New protected plants framework for Queensland

Key Points:

Proponents proposing to clear protected plants should check the exemptions available to determine whether a clearing permit will be required under the new regime.

Amendments to the protected plants regulatory framework under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NC Act) and regulations commenced on 31 March 2014, establishing new approval triggers and processes for clearing protected plants in Queensland.

Proponents proposing to clear protected plants should check the exemptions available to determine whether a clearing permit will be required under the new regime.

When will a clearing permit be required?

Under the amended NC Act, a person must not take a protected plant that is in the wild other than under: