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  • Native vegetation in NSW
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• Reports
• Introduction
• NSW Woody Vegetation Change 2004 – 2006 (pdf)
• NSW Native Vegetation Report Card for 1 January 2006 to 30 June 2006 (pdf)

Home > Vegetation > Leading the way with native vegetation reform

Native vegetation in NSW

Leading the way with native vegetation reform

Widespread clearing of native vegetation has had a significant impact on the environment across many parts of NSW. In particular, over-clearing has impacted on salinity, soil erosion, changes to the water table, and loss of habitats for plants and animals.

Land degradation has put increasing pressure on the productive capability of our landscapes, costing Australian farmers as much as $2 billion a year in lost agricultural production. By contrast, healthy catchments, rivers and farmland can increase farm profitability by as much as $1 billion a year.

The Native Vegetation Act 2003 is bringing an end to broadscale land clearing in NSW, unless the overall effect is to improve or maintain the environment. Under the new rules, landholders may only clear native vegetation provided they have reached an agreement with their local Catchment Management Authority (CMA) on suitable offsets.

Clearing of regrowth younger than 1 January 1990 (or 1983 in the Western Division) can now take place without approval. In addition, a wide range of routine agricultural management activities (such as weed and feral animal control) can continue without approval. Invasive native scrub (woody weeds) can also be managed to restore agricultural value and prevent land degradation under an agreed code of practice.

DNR has developed a world-leading, farmer-friendly and negotiable land management system - Property Vegetation Plans (PVPs). These plans are administered by CMAs and run for 15 years, giving farmers the security they need to plan and invest for the future. Assisting in the preparation of these plans is an analytical software package, the PVP Developer. This software is continuing to be updated as the latest science and local knowledge become available. The reforms also come with significant financial support, with CMAs delivering more than $120 million to landholders for on-ground works to improve vegetation management.

DNR plays an important role in this process by providing scientific research, policy advice, natural resource data and modelling, technical information, and expert advisory services to the CMAs. This enables the CMAs to make informed decisions on clearing consents and native vegetation protection and management, through world-class science and on-the-ground, local expertise.

More about native vegetation