Introduction to Environmental Management Systems in Agriculture

Biodiversity Resource Guide

Queensland

DISCLAIMER

The information in this guide is not comprehensive, and has been assembled from available government sources and information made available by a limited number of jurisdictions and organisations. Absence from this guide of a policy or statute on a specific issue does not necessarily mean that such a policy or statute is in fact missing in that jurisdiction. Inclusion of a statute, organisation or policy in this guide in no way implies any judgement as to the efficacy, appropriateness or otherwise of such to biodiversity conservation or any other matter.

KEY BIODIVERSITY LEGISLATION

Refer to the following websites to access electronic copies of the Principal Acts and Statutory Rules in operation at a given point in time. Most have advanced searching and browsing facilities for easy access to specific clauses etc.

All Commonwealth and State Acts are available online at or the Australasian Legal Information Institute:

A network of independent community environmental law centres is available through the Environmental Defenders Office, online at:

Information about legislation and statutory instruments for Queensland is available online at:

Title of Act

/ Key biodiversity implications / Major contact

Environmental Protection Act 1994

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  • Establishes an environmental duty of care and due diligence provisions.
  • Establishes mechanisms for endorsing industry Codes of Practice.
/ Environmental Protection Agency
General Enquiries
(07) 3227 8185
Integrated Planning Act 1997 /
  • The Act provides the key head of power for coordinating and integrating planning at the local, regional and state level. The objective is to provide the mechanism which to manage the process of development assessment, and manage the effects of development on the environment.
  • Ecologically sustainable development is a key consideration of the Act.
  • The objects of the Act are achieved through state and regional application assessment codes and identification and protection of areas of high conservation values or areas vulnerable to degradation.
  • Development of the environment is assessed against a code (Integrated Development Assessment Scheme – IDAS) under the Queensland Integrated Planning Act 1997 to protect biodiversity, prevent land degradation and ensure development is sustainable
  • Establishes mechanisms for the preparation of Property Vegetation Management Plans which are a property level statement of proposed areas to be cleared, retained and restored
/ Department of Natural Resources and Mines
(07) 3224 7819
For information on PVMP’s relating to tree clearing
(07) 3224 2913

Land Act 1994

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  • Controls clearing on all State land.
  • All leases, licences and permits under the Act carry a standard duty of care condition that requires the protection of the natural resources.
  • To maintain biodiversity and other environmental values, tree-clearing on Crown land by lessees and other occupiers is prohibited without a permit or exemption.
  • Part 6 (Tree Management) may require the preparation of a Property Management Plan to accompany tree clearance applications. A broad scale Tree Clearance Policy document is used to assess applications (unless local guidelines have been prepared).
  • An audited EMS/ property management plan (for natural resource management) that meets established natural resource management standards may demonstrate a commitment to a duty of care to the land.
/ Department of Natural Resources & Mines.
(07) 3405 5537

Nature Conservation Act 1992

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  • Based on principles to conserve biological diversity and ecologically sustainable use of wildlife, ecologically sustainable development.
  • The Act explicitly adopts an ecosystems approach to wildlife protection. The Act's object is the conservation of nature. This is to be achieved by an integrated and comprehensive conservation strategy for the whole of Queensland involving matters including:
-gathering, researching and disseminating information on nature, identifying critical habitats and areas of major interest, and
-encouraging the conservation of nature by education and co-operative involvement of the community
-dedication and declaration of areas representative of the biological diversity, natural features and wilderness of Queensland as protected areas
-managing protected areas
-protecting native wildlife and its habitat; ecologically sustainable use of protected wildlife and areas
-recognition of the interest of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders in nature and their co-operative involvement in its conservation
-co-operative involvement of landholders.
  • The Act provides for:
-11 classes of protected areas, as defined by reference to their management objectives including:
- nature refuges and co-ordinated conservation areas involving private property
-six classes of wildlife
-the rights of Aborigines and Torres StraitIsland people to hunt and gather protected wildlife for traditional purposes
-conservation plans that can allow for the ecologically sustainable taking and use of protected wildlife from the wild for commercial or non-commercial purposes
-development of codes of practice describing standards and procedures that a person must comply with if taking, keeping and using specific species of protected wildlife
-controls on the commercial and non-commercial taking, keeping and use of protected wildlife by regulation
-keeping and use of restricted wildlife.
  • The Act provides for interim conservation orders to conserve, protect or manage wildlife, habitat or areas subject to a threatening process likely to have significant detrimental effect.
  • The Act also provides the power to reserve any state forests, timber reserves or Land Act reserves for nature conservation, that are otherwise available for commercial logging operations. The reserve must then be managed to protect biodiversity values. Existing interests such as agriculture, grazing and mining may continue.
  • Conservation plans may be prepared for any native wildlife or required persons applying for licences.
/ Environmental Protection Agency
General Enquiries
(07) 3227 8185

