Who can approve native vegetation clearance applications for bushfire safety?
The authority to approve native vegetation clearance for bushfire fuel reduction works lies with the CFS. If what you’re planning to do is not covered by the recent changes to the native vegetation approval process, CFS will refer the matter to the Native Vegetation Council for approval. Where the work you’re planning will impact on significant areas of native vegetation, the CFS may seek advice from the Native Vegetation Council or other state agencies on the biodiversity values of the site and possible options that may reduce those impacts while still reducing the impact of bushfires. In these cases, provided the proposed works are consistent with the recent changes to the legislation, the decision process remains with the CFS. Similarly, the CFS may seek advice from relevant authorities on the potential impacts of any fuel reduction works or water quality or soil degradation issues that may be apparent as a result of a site inspection/assessment process.
