Management of Native Vegetation Clearing

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5 September 2007

AUDITOR GENERAL CALLS FOR TIGHTER CONTROLS ON NATIVE VEGETATION CLEARING

Each day, across WA, the equivalent of 10 football fields are authorised to be cleared of native vegetation. This figure excludes illegal clearing and the Auditor General Colin Murphy is now calling for tighter controls and better safeguards against unauthorised clearing.

A report from the Auditor General has highlighted that since July 2005 both the Department of Environment and Conservation and Department of Industry and Resources have approved more than 16,500 hectares of native vegetation for clearing, yet investigations show that illegal clearing is taking place in some parts of WA.

The report tabled in Parliament today was the result of an audit into the Department of Environment and Conservation and the Department of Industry and Resources administration and regulation of native vegetation clearing in WA.

The audit found that:

65% of all applications to clear are approved
66% of land approved for clearing in 2005-07 was related to the mining and petroleum industries
15% of land was cleared for various agricultural purposes
12% of land was cleared for road, rail and other infrastructure.

In terms of how applications to clear are handled, the audit found that both the Department of Environment and Conservation and the Department of Industry and Resources are assessing applications appropriately against the principles enshrined in the Act.

Specifically:

The process for granting native vegetation clearing permits is supported by a strong and comprehensive system
There are clear principles for assessing applications, adequate transparency and accountability in the process.

The audit did find that in terms of timeliness and output there is an issue. At the time of the audit approximately 200 applications were awaiting assessment with the average time of processing being 222 days.

However the Auditor General’s major concern relates to the fact that since the introduction of the Native Vegetation Clearing regulations in 2004 there has been no meaningful testing to see if decisions are being complied with. Mr Murphy said; “the people of Western Australia can take confidence from the way decisions about clearing are being made. However, until the agencies properly examine potential illegal clearing, and test that decisions are being followed, we can not be sure the aims behind the legislation are being fulfilled.”

The Department of Environment and Conservation has used satellite and other imagery to identify hotspot areas where there appear to be unauthorised clearing. However, up until now, investigation in these areas has been limited.

In terms of ensuring that this vital role of monitoring the clearing of our native vegetation occurs effectively the Auditor General has recommended that:

The Department of Environment and Conservation in consultation with The Department of Industry and Resources urgently finalise and implement a plan for testing compliance with clearing decisions
A program is established for investigating potential illegal clearing identified through satellite imagery and public complaints.

The Department of Environment and Conservation has responded to the report and has acknowledged that while a key priority for 2006 and 2007 has been the processing of applications in accordance with target timeframes and resolving the backlog of applications they are now placing more emphasis on compliance monitoring, investigation and implementation of enforcement actions. Currently there are 8-10 active investigations being developed that may end in prosecution. There is no statute on prosecution against illegal clearing.

Ends/.

Media Contact:Sandra Devahasdin
Mobile: 0424 184 501 Fax: (08) 9322 5664
4th Floor Dumas House 2 Havelock Street West Perth