The Planning Services Section administers some sections of Environmental Issues under the control Council's Environmental Officers. In particular the creation of information brochures, as listed below.

Local Law No. 56 - Vegetation Management

A copy of the Policy relating to the removal of vegetation within the Douglas Shire. No clearing of land is allowed without a Permit to Damage Protected Vegetation.

Eco Access

some properties that are intending to clear native vegetation many have rare and threatened species on them that require approval from the Environmental Protection Agency through an Eco Access Wildlife Clearing Permit. A copy of the application form can be obtained at http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/ecoaccess/ These forms have recently been updated and the link provided was amended on 2nd March 2006.

An information sheet is available for assistance and cen be downloaded by clicking the link at the bottom of the page titled Eco Access Info Sheet.

Ecoaccess benefits include:

• Consistent, high quality advice;
• Timely and transparent decision-making; and
• Streamlined access to information across the EPA.

Integrated Planning Act
If the activity includes development assessable under the Integrated Planning Act 1997, for example construction in a coastal management district, an environmentally relevant activity or development of a privately owned heritage-registered place, an approval will be required. An application for a development permit must be made under the Integrated Planning Act 1997.