Koala habitat protection State Environmental Planning Policy

A State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) is a legal instrument that affects how land is developed and how natural resources are used, managed and conserved across NSW. 

The Koala Habitat Protection SEPP has been under review for several years. 

Its goal is to encourage the conservation and management of natural vegetation that provide habitat for koalas. 

In March 2022 the Koala SEPP 2021 and Koala SEPP 2020 were consolidated under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021 

The main principles of the recent updates are to:

  • Help reverse the decline of koala populations by ensuring koala habitat is properly considered during the development assessment process.
  • Provide a process for councils to strategically manage koala habitat through the development of koala plans of management.

Native habitat clearing requirements in NSW are determined by the property zoning and location. 

Byron Shire is managed under the North Coast koala management area. 

For more information visit Koala Habitat Protection SEPP