Native Vegetation Act: Environmental groups condemn change

Environmental groups have condemned the review of the state's biodiversity legislation for neutering the office of environment.

Local bodies composed mainly of farmers and planning bureaucrats would be given new powers to manage vegetation clearing in a controversial proposed overhaul of NSW environment laws.

A host of environmental groups, including World Wildlife Fund and the National Parks Association, condemned the review of the state's biodiversity legislation for neutering the office of environment and say it will lead to wide-scale land clearing and loss of species.

The review, led by former productivity commissioner Dr Neil Byron and released on Thursday, recommends repealing the Native Vegetation Act and two other laws in favour of a single piece of legislation governing the protection of native species, national parks and wildlife.

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The NSW Farmers Association welcomed the proposal but said it would be watching how much of it was adopted by the government.

"If you're going to repeal three acts and have one you would think there's scope to reduce red tape," said Mitchell Clapham, chairman of the organisation's conservation and resource management committee.

Under the plan, regulations for managing and enforcing regular vegetation clearing would be overseen by the planning department and "local land services", local regulatory bodies composed mostly of farmers.Any changes would require the consent of the environment minister.

Development of previously uncleared land would be managed like a regular development proposal by the planning department and local councils.

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Native Vegetation Act: Environmental groups condemn change