The Department of Planning, Industry and the Environment (DPIE) is to roll out a satellite-based Early Change Monitoring system to ensure any potential land clearing is picked up early and able to be cross checked with landholders and other Departments.
Director of Community and Compliance at DPIE, Sonya Errington said the system would enable early engagement with landholders and minimise the extent of any unlawful clearing.
“Satellites capture images of NSW frequently and we can now analyse these images more regularly, so we can observe vegetation change almost as it occurs,” Ms Errington said
“When change is detected we cross-check with other Departments to see if the clearing is covered by exemptions or approvals,” she said.
Ms Errington said that if there was any doubt DPIE could then contact the landholder.
“Sometimes our job is simple because the landholder is already working within the framework,” she said.
“However, if they are unaware of the laws our staff will guide them towards information and any approvals they may need.”
She said if the clearing had gone beyond the rules the Department could follow up with a fair and measured compliance response.
“Speaking to the landholder early on allows us to check they have all the information they require to work safely and sustainably, reducing delays and cost, while enhancing certainty for industry,” she said.
“Detecting unapproved clearing early helps us minimise impacts on sensitive environmental assets such as koala habitat,” Ms Errington said.
