Disputing high-value regrowth areas

The Regrowth Moratorium ended on 7th October 2009, and updated maps have been released identifying areas of 'high-value regrowth'. These high-value regrowth areas are shown as endangered (pink), of concern (orange) or least concern (green). Provided there are no restricted areas, clearing can be undertaken by notification to DERM in the green areas on leasehold land, and in the orange and green areas on freehold land.

Restricted areas are:

• Essential regrowth habitat,
• Stream protection zones,
• Within wetland protection areas,
• On slopes greater than 12%.

For more information, you can download the Landholders' guide to the regrowth vegetation code.

The latest regrowth maps for your property can be downloaded here. If you have already obtained regrowth maps for your property, it might be worth checking that you have the latest 2.0 version.

If areas are mapped as high-value regrowth on your property and they have been cleared since 31 December 1989, then you have the right to dispute these areas to get them taken off the map. This can be achieved by applying for a Property Map of Assessable Vegetation (PMAV).

Property Map of Assessable Vegetation (PMAV)

A PMAV is an official document recognised by the State Government for delineating what vegetation can and can't be cleared on any given property. In the absence of a PMAV, the Regional Ecosystem (RE) and High Value Regrowth maps must be consulted to identify the location of assessable vegetation on a property. Broadscale clearing of remnant vegetation was phased out in December 2006, however clearing for certain purposes is still permitted (refer to section Clearing Permits).

A PMAV gives the property owner:

• Certainty that areas can continue to be managed into the future;
• The opportunity to define vegetation boundaries at a smaller scale, which can often be inaccurate on a RE map;
• The option to dispute incorrect vegetation areas (both remnant and high-value regrowth) and remove them from the map, resulting in a larger area that can be managed;
• Added value to the property by 'locking-in' your non-remnant (white) areas, as the document is legally binding to the title of the land;
• The chance to learn about all your possible clearing options on a property.

The first step for anyone wanting to submit a PMAV is to look at their current RE and regrowth maps.

Download the latest RE and regrowth maps for your property.

From our office, AXM can access the most recent RE data (the basis of the PMAV) and overlay it on satellite imagery of your property. In a preliminary discussion with you, we can determine the scope of your PMAV requirements. For cases where vegetation areas are being disputed, a field inspection may be required to gather detailed vegetation data and information on clearing history to support the argument.

Clearing Permits

AXM is able to offer advice on which permits are applicable, what information is required by the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM), the likelihood of it being approved and how you might best integrate these permits into your vegetation management plan.

A property owner is able to apply for a clearing permit to:

• Thin vegetation that has thickened over time,
• Stop encroachment onto grasslands,
• Control weeds,
• Establish necessary infrastructure and
• Carry out other projects on farm as defined in the vegetation act.

AXM will continue to provide their services after the application has been submitted to DERM to ensure the best outcome is achieved. If you don't own a GPS, AXM can lend you one to assist you with the clearing of the permit.

Environmental Risk Management Plans (ERMP)

The Great Barrier Reef Protection Amendment Bill 2009 came into effect on 1 January 2010. These regulations target sugar cane growers and graziers in the Burdekin Dry Tropics, Mackay-Whitsunday and Far North Wet Tropics catchments.

The legislation requires graziers with properties over 2000 ha with more than 100 cattle units (defined in the Act) to undertake an Environmental Risk Management Plan (ERMP). These plans will be regulated by DERM and will outline management strategies for minimising chemical and sediment loss from properties.

AXM has been assisting graziers with ERMP’s throughout the Burdekin catchment – stretching from Alpha to Charters Towers, and across to the coastline near Bowen. AXM will assist you through the whole process, which includes:

• A visit to your property to sit down and discuss the ERMP maps and fill out the application.
• Help identify possible monitoring sites on your property, then proceed to set them up and discuss possible management actions.
• Gather field data including photos, ground cover measurements, grass species and GPS points for the application.
• Explain the monitoring site process to the landholder, to ensure the annual self-assessable monitoring is as easy as possible.
• Prepare the ERMP back in the office and post a draft copy to the landholder for approval.
• Submit the document to DERM and if applicable, deal with any future information requests.
• Notify the landholder of any funding opportunities that may arise that could assist with the management actions outlined in their ERMP.

