Environment Minister Stephen Dawson is inviting Western Australians to have their say on initiatives to support improved management of the State’s native vegetation.
A 12-week consultation period is opening today, with the release of the Native Vegetation in Western Australia issues paper.
The paper proposes four initiatives aimed at providing better protection for vegetation where it is most needed and help streamline assessment processes:
- a State Native Vegetation Policy
- better information, including mapping and monitoring
- improved regulatory processes
- a regionally-tailored approach
The proposed initiatives would be implemented in stages. The issues paper follows last year’s extensive consultation on clearing application fees and other assessment processes.
Feedback on the issues paper can be provided via an online survey and at community forums, to be held this month and December in various country and metropolitan locations.
Consultation closes 10 February 2020. Consultation feedback will inform a draft policy, which is set to be released in April 2020 for further public comment. The final policy is due to be completed mid-2020.
For more information visit: https://consult.dwer.wa.gov.au
As stated by the Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:
“Western Australia’s unique ecology and extraordinary biodiversity are vital to our State’s character, culture and economy.
“The McGowan Government is seeking input from the Western Australian community to shape the State’s new Native Vegetation Policy.
“This is the next step by this Government to improve the protection of our native vegetation and making regulation more efficient and effective.
“Our aim is to strike the right balance between protecting the environment and delivering a strong economic outlook – for now and future generations.”
