Seeds and specimens
If you want to collect seeds or specimens, the requirements that must be met are outlined under Schedule 1, Regulation 8, Clause 11 of the Native Vegetation Regulations 2017.
Can I collect native seeds and specimens?
You can collect seeds and specimens from native vegetation provided it is done in a way that does not substantially damage the plant.
What can I collect?
You can take a specimen, a cutting from a plant for propagation or the part of the plant that is required to obtain the seeds of the plant.
Where can I collect?
If you are collecting:
on private land, you require consent from the landowner
on roadsides, you require consent from the local council as well as a National Parks permit
on Crown land, including National Parks and Wildlife reserves, you require a National Parks permit.
Does this include land under Heritage or Management Agreement?
Yes, you can collect native seeds and specimens for this purpose on Heritage Agreement or Management Agreement land.
Do I need approval?
No, you do not need to get approval, however consent and permits may be required as outlined above.
What do I have to do?
Self-assess that your clearing is within the parameters of this activity.
Apply the Mitigation Hierarchy. Are there practical alternatives to clearing, including options that involve no clearing, or clearing vegetation that is less significant or more degraded?
Obtain the written permission of the landowner if you are acting on behalf of the landowner.
Exclusions
You are not permitted to clear for this activity if you:
cause substantial damage to any part of the plant
cut an entire branch off a tree to collect seed
remove all harvestable seed from a single plant
remove an entire plant to transplant elsewhere.
What if my activity doesn't fit this description?
If your proposed clearance does not meet the requirements of this regulation, or another regulation, you can submit a clearance application under Section 28 of the Native Vegetation Act 1991.
