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PDF files

• Extent and distribution of native vegetation (PDF - 24 KB)
• Appendix A: Definitions of 'native vegetation' by jurisdiction, and Appendix B: Contacts (PDF - 94 KB)

About this document

The integrity of native vegetation communities comprises both the extent and distribution of vegetation communities and their quality, or condition, for designated purposes such as the provision of habitat. The matters for target for Native Vegetation Communities' Integrity are set out under two indicator headings:

• native vegetation extent and distribution; and
• native vegetation condition.

The standards and targets framework identifies Native Vegetation Communities' Integrity as a matter for which regional groups will develop and monitor targets under the Natural Heritage Trust Extension and the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality (NAP). This matter for target relates primarily to the following national outcome: biodiversity and the extent, diversity and condition of native ecosystems are maintained or rehabilitated.

For the extent and distribution of native vegetation, three indicators are provided, to build a satisfactory information base for regional native vegetation targets and to try to achieve national outcomes for native vegetation:

• the extent of present native vegetation by IBRA subregion measured in hectares;
• the extent of each priority native vegetation type by IBRA subregion measured in hectares; and
• the proportion of each vegetation type by IBRA subregion that remains measured as a percentage of its estimated extent pre-1750.

For these indicators 'priority vegetation types' are those vegetation type identified by the region as priorities for target setting. Ideally they should be derived from comprehensive information on the extent and distribution of all vegetation types. It is recognised that the availability of information differs between regions and that this will determine the setting of priority vegetation types through a range of means. The term 'estimated extent pre-1750' has been agreed to by the Executive Steering Committee for Australian Vegetation Information (ESCAVI) to encompass the range of different terms and definitions used by different jurisdictions (eg. pre-European, pre-intensification, pre-disturbance).

The purpose of these three separate but related indicators is to ensure a level of consistency in native vegetation target setting across Australia. The indicators are proposed to:

• measure progress towards the agreed national outcomes on a medium and long-term basis;
• provide a framework to monitor changes in resource condition and management practice;
• to be selected according to the principles of cost, simplicity, consistency and practicality;
• operate through a range of spatial and temporal scales - the ideal set would encompass long-term (changes to the natural resource base), intermediate (changes in land management practices) and short-term (increased awareness of NRM programs) outcomes; and
• provide for a core dataset to be used by regions to monitor progress in achievements against regional native vegetation targets and associated management actions.

These indicators should be applied in any NRM region which identifies the need for native vegetation target setting in their regional plans. It is recommended that all NRM regions should be monitoring native vegetation extent in accordance with the first indicator, regardless of whether or not they have identified priority vegetation types for target setting (the subject of the other two indicators).