Local planning policies play an important role in the local government setting clear expectations for applicants preparing planning proposals as well as the community in relation to planning processes that will apply and planning outcomes that will be considered acceptable.

The decision to amend POL-LP-1.15 - Kangaroo Management follows a resolution of Council made at the meeting on May 8, 2024:

That the CEO review Local Planning Policy - Kangaroo Management POL-LP-1.15 to also include other native fauna, through the inclusion of a definition of ‘native fauna’ that refers to “total vertebrate and invertebrate fauna taxa (genera, species and subspecies) diversity.”

• Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
• Biodiversity and Conservation Act 2016

The term Kangaroo is being replaced with Native Fauna.

There are also some minor grammatical changes.

The draft policy intends to use the same definition of native fauna found in the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, summarised below:

A species:

a) That is indigenous to Australia

b) That is indigenous to the seabed of the coastal sea of Australia

c) That is indigenous to the continental shelf

d) That is indigenous to the exclusive economic zone

e) Which periodically visit Australia

f) That was present before 1400.

If the draft policy is approved, the City will use it to assess planning applications and referrals.

Importantly, the planning framework already provides for the preparation and implementation of fauna management plans (refer to Council report).

The draft policy intends to provide greater consistency and transparency as to when these requirements are applied.

You can also view the Draft Policy at:

• Midland Administration Centre