Clearing of native vegetation on pastoral land

You must have consent to clear native vegetation on pastoral land in the Northern Territory (NT).

Applications for pastoral land clearing (PLC) are determined by the Pastoral Land Board under the Pastoral Land Act 1992.

Before you apply

Before you apply, you must read the:

• NT PLC guidelines PDF (269.9 KB)
• NT planning scheme land clearing guidelines PDF (3.3 MB) (if you submit a standard application).

You must also calculate your estimated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. If it exceeds 500,000 tCO2e, you must have a greenhouse gas abatement plan as part of your application.

How to calculate your estimated GHG emissions

Use the carbon emissions estimate calculator tool on the NR Maps website.

The tool allows you to:

• view relevant spatial data on a map, for example:
  • property boundaries
  • infrastructure (for example roads)
  • land systems and drainage lines
  • satellite imagery
• import spatial data files for a proposed clearing area
• use drawing tools to draw or modify the clearing footprint.

Emissions estimates are calculated in real time, so you can see how modifying the clearing footprint may influence emissions.

Generate a carbon emissions estimate report, which you must attach to your application.

Types of applications

There are different types of PLC applications. Each application type is based on the level of environmental complexity. It also takes into account the:

• size of the proposed clearing and
• technical criteria the application must meet.

Before you apply, you should contact the Vegetation Assessment Unit (VAU) who can assist you.

*Timeframes don't apply to applications referred under the Environment Protection Act 2019.

If you need to submit a simplified application, you should read the simplified PLC applications policy.

Simplified PLC applications policy PDF (355.0 KB)
Simplified PLC applications policy DOCX (693.5 KB)

While there is currently no size restriction for a standard application, if your proposal exceeds 5,000 hectares, it will be referred to the NT Environment Protection Authority.

Existing permits

If you need to vary an existing permit or extend the clearing period, fill in the relevant form below.

Vary an existing permit

Fill in the application to vary a PLC permit DOCX (786.2 KB).

Extend clearing period

Fill in the application to extend the clearing period of a PLC permit DOCX (763.1 KB).

Other applications

If your application is for non-pastoral use (NPU) or an irrigated land use, you must also apply for:

• an NPU
• a water extraction licence (WEL).

If your proposal requires a number of different environmental approvals, read the timeframes for WEL, PLC and NPU flowchart PDF (3.3 MB).

You can also contact the Development Coordination Branch.

How to apply

To apply for a permit, follow these steps:

Step 1. Discuss your proposal with the VAU.

Step 2. Prepare a land type map - this will require a field survey.

Step 3. Prepare a land capability assessment or a land suitability assessment.

Step 4. Prepare the proposed clearing plan and spatial data.

Step 5. Fill in the relevant application.

Step 6. Fill in the lessee authorisation form DOCX (758.0 KB).

Step 7. Prepare any other supporting information.

Step 8. Submit your application, attachments and spatial data through the Development Applications Online website.

Step 9. Pay the fee and forward confirmation of payment to the VAU.

More information

Read more about soil, land and vegetation mapping or go to the NR Maps website.

Contact

For more information, contact the VAU by calling 08 8999 4454 or emailing pastoralassessment.depws@nt.gov.au.