Fodder trees and shrubs, particularly mulga, are an important natural resource supporting sheep and cattle production over large areas of south-western Queensland. For generations, many property owners have used fodder species successfully and sustainably.

Under the Vegetation Management Act 1999, harvesting fodder is a legitimate purpose for which you can apply to 'clear' native vegetation. However, to do so, you require a development permit. As this is valid for five years from the date of issue, you can plan ahead and apply in advance for a permit for your potential fodder needs, rather than applying for an expedited permit when an urgent need arises.

Landholders need to be aware that there is currently a moratorium in place for clearing all native regrowth vegetation within 50 metres of a watercourse in a priority reef catchments and for clearing endangered regrowth vegetation in rural areas across the State on freehold and agricultural and grazing State leasehold land for a period of at least 3 months. This came into effect on 8 April 2009. Please refer to the information on the moratorium on clearing high-value regrowth for further information.

Guide to fodder harvesting applications

The Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) has updated the Landholders' guide to fodder harvesting applications (PDF, 837kB) which explains in a step-by-step process:

• when you need a permit to harvest fodder
• explanations of performance requirements and acceptable solutions
• how to make an application, and what it should include
• how DERM will assess your application.

A Fodder harvesting application worksheet (PDF, 135kB) has also been developed to assist landholders' with their fodder applications. The worksheet can be used as part of your application for a fodder harvesting permit. It will help you to work through the application process step-by-step and should be used in conjunction with the Landholders' guide to fodder harvesting applications.

It should be noted that these guides do not incorporate requirements under the Vegetation Management (Regrowth Clearing Moratorium) Act 2009. Please refer to the information on the moratorium on clearing high value regrowth before you consider these guides and read the guides in conjunction with the requirements in the Moratorium Act.

For further information regarding fodder harvesting or if you require assistance with a fodder harvesting application, please contact one of the DERM regional offices listed below.

Urgent applications

DERM has a process for rapidly assessing applications for fodder harvesting in particular circumstances. For further information, see the department's policy, Expedited assessment of applications to clear for fodder.

Contact information

Central West Region

• Phone 4938 4615 (Rockhampton)

South West Region

• Phone 4688 1098 (Toowoomba)

See DERM service centres for a map depicting the boundaries of each region, and for a full service centre directory.

For email enquiries, please email VM Enquiries.

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