We feel that by completing the ground-work as well as the paperwork, we can gain a better understanding of your situation. This enables us to provide a high quality document and handle any enquiries that DERM may have in the future, therefore making the whole process as stress-free for you as possible.

Funding Applications

From time to time, grants become available to assist landholders with funding for environmental management activities on their properties. In the past, AXM has assisted clients with preparing applications for funding packages through EnviroFund, Caring for our Country and Reef Rescue. This includes preparing a map of the proposal area, creating an estimated budget for the works and liaising with the funding body to ensure the application contains all the required information for optimum success.

AXM works closely with catchment groups such as Fitzroy Basin Association (FBA) and NQ Dry Tropics to ensure we are well-informed of any funding which may be available to our clients. Give AXM a call if you would like to find out if your property might be eligible.

Leasehold Land Renewals

Since the introduction of the Delbessie Agreement in December 2007, the requirements of renewing a rural lease have changed. The Delbessie Agreement now applies to all agricultural, grazing or pastoral leases that have a term of 20 years or more, with an area of 100 hectares or greater. However, it does not apply to existing perpetual or freeholding leases.

The lease renewal process will involve a Land Condition Assessment (LCA) of the property by DERM officers, as well as the negotiation of a Land Management Agreement (LMA). A lease renewal will not be offered until the LMA has been signed by the land owner and the State Government.

The AXM team have the knowledge and skills necessary to assist you through each stage, from preparing the application to the negotiation of the LMA.

Property Mapping

A detailed map is essential for good property management, and AXM has the resources available to create a custom-made map including vegetation boundaries and existing and proposed infrastructure on your property. We can overlay any of these features on an up-to-date Spot 5 satellite image for your use:

• Paddocks, including names and calculated areas
• Waterpoints
• Pipelines
• Tracks
• Gates
• Yards
• Buildings
• State infrastructure such as main roads, powerlines, railway tracks, gas and water pipelines
• Land types
• Category X boundaries and calculated areas (if a PMAV is in place)
• Remnant and regrowth vegetation boundaries
• Lot/Plan details including tenure and size

Once we have created the map and had it checked by you, we can then create laminated copies which are handy to keep in the car, or get the map enlarged on quality board or plastic canvas to be hung on your wall.

Environmental Management Systems

An EMS is a systematic approach to continuously improving your environmental management. Although the EMS Manual is the central reference point, implementing an EMS means implementing a system of procedures, training, record keeping, planning and monitoring.

An EMS aims for continuous improvement through a cycle of Plan-Do-Monitor-Review. Every year, objectives and targets are set and then performance is monitored against those targets.

Many benefits can be gained from implementing an EMS, whether you are a major mining company or a small family owned farming enterprise. An EMS is based on ISO 14001, which is an internationally recognised standard. A business can become ISO 14001 certified and commit to annual audits of their EMS. Alternatively, an EMS can be used as a personal management tool.

Because an EMS is system, not just a document, it will include your property plan, your PMAV map and a blueprint of your water system, your grazing system and your infrastructure. Roles and responsibilities are documented, training requirements mapped out and necessary skills identified.

AXM can develop and help implement an EMS for your business. We can also help access financial assistance that is currently available for the costs involved in establishing an EMS. << Click here to find out more

Due Diligence (Purchasing Property)

Purchasing rural property is a major investment. AXM can assist purchasers by providing advice on vegetation management options on a potential property. We can determine the impact of Regrowth Ver 2.0 mapping, confirm whether a PMAV has been processed over a property, calculate the area of non-remnant country and explain further options if the new owner has development plans.