What Is This?
Animal breeding places include obvious structures such as bird nests and tree hollows, as well as more cryptic places such as amphibian or reptile habitat where breeding takes place. Animal breeding places that are being used by a native animal, or which are inactive but are of a species generally known to return to the same place to incubate or rear offspring in each breeding season for the animal, are required to be identified and managed when habitats are affected by development and other activities, in accordance with the Nature Conservation (Animals) Regulation 2020 (NCAR). Under the Regulation, works that are required to “tamper with” (i.e. damage, destroy, mark, move or dig up) a native animal breeding place in order to complete the scope of works must be undertaken in accordance with a Species Management Program (SMP) approved by the State Government, or a Damage Mitigation Permit authorising the tampering. Such works may include habitat clearing, individual tree felling or trimming, soil disturbance, dam dewatering, etc.
How We Address It
Animal Breeding Place assessment can be conducted and reported independently or is included as a component of an Ecological Assessment where one is undertaken.
For tampering with breeding places of native species listed as Least Concern under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, and which are not colonial breeders, a “low risk” SMP is required. The submission process for a low risk SMP is relatively simple via an online application form, and we will provide the advice required to make it easy.
For tampering with breeding places of native species recognised as colonial breeders, or listed as Threatened, Near Threatened or Special Least Concern under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, a “high risk” SMP is required. The submission process for a high risk SMP is more involved and requires preparation of a Breeding Place Survey Report and Impact Management Plan specific to the subject species.
Once approved, the SMP must be implemented during onsite works and you must a retain an animal breeding places register. Often significant components of the plan will be implemented by the Fauna Spotter present during onsite works.