Queensland Water Act 2000

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  • Provision for water allocations, water planning, water trading and efficiencies of use.
  • A requirement for purchases of new water allocations to demonstrate through an approved LWMP that, through their practices and infrastructure, they do not cause degradation to land and water resources.
  • An approved LWMP could form the core material of a property EMS. Conversely, an audited EMS that meets established land and water management practices may be recognised as satisfying some LWMP requirements.
/ Department of Natural Resources & Mines
(07) 3224 7243

Rural Lands Protection Act 1985/Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management Act 2002 (soon to be proclaimed)

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  • Declares exotic invasive species (plants/vertebrates (not birds/fish) that are a threat to biodiversity. ( the Fisheries Act needs to be included for invasive fish species)
  • Requires control of certain declared pests by all landholders.
  • The new Act has provision for site led management of environmental pests for environmentally significant areas, emergency declaration and quarantine.
/ Department of Natural Resources & Mines
(07) 3224 2913

Vegetation Management Act 1999

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  • The object of the Act includes the preservation of remnant endangered regional ecological systems, the maintenance ecological processes and the maintenance and increase of biodiversity. This is to be achieved through clearing controls and codes of practice developed under the Integrated Planning Act 1997 (Qld) which enable local government to establish planning schemes and the Integrated Development System (IDAS) as the approvals system.
  • Specifically developed for vegetation management on freehold property.
  • The Vegetation Management or the Integrated Planning Act does not affect the ability of local government to also control land clearing under the Local Government Act 1993.
  • Applications for clearing must be accompanied by Property Vegetation Management Plans (which are a property level statement of proposed areas to be cleared, retained and restored). Clearing is considered a development under the Integrated Planning Act.. Applications are assessed against a code established under Queensland Integrated Planning Act 1997 to protect biodiversity and prevent land degradation.
  • A property vegetation management plan can assist landholders to devise strategies to plan and maintain remnant vegetation areas on their property. These plans must accompany an application to clear native vegetation. An approved PVMP would form the vegetation protection component of an EMS.
  • The Minister is required to prepare regional vegetation management plans(RVMP’s). Areas that fall within the identified criteria may be declared of high nature conservation value, or vulnerable to land degradation, triggering the need for a code of clearance in that area.
/ Department of Natural Resources & Mines
(07) 3224 7819

Wet Tropics World Heritage Protection and Management Act 1993

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  • The Wet Tropics covers some 900,000 hectares in north Queensland including almost 700 land parcels (freehold, leasehold, local government, State and federal government lands).
  • Parts of the Act provide for the preparation and adoption of management plans, provide for compensation, and establish administration, investigation, enforcement and legal procedures.
  • The Act prohibits destroying native plants, building a road or track, or carrying out excavation works, exemptions apply.
  • Co-management in recognition of traditional custodianship, and Aboriginal knowledge in maintaining existing biodiversity

KEY BIODIVERSITY POLICIES AND STRATEGIES

See also index of policies produced by the Queensland Farmers Federation at:

Policy /

Description

/

What does it mean for a landholder?

Biodiversity Planning Assessments

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The Biodiversity Assessment and Mapping Methodology (BAMM) has been prepared to provide a consistent approach for assessing biodiversity values at the landscape scale in Queensland using vegetation mapping data generated or approved by the Queensland Herbarium as a fundamental basis.

