SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)·Page 91·6.237

Peatland protection as material consideration

Active peatlands and degraded peatlands have significant value for biodiversity, water quality, and carbon capture that should be given substantial weight in planning decisions for renewable energy and other development.

Active peatland, for example, is of particular importance for its biodiversity, water, carbon capture and storage qualities which will be important material considerations which should be given significant weight. Degraded peatlands can also have natural heritage and potential carbon capture and storage value, and their protection and restoration potential can, therefore, also be a material consideration in the determination of planning applications on a case-by-case basis.

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