Accredited consultants

The role of Accredited Consultants is to prepare Data Reports for applications to clear native vegetation.

Data reports may be prepared for applications under:

• Section 28 of the Native Vegetation Act 1991
• the Risk Assessment pathway (Regulation 12) of the Native Vegetation Regulations 2017, including for:
  • major developments and projects under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016
  • mining and petroleum activities
  • works on behalf of Commissioner of Highways
  • a new dwelling or building
  • infrastructure
  • residential subdivision
  • recreation track
  • commercial vehicle access track exceeding 5 metres
  • new dam and expansion of dam (pastoral areas).

Accredited Consultants can also be engaged to undertake vegetation assessments to develop Significant Environmental Benefit (SEB) Management Plans.

Accredited Consultants are endorsed by the Native Vegetation Council.

The Native Vegetation Branch audits all data reports and undertakes site verifications where necessary.

List of Accredited Consultants

View a list of Accredited Consultants.

The next Accredited Consultant Training will be held in autumn 2025

If you are interested in becoming an Accredited Consultant and meet the criteria outlined below and in The Accredited Consultant Policy and Procedure (currently under consultation), please complete the Application Form and register via email to nvc@sa.gov.au. The NVC will be undertaking Accreditation Training in the near future. Timing is to be determined based on interest.

To be eligible for accreditation, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• A minimum of 7 years field experience post qualification;

• Have and be able to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of plant identification;
• Demonstrate high level skills in report writing when completing training and training exercises;
• Provide a current CV; and
• Agree to the conditions of accreditation as listed in this Procedure and Accredited Consultant Policy.

The Accredited Consultant Policy and Procedure

The Accredited Consultant Policy and Procedure is under consultation. The Branch is now seeking feedback on these documents from practicing Accredited Consultants. Please review the two documents and send any feedback directly related to their contents to nvc@sa.gov.au.

Tools for Accredited Consultants

• Pathways for clearance approvals
• Guide for applications to clear native vegetation under the Native Vegetation Act 1991 or the Native Vegetation Regulations 2017
• Vegetation assessment manuals (Scattered Tree, Bushland, Rangeland) and associated datasheets and scoresheets
• Significant Environmental Benefit (SEB) Policy and Guide
• Guideline for a Significant Environmental Benefit (SEB) for the Clearance of Scattered Trees
• Third Party or Credit Significant Environmental Benefit (SEB)
• DPTI Standard Operating Procedure
• Data Reports Template - clearance under the Native Vegetation Act 1991
• Data Reports Template - clearance under the Native Vegetation Regulations 2017
• Data Reports Template - Level 1 Clearance under the Native Vegetation Regulations 2017

Engaging an Accredited Consultant

If you need a Data Report for an application to clear native vegetation for any of the activities listed above, you must engage an Accredited Consultant.

The Accredited Consultant will prepare your application and send it to the Native Vegetation Council. The consultant will apply the Native Vegetation Council's policies to prepare the Data Report.

Applications submitted under the Native Vegetation Act 1991 or Native Vegetation Regulations 2017 will be made public and be subject to 28 days of consultation.

If you are not sure when you need to engage an Accredited Consultant:

• use our Interactive Guide to Native Vegetation Queries
• visit our clearing page to determine which activities require an Accredited Consultant Data Report
• check with the department’s Native Vegetation Branch, especially for minor clearances, on (+61 8) 8303 9777 or nvc@sa.gov.au.

Trained Arborists - Regulation 8(6) Safety

If clearance is proposed to manage vegetation that poses an unacceptable risk to the safety of persons and property, a Native Vegetation Trained Arborist should be engaged to conduct an assessment. A Tree Risk Assessment Report (Template found here) is required to be submitted in accordance with Regulation 8(6) - safety of persons or property.

View a list of Native Vegetation Trained Arborists.