Managing native vegetation in Monaro and Werriwa cool temperate grassy woodlands

Your obligations and where to get help

Landholders in the South Eastern Highlands (including the Monaro and Werriwa Tablelands) need to know their obligations under the Land Management Framework when managing critically endangered ecological communities (CEECs) on agricultural land.

Local Land Services can help you:

• identify and assess whether these grassy woodlands are on your land
• provide advice on conservation and native vegetation management. 

About the woodlands

Two woodland types are listed as CEECs under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016:

• Monaro Tableland cool temperate grassy woodland (South Eastern Highlands)
• Werriwa Tableland cool temperate grassy woodland (South Eastern Highlands and South East Corner)

The NSW Threatened Species Scientific Committee (TSSC) assesses and lists CEECs. The TSSC is an independent, science‑based group created under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. Scientists appointed by the Minister for the Environment sit on the committee.

Key features for the CEEC woodlands

• Sparse or very sparse trees that are mostly snow gum (Eucalyptus pauciflora).
• Other trees like black sallee, ribbon gum, candlebark or blackwood may appear but are never dominant.
• Ground layer dominated by kangaroo grasses and snow grasses.
• In good condition, the ground layer also includes diverse native grasses, herbs and wildflowers.

Why these woodlands are important

These woodlands provide habitat for many threatened native species. The woodlands support insect-eating birds and bats that help manage pests on grazing land.

They also support farming by giving stock shelter, seed sources and grazing options. Additionally, they help control salinity and water table levels.

Read more about the woodlands:

• Monaro Tableland cool temperate grassy woodland
• Werriwa Tableland cool temperate grassy woodland

Check if Monaro or Werriwa CEECs are present on your land 

These woodlands commonly occur: 

• between Crookwell and the Victorian border
• between the Snowy Mountains and the ACT in the west
• to the edge of the high plains in the east. 

They grow on: 

• valley floors and fertile lowlands with abundant water and nutrients, or
• midslopes where water and nutrients are more limited. 

Use the CEEC Advisory Layer on the draft Native Vegetation Regulatory (NVR) map to see where these grassy woodlands might be. This layer models areas that may support the communities, it’s a guide only and not definitive. Examples may occur outside of this map. You can also use the Check My Land app.

How to identify CEEC remnants 

You can recognise these communities by their snow gums and other cool‑climate eucalypts. The two woodlands are very similar and can occur together. You do not need to distinguish between the two communities. 

Even if the trees have been removed, the area may still be considered part of a grassy woodland CEEC. These areas are known as derived grasslands. 

To qualify, the ground layer must be mostly native and include the key groundcover species typical of the original woodland. 

If you think you might have these woodlands, contact your nearest Local Land Services for an assessment and management advice. 

Native vegetation management on Monaro and Werriwa CEECs 

Monaro and Werriwa grassy woodland CEECs are usually found on private rural land used for farming. The NSW Government’s approach aims to support flexible land management while protecting areas of these woodlands that are in good condition. 

Allowable activities 

You can undertake the full range of allowable activities, for example: 

• use sustainable grazing methods
• install fencing
• construct farm access tracks
• install water, telecommunications or gas infrastructure. 

If the area is mapped as Category 2 - vulnerable or Category 2 - sensitive regulated land, you can read more about allowable activities in those areas.

Activities under the Land Management Code  

Generally, you cannot carry out activities under the Land Management (Native Vegetation) Code 2018 on land containing CEECs, regardless of their condition. There are some exceptions for Monaro and Werriwa Grassy Woodlands CEECs.

You may be able to undertake activities under the Code if the area is assessed on-ground by Local Land Services as being: 

• in low condition, and
• unlikely to survive in the long term (also known as non‑viable). 

You cannot undertake activities in areas assessed as being in good condition. 

Areas of good-quality CEEC can be used as set aside areas to offset clearing elsewhere on your property under the Code. 

Local Land Services must assess the condition of the land before any activity can take place. These on‑ground assessments follow guidelines developed by the Department of Planning, Industry and Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

You may be eligible for financial support to manage biodiversity on your land. This can include entering into a Conservation Agreement with the Biodiversity Conservation Trust. 

What if CEECs are accidentally cleared? 

If you believe your property contains these woodland communities, talk to Local Land Services before undertaking land‑use activities. This can help you avoid non‑compliant actions. 

If CEECs are cleared unlawfully, the department may take compliance action.

Your next steps 

If your property contains Monaro or Werriwa CEECs read more about: 

• Getting started with native vegetation management
• Allowable activities
• Clearing native vegetation under the Land Management Code.