Call Before You Clear
In 2023 Goulburn Mulwaree Council (GMC) identified a steady increase in reporting and investigations into illegal clearing of trees, grasses and other vegetation across our Local Government Area (LGA).
The Goulburn Mulwaree LGA is home to an abundance of remnant vegetation that provides habitat for threatened species, such as Gang Gang Cockatoos, Glossy Black Cockatoos, Greater Gliders, Yellow Bellied Gliders, Squirrel Gliders, Koalas. Numerous other threatened fauna species including bats, owls and parrots are also found across the area. Critically endangered flora found locally includes the Tallong Midge Orchid, Pot-bellied Green Hood Orchid, Buttercup Double Tail Orchid and Delicate Pomaderris shrub. There are many other threatened species found locally, include the Few-Seeded Bossiaea, Michelago Parrot Pea and Matted Bush Pea. Some remnant vegetation communities are listed as critically endangered ecological communities (TECs). For example, Box Gum Grassy Woodland and their variations as listed under Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and NSW Biodiversity and Conservation Act 2016.
As part of GMC’s commitment to preserving and protecting the natural environment from the impacts of illegal clearing, Council reached out to Officers from the South East Compliance and Regulation Team of the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and Local Land Services to form a working group to address the issue.
In 2024 the group launched the CALL BEFORE YOU CLEAR campaign, which aims to provide education and resources for our community and relevant stakeholders detailing the importance of seeking appropriate approvals prior to clearing trees, grasses and other vegetation on rural and non-rural properties.
Council has welcomed active engagement and enquiries from the community since launching the campaign. The first CALL BEFORE YOU CLEAR factsheet was published in March, with a follow up Biodiversity Edition to be published this July. The factsheets provide clear guidelines on when approval is required and who to contact for further information. Although some exemptions may apply, approvals are typically required to clear trees, grasses and other vegetation.
Council will continue to foster environmentally responsible development, land management practices and safeguard the biodiversity of the area by promoting the CALL BEFORE YOU CLEAR campaign.