Duty of Care

Every landowner in the Litchfield Shire has a duty of care to maintain and preserve our native vegetation wherever possible and practical.

Many areas are not suitable for clearing and development. These include

• areas subject to prolonged periods of water logging and seasonal inundation,
  
• areas adjacent to waterways
  
• land with excessive slope

To ensure that you do not adversely impact on the environment or degrade your property, you should seek advice from:

Natural Resource Division
Department of Lands, Planning and Environment
Goyder Building
Palmerston
Ph: (08) 8999 3678

Land Clearing Approval (Landholders)

Under the Litchfield Area Plan 1992 landowners are permitted to clear up to 50% of their land without a planning permit. For additional clearing in excess of the first 50% approval must be obtained from the Development Consent Authority.

Clearing in excess of your land without a permit can incur penalties of up to $20 000 for individuals and $100 000 for corporations.

Land Clearing Approval (Pastoral Lease Landholders)

On pastoral leases, landholders must get a permit to clear land from the pastoral lands board (8999-4667), unless clearing for infrastructure.

Further Information and Advice:

If you have any queries about the appropriate areas fro clearing, your legal obligations or your proposed developments, please contact:

Department of Lands, Planning and Environment
38 Cavenagh Street
Darwin City 0800
Postal address:
GPO Box 1680
Darwin NT 0801
Phone: (08) 8999 6807