Used by the EPA to generate Biodiversity Planning Assessments (BPAs) for each of Queensland's bioregions.

/

Known biodiversity values in an area presented in a clear and transparent manner.

The BPAs can be used by Agency staff, other government departments, local governments or members of the community to advise a range of planning or decision-making processes. However, the BPAs do not presuppose a conservation outcome through these processes.

Pest Plants and Animals Strategy

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Queensland Weeds Strategy, Queensland Pest Animal Strategy, Queensland Wild Dog Management Strategy, Queensland Feral Pig Management Strategy, South-east Queensland Environmental Weeds Strategy.

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These strategies address actions required to be undertaken by landholders to control the impacts of these pests, including their environmental impacts

State Planning Policy 1/97

(Conservation of Koalas in the KoalaCoast) Order

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  • Addresses general planning issues and principles for conserving koalas and their habitat on the KoalaCoast.
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The policy covers balancing conservation with development, threats to koalas, conservation designations, development and land use, the role of planning schemes, definitions and policy review.

State Planning Policy for Vegetation Management on LeaseholdLand (2000)

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Prepared in accordance with Section 10 of the Vegetation Management Act 1999 and administered through the Integrated Planning Act 1997(IPA).

Applications for vegetation clearing under the Queensland Integrated Planning Act 1997 are assessed against the code.

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Applications for clearing must be accompanied by a Property Vegetation Management Plan (which are a property level statement of proposed areas to be cleared, retained and restored).

The assessment of the property vegetation management plans is done in accordance with the Broadscale tree clearing policy for State lands. This will be superseded by the Regional Vegetation Management Plans (RVMP) together with local guidelines, when completed.

The Regional Landscape Strategy

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A component of the SEQ 2001 Regional Framework for Growth Management (RFGM), which will protect and manage open space in the region (Section 5 of the RFGM 1998: Regional Landscape.)

The Strategy reflects community expectations and protects landowner rights.

  • The Regional Landscape Strategy investigates the incentives and alternatives, which could be used to maintain open space values.

The Regional Landscape Unit, within the Environmental Protection Agency, supports the Regional Landscape Strategy Advisory Committee and manages existing Properties, providing planning advice to Government in open space projects.

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Regionally significant open space includes private land with the agreement of land owner; voluntarily acquired land, and land designated for open space in Planning Schemes.

The Regional Landscape Strategy reflects community expectations and protects existing rights of stakeholders. Interests include conservation, development, recreation, farming and forestry. State and local government and the community will achieve the Strategy through cooperative efforts.

KEY BIODIVERSITY CODES OF PRACTICE AND BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICE GUIDELINES

Document Title

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What does it provide for landholders?

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Source

Code of Practice for Agriculture /
  • An overarching document that provides a general industry code that has been approved under the Environment Protection Act.
  • Establishes a general Duty of Care for industry.
  • The Code relies on individual industry groups to prepare more specific guidelines including, where appropriate, any biodiversity objectives.
/ Queensland Farmers Federation
(07) 3017 1333.
Code of Practice for Sustainable Cane Growing 1998 /
  • Voluntary code that includes provision of advice about protection of remnant and riparian vegetation. No upfront outcomes, but includes discussions of issues etc.
  • Currently being revised and updated with major format modifications.
/ Queensland Cane Growers Council
(07) 3239 3252

COMPASS
(COMbining Profitability and Sustainability in Sugar) /
  • Initially prepared to assist land managers in implementing the Code of Practice for Sustainable Cane Growing.
  • A self-assessment program that helps sugarcane growers judge the economic and environmental sustainability of their farming practice. COMPASS workbooks let growers rate their performance against established standards, by identifying areas in need steps to make their farms a better business, and safer on the environment.
  • Produces ‘Sustainability in Sugar – a self assessment handbook’.
  • COMPASS 2 currently in development, based on EMS principles.
/ Bureau of Sugar Experiment Stations.
Environmental and Resource Officer
(07) 3864 6444
Enhancing Farmer Adoption of Simple Conservation Practices- Landcare in the Philippines and Australia /
  • Collaboration of QDPI, DNR, QFVG and Barung Landcare with ACIAR.
  • EMS is being used as a potential tool to help deliver similar sustainable outcomes with Horticultural industry grower groups and individuals.
  • 100 page publication with references to best management practices which deliver improved biodiversity outcomes.
/ Landcare in Horticulture facilitator (SE Qld and the Philippines)
(07) 5444 9611
Environmental Code of Practice for Fruit and Vegetable Growing /
  • Voluntary industry code, endorsed as an approved code of practice under the Environment Protection Act
  • Covers seven major practice areas ; Land and soil, water, biodiversity, noise, waste management, air pollution, and integrated crop protection.
  • Available on CD Rom.
  • Cost: $22 for members, $44 for non members.
/ Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers.
Sustainability Policy Officer
(07) 3213 2483

BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT INFORMATION -TECHNICAL

Type of information required by landholders

/

Information type and availability

Wildlife and habitats / (1) Land for Wildlife – Notes Series. Property assessment and advice, networking, newsletters and notes.
Contact: State Co-ordinator.
 (07) 3006 4622
Web:
(2) Balancing Production with Nature CD ROM.A newly produced multimedia CD-ROM includes maps, video clips, diagrams and over 300 photos of plants, animals, weeds, feral animals, vegetation, national parks, landholders and community groups in action. A links page provides links to over 50 websites for further research and information. Provides information on:
  • Queensland’s 13 bioregions (including the plants and animals, weeds and feral animals, and national parks they support.
  • Native wildlife (where they're found and what habitat they require)
  • Success stories (explores innovative ways to maintain production and natural resources, through landholder success stories. It showcases the commitment of landholders, rural industries and community groups to sustainable management of natural resources.
  • Industry-based environmental information (includes environmental information for the sugarcane, cotton, horticulture, grazing, cropping and alternative industries.
  • Land management advice (features the benefits of native vegetation at property and regional levels and provides advice on property planning.
  • Advice and assistance (information on a range of programs and services that QPWS offers landholders and community groups.
Produced by:QueenslandParks and Wildlife Service
The CD-ROM can be downloaded at the following link:
Web:
(3) Community Nature Conservation fact sheets.
  • Community Nature Conservation
  • Retaining and managing remnant brigalow vegetation
  • Practical nature conservation in cattle country
  • Brigalow best for butterfly
  • Maintaining Biodiversity in the Mitchell Grass Downs Bioregion
  • Natural Grasslands in the Central Highlands
  • Nature Refuges
  • Nature Refuges - Common Questions
  • NatureSearch and you...
  • Land for Wildlife
Web:
Management/ conservation agreements / (1) Nature Refuges. Conservation agreements established under Nature Conservation Act, with a focus on high conservation value sites. Regional staff assess properties, assist with applications and management advice. Possible funding.
Contact:QueenslandParks and Wildlife Service - Nature Refuge Co-ordinator.
(07) 3227 7919
(2) Management Agreements. Established for fixed periods. Assistance with property assessment and management advice for high conservation sites.
Contact:QueenslandParks and Wildlife Service – Nature Conservation Co-ordinator.
(07) 3227 7919
(3) Voluntary Conservation Agreements. Local Government agreements with a focus on sites of high conservation values. Assistance with technical advice, vegetation management plan preparation, cash management assistance. Town planning costs met by council.
Contact: Local Government Association of Queensland.
(07) 3000 2202
(4) Statutory Covenants. Registered over the land by NR&M and bind future owners. Can be used for a range of purposes including conservation and can be for a fixed term or in perpetuity. They can only be entered into with the State, a statutory authority or local government. NR&M factsheet on covenants is available.
Contact: Department of natural Resources and Mines – Land Management
(07) 3896 3894
Environmental law / (1) Planning Law Fact Sheets. A series of environmental fact sheets designed to provide the community with plain English explanations of environmental law. Fact sheet on laws pertaining to vegetation management currently in preparation.
Contact: Environmental Defenders Office.
(07) 3210 0277 or (07) 3210 0523
Web:
or
Contact: Environmental Defenders Office – North Queensland
(07) 4031 4766
Web:

BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT INFORMATION - FLORA