By Lorinda Talbot
•
08 Nov, 2022
Yes, depending on what you plan to build and use the land for. Development for purposes such as housing, industry, infrastructure and essential services may be permissible when assessed against the Regulations. Requirements for meeting State Government regulations apply and you may not be able to clear all trees, unless absolutely necessary to achieve your development outcome. A number of exemptions also apply under the Planning Regulation 2017 which allow you to clear koala habitat for several reasons, including: Clearing for a fence road or track (width restrictions apply) Essential management of the land for necessary fire management or safety purposes (restrictions apply) The construction of non-linear infrastructure (i.e. a house or shed) which requires up to 500m 2 of clearing) Range environmental is experienced in managing projects which exceed the exempt clearing allowances and trigger State Code 25: Development in South East Queensland koala habitat areas. We have successfully assisted town planners, developers and homeowners to navigate State Government assessment requirements, with an aim to provide a solution which is both good for the client, and the environment. Requirements of the State also apply in addition to Local Government requirements. Range Environmental can assist with all your ecology, bushfire and environmental planning project needs. A number of services can be provided to assist you, including: Preliminary desktop ecological constraints analysis Detailed ecological constraints analysis and advice (including vegetation surveys) Koala Habitat Assessments and Ecological Assessment Reports (which may be required for developments which impact koala habitat) Koala management plans Rehabilitation and covenant management plans Vegetation, habitat tree and compensatory habitat management plans Our staff have expertise in both desktop and field assessments and can provide specialist services including attendance at pre-lodgement meetings with the State Government (SARA) and Council, vegetation and tree surveys (utilising high precision GPS systems), State and Local code responses, significant residual impact assessments and negotiation of decision notices. Our koala assessment projects across western, southern, and northern SEQ include a range of development types, including: Small, medium and large residential subdivisions Retail and service developments Infrastructure development Rural and multi dwelling projects Infrastructure projects