Managing vegetation clearing in the South East Queensland urban footprint

Abstract

South East Queensland (SEQ) is the fastest growing metropolitan region in Australia with rapid urban expansion responsible for much vegetation loss. Legislation exists to manage vegetation clearing in the SEQ Urban Footprint (SEQUF); however, exemptions still allow clearing of remnant and regrowth vegetation. This article is based on evaluating documentary evidence to assess vegetation protection in the South East Queensland Urban Footprint (SEQUF) (as defined by the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009-2031). It focuses on the Vegetation Management Act 1999 (Qld) (VMA) and its application in the Urban Footprint. It recommends amending or removing exemptions for clearing to increase protection for regulated regrowth and for Of Concern and Least Concern Regional Ecosystems in the Urban Footprint. It also recommends improving vegetation mapping at fine resolution for assessing <2ha areas.