You may need this permit if you intend to clear native vegetation. Clearing means killing, destroying, removing, severing or ringbarking of trunks or stems, or doing any other substantial damage to native vegetation in an area. It also includes the draining or flooding of land, the burning of vegetation and the grazing of stock.
There are two types of clearing permit:
- Area permits are suitable for landowners who want to clear a specific area of their own property. For example, a landowner would apply for an area permit when clearing to establish a market garden, paddock or gravel pit.
- Purpose permits are suitable for a person or entity (who may or may not be the landowner) who wants to clear several different areas from time to time for a specific purpose. For example, it would be appropriate to apply for a purpose permit when clearing: for drainage works on crown land; to install utility services on crown land or private property; or for a gravel pit on land not owned by the applicant.
Western Australia's native vegetation clearing processes in Part V of the EP Act are recognised by the Commonwealth under an assessment bilateral agreement. This means that if your proposed clearing has been referred for assessment under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), we are accredited to assess your application concurrently. If required, Department of Water and Environmental Regulation 5 fill out Form Annex C7 - Assessment bilateral agreement, see link below. You should include this as a supporting attachment for a new permit or amendment application form.
