EPBC Explainer: Land clearing amendments
This explainer outlines a recent change to the federal environmental law, the Environment
Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act).
This change narrows an exemption from the operation of the EPBC Act relating to clearing
of vegetation that is likely to have a significant impact on a matter of national
environmental significance. This means that for certain clearing of vegetation the
exemption no longer applies, and assessment and approval under the EPBC Act may be
required.
Key takeaways
Background on the amendments to the EPBC Act related to land clearing laws under the ‘continuous use’ exemption.
Knowledge of what is the ‘continuation of use’ exemption.
Knowledge of what has changed and what hasn’t changed.
Key actions
Understanding and assisting with enforcing the new land clearing laws under the EPBC Act.
