Key changes to the Vegetation Management Act 1999 in May 2018 included:

❚ Revised vegetation maps were released. The mapping included some previously unregulated areas of vegetation.

❚ The definition of high-value regrowth vegetation changed to include: Vegetation in an area that had not been cleared for at least 15 years, rather than since December 31, 1989; regrowth vegetation located on freehold land, indigenous land and land the subject of an occupational licence, in addition to leasehold land for agriculture and grazing.

❚ Protection of regrowth watercourse areas (Category R) was also extended to the remaining Great Barrier Reef catchments (Burnett-Mary, Eastern Cape York and Fitzroy). Meaning that clearing of native vegetation is prohibited within 50m of a watercourse in a Great Barrier Reef catchment.

❚ Prior to March 8, 2018, clearing of native vegetation for cropping (high-value agricultural) or irrigation (high-value irrigated agriculture) could be authorised under the VMA. Clearing for these purposes is now prohibited.

❚ Self-assessable clearing in Category C areas can still be carried out provided the requirements of the new code are met. The code requires the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy to be notified of proposed clearing of Category C areas prior to commencing, regardless of any prior notifications. Clearing is prohibited in Category C areas without DNRME’s written confirmation that the notification has been made.

❚ Restrictions now apply to clearing native vegetation that is essential habitat for protected wildlife that is near-threatened, not just endangered and vulnerable.

❚ The ability to apply for an Area Management Plan, which provided a mechanism for low-risk clearing, has been removed and the act now relies on the accepted development vegetation clearing codes as the primary mechanism for undertaking low-risk clearing activities. Clearing categories: Category X land: Classified as being previously cleared and can be developed without a permit of development approval.

Category B land: Remnant vegetation requires a permit before any clearing or fodder harvesting can take place. (For most species, remnant vegetation is described as a tree 1.3m above the ground with a 20cm diameter, and for eucalyptus a 30cm diameter.) Thinning code: Is no longer self-assessable for Category B vegetation and requires a development approval. Farmers cannot clear within a 5m radius of remnant vegetation.