Native Vegetation Clearing (WA)
Native vegetation clearing permits are assessed by DMIRS under delegation from the DWERs in accordance with the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 and the Environmental Protection (Clearing of Native Vegetation) Regulations 2004. DMIRS Native Vegetation Website
Clearing native vegetation is an offence unless it is done:
- Under a clearing permit; or
- The clearing is for an exempt purpose being either:
- Requirement under a written law listed in Schedule 6; or
- Schedule 1 for Item 20 r5 for s51C Prescribe low impact activities excluding environmental sensitive areas(map) also known as non permitted areas
- Schedule 1 for Item 25 of r5 for s51C
- Regulations Schedule 2 and 3 (maintenance of roads and railway)
A prescribe purpose under Item 25 of r5 for 51C is
"Clearing that is the result of carrying out prospecting or exploration under an authority granted under the Mining Act 1978"
Schedule 1 for Item 20 of r5 for s51C the exemption for low impact or other mineral or petroleum activities are:
- Driving vehicles off road
- 4m wide raised blade clearing (with 100m distance between tracks)
- Scrape and detect areas of 2 hectares per tenement
- Clearing for camp sites and storage with a total area of 2 hectares per tenement
- Removing marine growth ect
- 10 hectares of clearing on a tenement in a financial year.
- Construction of a water bore and taking water under a Licence granted under the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914.
DWERS guide sheet for Exploration
Types of Clearing Permits
- An Area Permit (Form C1) can only be applied for on the following land tenure types: Crown Lease; Mining Lease; or General Purpose Lease
- If the proposed clearing area falls on any other land tenure types then a Purpose Permit (Form C2) should be applied for.