Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2019L00153:body:0:p30
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2019L00153
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 82379–85310

cavernarum, listed as extinct in Queensland, was recently rediscovered on Cape York (CSIRO 2012).

3.7      Buffer zones
A buffer zone is an area adjacent to a patch that is important for protecting the integrity of the ecological community. As the risk of damage to an ecological community is usually greater for actions close to a patch, the purpose of the buffer zone is to minimise this risk by guiding planners and land managers to be aware when the ecological community is nearby and take extra care around the edge of patches. The buffer zone helps protect the root zone of trees at the edge of the patch, and other components of the ecological community, from damage that may result from nearby activities.
The buffer zone is not part of the ecological community; so whilst having a buffer zone is strongly recommended, it is not formally protected as a Matter of National Environmental Significance. For EPBC Act approvals, changes in use of the land that falls within the buffer zone must not have a significant impact on the ecological community. If the use of an area (e.g. grazing land) that directly adjoins a patch of the ecological community is going to be intensified (e.g. fertilised) approval under the EPBC Act may be required. However exemptions may apply to activities classified as 'continuing use'. Further information on the referral and assessment process under the EPBC Act is available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/protection/environment-assessments.
The recommended minimum buffer zone is 100 m from the outer edge of a patch, unless a scientific justifiable alternative buffer can be identified. This typically accounts for the maximum height of the vegetation and likely influences on the root zone. A larger buffer zone needs to be applied to protect patches of very high conservation value, or if patches are downslope of drainage lines or a source of eutrophication. Buffer zones should be large enough to ensure that biodiversity, structural integrity and ecosystem functioning are not adversely affected within the Littoral Rainforest patch to which the buffer is being applied.

3.8      International obligations
Littoral Rainforest is not specifically listed under any international agreements. However, protection of the ecological community is consistent with Australia's international obligations under a number of agreements and conventions, namely:

      * protection of the ecological community is consistent with Australia's International obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity

      * Iluka Littoral Rainforests are included as the Coastal Group in the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area (WHA)

      * significant areas of Littoral Rainforest in the Wet Tropics fall within the Wet Tropics WHA

      * some stands of Littoral Rainforest on the Fraser Island and Cooloola sand masses within two kilometres of the coast may be included in