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| Process for Listing Threatened Native Vegetation CommunitiesThe initial list of threatened communities under Schedule 3A of the Nature Conservation Act 2002 has been established through a scientific assessment process against criteria for “rare” (a total range of less than 1,000 hectares), “vulnerable”(70% of original area cleared) and “endangered” (90% of original area cleared).
To enable the list of threatened communities to be updated over time the following process has been developed.
The flowchart and administrative steps for future listings or delistings of threatened communities are outlined below.
1. New listing or delisting is proposed (it is expected that the source for most proposals for listing or delisting would originate from reviews carried out within DPIPWE or related resource agencies).
2. DPIPWE provides the secretariat for forwarding proposals through the process.
3. Proposal to list/delist is considered by a scientific review group to check consistency with appropriate criteria for Rare, Vulnerable or Endangered (ie threatened) communities.
4. Proposal is forwarded to a Community Reference Group for advice on socio-economic implications on landowners, land managers and business; and to an Affected Agency Group.
5. Proposal is forwarded to the Minister administering the Nature Conservation Act 2002 along with advice from steps 3 and 4.
6. Minister to approve or not approve the proposal for listing/delisting.
7. If the Minister approves the proposal then the community is added to or deleted from Schedule 3A of the Nature Conservation Act 2002.
Role: Advises on appropriate ecological groupings of communities for the purposes of assessing threatened status. Reviews scientific evidence supporting proposal to list/delist a native vegetation community. Checks supporting evidence against defined criteria for Rare, Vulnerable or Endangered at a statewide level. Coordinates reviews of statewide threatened status of native vegetation communities at regular intervals agreed by Government. Periodically reviews the definitions of the Rare, Vulnerable and Endangered criteria and ecommends changes to the Minister administering the Nature Conservation Act 2002 where appropriate. Briefs the Community Reference Group and Affected Agency Group on the science underpinning a recommendation to list or delist.
Membership: At least three relevant Government scientists plus one independent scientist with knowledge and expertise between them in native vegetation community taxonomy, mapping, ecology, conservation, planning and management. Members require a working knowledge of native vegetation policy and legislation.
Operation: To meet on a needs basis as proposals arise, or where a review of existing listings is undertaken.
Appointment: By the Minister administering the Nature Conservation Act 2002.
Role: Provides advice on socio-economic impacts of listing/delisting a native vegetation community on landowners, land managers and business.
Membership: Non-State Government socio-economic stakeholders (including TFGA, LGAT, FIAT), plus an economist, one member of the Scientific Review Group and an independent chair.
Operation: To meet on a needs basis as proposals arise, or where a review of existing listings is undertaken.
Appointment:By the Minister administering the Nature Conservation Act 2002.
An Affected Agency Group, comprising relevant Government agencies or authorities, may also be constituted, on a needs basis, to facilitate communication between DPIPWE and other agencies in relation to new listing/delisting nominations. VMPAG will undertake this role.
AAG Affected Agency Group
CRG Community Reference Group
DPIPWE Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment
FIAT Forest Industries Association of Tasmania
LGAT Local Government Association of Tasmania
SRG Scientific Review Group
TFGA Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association
VMPAG Vegetation Management Policy Advisory Group
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