Conservation > Native vegetation > Managing native vegetation > Clearance applications

Clearance applications

You must apply for approval before performing any activity that could cause substantial damage to native plants. This also applies to dead trees that may provide habitat for animals.

These activities include but are not limited to:

• the cutting down, destruction or removal of whole plants
• the removal of branches, limbs, stems or trunks (including brushcutting and woodcutting)
• burning
• poisoning
• slashing of understorey
• drainage and reclamation of wetlands
• grazing by animals (in some circumstances).

This applies to all naturally occurring native vegetation on public and private land throughout South Australia, with the exception of some areas of metropolitan Adelaide as outlined in this fact sheet.

The Native Vegetation Act 1991 outlines the principles of clearance (51kb pdf), which give situations and reasons why a clearance application may be denied. The principles apply in all cases, except where the vegetation has been considered exempt under the Native Vegetation Regulations 2003 or can be classified as an 'intact stratum'. 'Intact stratum' means that applications will usually be denied when the vegetation has not been seriously degraded by human activity within the last 20 years.

Often you will need to show that you plan to offset your clearance by conducting restoration or other works that will provide a significant environmental benefit. This could include:

• the establishment and management of a set-aside area to encourage the natural regeneration of native vegetation.
• the protection and management of an established area of native vegetation
• entering into a Heritage Agreement on land where native vegetation is already established to further preserve or enhance the area in perpetuity
• a payment to the Native Vegetation Fund (only where the above options are not possible).

To make your application you will need to provide an aerial photograph and a native vegetation management plan of the area you are proposing to clear. For more information and to make your application use the forms and guides below:

• application to clear native vegetation form (180kb pdf)
• clearance terms and concepts (156kb pdf)
• frequently asked questions about making a clearance application (202kb pdf).

If your clearance is in relation to building a house or other related construction you will need to use the following forms:

• clearing native vegetation for housing application form (51kb pdf).

DENR and the Native Vegetation Council also provide guidelines and information sheets which can be useful resources when making a clearance application.

Send your completed clearance application to:

Native Vegetation Council
GPO Box 1047
ADELAIDE SA 5001

For further assistance with your clearance application and native vegetation management plans contact DENR's Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Management Unit on (+61 8) 8303 9777 or nvc@sa.gov.au

Note that even if the NVC approves your clearance application you may still have to apply to your local council or other relevant organisation for additional approvals, especially in relation to construction or development and large trees (both native and introduced).