Notifying and applying to manage native vegetation

About the notification process

Notification is a simple process. It provides legal certainty where vegetation is removed in accordance with the Code  

It is also an opportunity for you to talk to Local Land Services about other land management options.

Before you start  

To find out if your proposed activity requires notification or certification, read the guide to managing native vegetation under the Land Management Code.  

If you are not sure if the Land Management Code applies to your property or situation, read the guide to getting started with native vegetation management.

Notifying to clear native vegetation  

Some types of native vegetation removal under the Local Land Services Act 2013 and the Code are considered to be low impact activities. These activities do not require you to get certification from Local Land Services before clearing. In these situations, you may notify us of your intent to clear at least 14 days before clearing.  

If you have a voluntary code compliant certificate, you don’t need to notify Local Land Services before clearing. This only applies to the parcel of land specified in the certificate.

Local Land Services may withdraw the authority to clear by revoking a notification or denying certification if:  

• proposed clearing of native vegetation is in an area of land on which a notification or certificate to clear was in effect at any time in the 5 years prior  
• the cumulative impact of all clearing is considered to undermine the effectiveness of the Code (harm biodiversity) or result in excessive or broadscale clearing.

What vegetation removal can be notified?  

Low impact clearing of invasive native species  

Allows the removal of specific invasive native species in each region as listed in the Code. 
Read more about Part 2 Invasive Native Species, Division 1.  

Uniform thinning of woody native vegetation  

Allows the thinning of woody trees and shrubs to promote native groundcover. The Code outlines the condition and types of vegetation formations where uniform thinning applies.  
Read more about Part 3 Pasture Expansion, Division 1.

Removal of native vegetation from paddock tree areas  

Allows for the removal of one paddock tree area in a 12-month period for each 50 hectares of landholding. 
Read more about Part 5 Equity, Division 1. 

Clearing compromised native groundcover  

Allows the removal of groundcover that is less than 50% native species.
Read more about Part 5 Equity, Division 2.

Local Land Services can help you prepare your notification documents. You are responsible for ensuring your clearing complies with the Code and all relevant legislation. 

How to submit a notification  

Complete the online notification form at least 14 days before clearing.  

Provide a legible map showing the landholding and the intended clearing area.  

Depending on your proposed use of the Code, you may need to provide:  

• details of the person notifying  
• details of the landholding, including size, location and names of all landowners listed on the title  
• size and location of the area intended to be cleared  
• type of clearing activities, for example for compromised groundcover or paddock tree areas  
• a declaration that all landowners have given their written consent for the intended clearing  
• a declaration that you understand and meet relevant requirements under the Code.  

After you submit your notification, Local Land Services will process your submission and send you an acknowledgement via email. This email will include a map showing the area where you can remove vegetation.

Notifications across multiple properties  

If you have multiple properties that you work as a single property, you may be able to treat them as one ‘landholding’ when submitting a notification. This may affect future notifications and certifications.  

A landholding can include several parcels of land. These may be on the same title, different titles, or different types of titles. They must form a single property that is either:

• next to each other or only separated by a road, river, creek, or other watercourse; or
• certified in writing by Local Land Services as being in the same sub-bioregion and close enough to be considered one landholding.

What happens to the information I provide?  

Your information will be stored in a secure database and treated in strict confidence. It will not be made available to the public, nor is it noted on the title of the landholding.  

Recordkeeping  

Keep a copy of your notification to intention to clear, including any maps, for the full period it is valid (15 years unless withdrawn). You must also keep these records for 5 years after the clearing has taken place.

If you have set aside areas, you must keep records of all management actions in those areas. This includes what actions were taken, when they occurred, and where they took place.

You need to provide these records if requested by Local Land Services or other authority.  

We recommend you also keep before and after photos of the area for your records.  

If you submit a notification to remove compromised groundcover, you must keep records for at least 5 years after the clearing. These records must include:

• map showing the area that was the subject of the calculation  
• record of the season in which the calculation was made  
• a statement as to how the calculation was made  
• data sheets that record field assessment as outlined in assessing groundcover  
• photographs that clearly show the type of groundcover in the mapped area, taken at the time the calculation was made.  

Variations and withdrawals  

Notifications remain valid for 15 years from the date on which the notification is made or until the land changes ownership.  

If you sell the land, the new landowner must submit a new notification if they want to continue the same management activities.  

If you have sold your property, you can inform your nearest Local Land Services office or send an email to lm.notifications@lls.nsw.gov.au  

You can modify your notification even after it is submitted. This may involve withdrawing the current notification and then submitting a new one. Contact Local Land Services for assistance.  

You can withdraw your notification by submitting a withdrawal notification form. This requires that no clearing has been undertaken under the notification to be withdrawn.  

Use the online form to withdraw a notification of intention to clear.  

Certification to clear native vegetation  

Complete the online application form for both voluntary and mandatory certification.

Voluntary code compliant certificate  

You can ask Local Land Services for voluntary certification instead of submitting a notification. This confirms that your planned clearing follows the Code.

Mandatory code compliant certificate  

Some higher impact activities require you to request certification before commencing.  

• A mandatory code compliant certificate remains in effect for 15 years from the date of issue.  
• A mandatory code compliant certificate which establishes a set aside area has effect in perpetuity.  
• If land is re-categorised as a result of a mandatory code compliant certificate being issued, the re-categorisation remains in effect after the certificate expires.  

Property Vegetation Plans  

If you have an existing Property Vegetation Plan on your property, it remains binding. You can apply for an amendment.  

Read more about Property Vegetation Plans. 

Support from Local Land Services  

You can get help to submit a notification or understand your options for managing native vegetation.  

Local Land Services land management officers can:  

• assist with completion of the notification form
• undertake a site visit if required
• provide information and advice about application of the Code, and consideration of other relevant legislation
• confirm regulated land types and vegetation community types
• develop a notification map showing the location of the landholding and the intended clearing area
• help you obtain any additional information.