The situation
A cattle producer in central Queensland needs to repair a small machinery shed that was damaged during a storm. The shed is located within the existing agricultural footprint.
The storm also damaged nearby trees. Some of these are unstable and pose a safety risk, therefore they need to be removed. Occasional removal of individual trees will be required, where these present a danger due to storm damage or instability
The trees do contain hollows but to ensure safety will need to be removed.
Proposed activity
The cattle producer will:
- repair the existing shed without changing its size, location or use
- remove only the storm-damaged trees that pose a safety risk
- carry out all work within the already disturbed area, without clearing any additional native vegetation.
Key considerations
- The activity is routine repair and maintenance, not a development or expansion.
- No new buildings, access roads or hardstand areas are proposed as part of this work.
- All works occur within an existing disturbed area and do not expand the agricultural footprint.
- The works do not result in land use change, altered hydrology or habitat loss.
- Any required approvals are managed through state and local government planning processes.
Outcome
EPBC Act self-assessment or referral is not required.
The activities are limited to routine maintenance within an existing disturbed area and do not involve new clearing, land use change or impacts on Matters of National Environmental Significance. Because the work does not expand the footprint or create new environmental risks, it fits within recognised examples of routine farm activities.