State Environmental Planning Policy (Koala Habitat Protection) 2019
The State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) [Koala Habitat Protection] 2019 has introduced an updated definition of core koala habitat and new maps which affect the Mid-Western Region. Council has not currently implemented a Koala Plan of Management for the Mid-Western Region, and therefore all development identified on the Koala Development Application Map that has an area of at least one hectare (including all adjoining land in the same ownership) will need to consider the SEPP.
Consideration must occur in accordance with the draft Koala Habitat Protection Guideline. Subject to the final Guideline to be released by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE), development can be categorised as either Tier 1 or Tier 2 depending on the expected level of impact:
- Development is likely Tier 1 if it does not involve the removal of any native vegetation or will not impede koala movement. Tier 1 may require koala management measures to be implemented
- All other development is considered Tier 2 and will require a Koala Assessment Report prepared by a suitably qualified and experienced person
If an applicant disagrees with the mapping in the Koala Development Application Map, a flora and fauna survey can be undertaken at the applicant’s expense to demonstrate that the land is not core koala habitat.
For more information please speak with Council’s Duty Planner at 86 Market Street Mudgee or by calling 6378 2850.
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