on 18 February. The consultation period ended on 31 March 2010.
Public comment was encouraged on the draft revised Native Vegetation Framework, with recommendations for national measurable targets for each of the goals identified in the Framework. Read more...
Australia is one of the world's seventeen centres of 'mega-diversity' of plants and animals. The south west of Western Australia is known as one of the world's thirty four biodiversity "hotspots" with some of the richest and most threatened reservoirs of plant and animal life on earth. In some areas of the state, such as the Avon-Wheatbelt bioregion, ninety three percent of native vegetation has already been cleared. Clearing and consequential salinity are having a devastating effect on biodiversity through the direct loss of plant species, and the associated loss of mammals, birds and other animals which depend upon areas of bush for food and shelter.
Legislation proclaimed on 8 July 2004 protects all native vegetation in Western Australia. Clearing native vegetation is prohibited, unless a clearing permit is granted by the Department of Environment and Conservation, or the clearing is for an exempt purpose. These exemptions ensure that low impact day to day activities involving clearing can be undertaken. People who wish to clear are required to submit an application if an exemption does not apply. This will be assessed against principles which consider biodiversity, land degradation and water quality.
Our role
The Department of Environment and Conservation is responsible for administering the Environmental Protection Act 1986 and Regulations that protect native vegetation. Applications for Clearing Permits are assessed by the department and decisions are made to approve or reject the proposal in line with the Act.
The department also participates in programs that assist landowners in protecting and managing native vegetation on their land.
Quarterly Performance Report
Native vegetation conservation program - 1 October to 31 December 2012 (810.93 kB)- Native vegetation conservation program - 1 July to 30 September 2012 (267.93 kB)
- Native vegetation conservation program - 1 April to 30 June 2012 (216.53 kB)
- Native Vegetation Conservation Program - 1 January to 31 March 2012 (178.06 kB)
- Native vegetation conservation program - 1 October to 31 December 2011 (164.02 kB)
- Native vegetation conservation program - 1 July to 30 September 2011 (156.99 kB)
- Native vegetation conservation program - 1 April to 30 June 2011 (186.38 kB)
- Native vegetation conservation program - 1 January to 31 March 2011 (126.48 kB)
- Native vegetation conservation program - 1 October to 31 December 2010 (107.31 kB)
- Native vegetation conservation program - 1 July to 30 September 2010 (270.21 kB)
- Native Vegetation Conservation Program - 1 April to 30 June 2010 (949.88 kB) Native Vegetation Conservation Program - 1 January to 31 March 2010 (937.14 kB)
Further information
For more information please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. the department or telephone our nearest regional office.
