17Environmental planting

17 Environmental planting

(1) A planting of one or more species in an activity area or sub-area is an environmental planting if it satisfies the following: (a) the species are native to the local area; (b) the species are appropriate to the biophysical characteristics of the activity area or sub-area; (c) the planting: (i) introduces an appropriate combination of species from the canopy layer, mid-storey layer and ground layer that collectively are capable of achieving forest cover within 25 years after the initial planting; and (ii) is likely to result in a structure and composition of a forest that is consistent with the reference ecosystem for the activity area or sub-area; (d) the planting is carried out through direct seeding, broadcast seeding, the establishment of a tube stock or a combination of these methods; (e) the planting is consistent with the nominated restoration targets for the ecosystem condition of the activity area. (2) If the project proponent considers that it would be beneficial to plant at intervals during the life of the replanting project in order to achieve the project outcome, such plantings (staggered plantings) may be undertaken. (3) If an event occurs (whether by a natural disturbance or as a result of conduct by the project proponent or another person) that either reduces the likelihood of the project outcome being met, or involves a reversal of the project outcome, the project proponent may undertake such additional planting as the project proponent considers necessary in order to respond to the event or to achieve the biodiversity outcome (remedial plantings).