DLPE’s first Vegetation Compliance Plan released

Published 31 July 2026

DLPE has released its first Vegetation Compliance Plan. The plan outlines the priorities of the newly formed Vegetation Compliance Unit (the unit), which has been established to support compliance with the requirements of the Planning Act 1999 in relation to works associated with the clearing of native vegetation on unzoned land.

The plan sets out 2 key priorities for 2026-2027, being:

• the investigation of formal complaints lodged under the Planning Act 1999
• conducting audits of permits for land clearing.

The auditing of land clearing permits will improve the data currently held by DLPE on the extent of native vegetation cleared across the NT. Currently, permits issued for clearing are assumed to have had the works completed and informs the data recorded on the NT’s land clearing extent. By confirming the extent of works completed across the land clearing permits issued, we can verify the accuracy of the data. Further, this audit will identify if there are issues with completing works approved in permits and allow for a review of policy and processes in response to these findings.

Industry support and engagement

The plan provides information for the public and transparency for industry on where compliance efforts will be focused in relation to the clearing of native vegetation on unzoned land, regulated under the Planning Act 1999. Given this is the first Vegetation Compliance Plan released by DLPE, this plan is subject to review and the program may extend and broaden in the future. Further details on the plan can be found on the NT Government website.

The unit established to undertake this work, comprises a Principal Compliance and Regulation Officer and a Remote Sensing Analyst. It is well placed to support industry in understanding their obligations in relation to land clearing and works closely with the Vegetation Assessment Unit who process land clearing applications.

To get in touch with the unit, please call 08 8999 3612 or email landclearingcompliance.dlpe@nt.gov.au.