In a time where the vegetation management rules are quite complex and producers may be reluctant to clear, AgForce would like to draw members’ awareness to the Fast Track 5 (FT5) Development Application pathway that provides an alternative process to a full Development Application (DA).
The FT5 is designed to allow producers to manage thickening and threatening processes without having to go through a full DA and commenced on 16 November 2018. The FT5 Application process is for areas under 400Ha where no prior thinning/clearing has been performed. The process is meant to provide producers with a shorter turn-around timeframe to have their application assessed, however, the process is still intensive and only a few FT5s have been approved. The intention of the FT5 is to restore the floristic integrity of the ecosystem from threatening thickening processes. Tree stem counts are a key driver whether you will be approved or otherwise.
Please see the below table for a brief summary of differences between a FT5 and a full Development Application.
Fast Track Five (FT5) Application | Development Application (DA) |
• Costs approx. $900 • For areas less than 400 Ha where no prior clearing/thinning has been performed. • If answer ‘no’ to any criteria on the FT5 checklist will need to do a normal DA. |
