Protecting Native Vegetation in Western Australia
This Fact Sheet outlines the legislative framework relating to the clearing of native
vegetation in Western Australia, including an explanation of the permit system and the
clearing exemptions. References to ‘clearing’ throughout this Fact Sheet can be
understood to mean the clearing of native vegetation.
Key takeaways
- It is an offence to clear native vegetation in Western Australia unless a clearing permit
has been obtained, or the clearing is exempt. - Clearing permits are not required for:
- exempt activities under the EP Act or Clearing Regulations;
- activities referred to the relevant department and determined to be exempt; or
- certain mining and petroleum activities.
- Clearing permit applications are assessed against several principles which measure
the potential environmental impact of clearing. - Clearing permit conditions set out activities which must be undertaken by a permitholder
to prevent, control, abate or mitigate environmental harm.
Key actions
- The public can participate in the clearing permit framework by:
- commenting on clearing permit applications, amendments to permits or permit
conditions; and/or - appealing the grant of clearing permits or the conditions of a granted permit.
- commenting on clearing permit applications, amendments to permits or permit
- Suspected unauthorised clearing can be reported for investigation.
