Fodder harvesting
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 a landholder 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, landholders can plan ahead and apply in advance for a permit for their potential fodder needs.
Guide to fodder harvesting applications
The Landholders' guide to fodder harvesting applications (PDF, 838K)* 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, 135K)* 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 to work through the application process step-by-step and should be used in conjunction with the guide.
For further information regarding fodder harvesting or if assistance is required with a fodder harvesting application, please contact a departmental business centre.
Urgent applications
The department has a process for rapidly assessing applications for fodder harvesting in particular circumstances. For further information, contact the department to discuss expedited assessment of applications to clear for fodder.
Fodder harvesting in regulated regrowth vegetation
New regrowth clearing laws took effect from the 8 October 2009.
As part of the new regrowth regulations fodder harvesting can occur in areas that can be cleared under the regrowth vegetation code. For further information about what clearing can occur under the code, refer to the ' Landholders' guide to the regrowth vegetation code (PDF, 1.6M)*'.
Contact information
- Rockhampton, phone: 4938 4615
South West Region
- Toowoomba, phone: 4688 1098
For a map of the regional boundaries, and for a full list of business centres, see the departmental business centres pages of the website.
For email enquiries, please email VM Enquiries.
* Requires Acrobat Reader
Last updated: 07 October 2009