Assessing land clearing using satellite technology
Comprehensive annual analysis, combined with near real-time analysis, enables the government to monitor changes in vegetation cover across Queensland. A consistent scientific method is used to identify vegetation change through the Statewide Landcover and Trees Study (SLATS) and the Early Detection System (EDS).
Instances of vegetation clearing are analysed to identify the small percentage of events that are non-compliant with Queensland’s vegetation management framework. While most clearing in Queensland falls within statutory exemptions, some clearing requires further investigation.
Find out whether your proposed clearing activity is exempt or requires a permit or notification.
Statewide Landcover and Trees Study
Each year, the government identifies changes in vegetation across Queensland through the SLATS.
The SLATS program maps areas of clearing as small as a residential house block. SLATS reports and spatial data are available in a variety of formats.
Early Detection System
The Early Detection System (EDS) analyses satellite imagery on a regular basis to detect recent changes in regulated vegetation across the state.
EDS information is then cross-referenced with data about exemptions, current notifications and clearing approvals to help identify unexplained clearing of native vegetation.
Rapidly detecting recent changes in native vegetation enables a proactive response and early engagement with landholders.
Timely response to potentially unlawful clearing events, and providing landholders with information around their vegetation management requirements, reduces further clearing activities and impacts to native vegetation.
Read more about our monitoring and compliance activities for vegetation clearing.