Member for Barwon, Kevin Humphries has welcomed the release of three self-assessable native vegetation codes which place trust in landholders to manage their land sustainably and protect the environment.
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Mr Humphries said the NSW Government was continuing to reform native vegetation management and these codes were an important interim step in that process.
"These codes will make life easier for farmers while maintaining environmental protections, cutting red tape and allowing landholders to get on with managing their farms without the need to wait for government assessment and approval," Mr Humphries said.
"The NSW Government is committed to delivering a sensible set of changes that strike the right balance between conservation and efficient agricultural management.
"These codes will deliver improved outcomes for landholders in the short term while the Government continues to move towards substantial long-term reform through its review of the biodiversity legislation."
The three new self-assessable codes, which have been tested on the ground with rural landholders,are:
o Invasive native scrub - this code relates to native plants that have regenerated thickly or invaded vegetation communities where they did not previously occur. The code allows for management of these species by clearing of dense infestations, including by using heavy earthmoving equipment. The goal is to create a 'mosaic' of native vegetation and allow the regeneration of a range of native plants, including native pastures.
o Isolated paddock trees in cropped areas - this code allows a paddock tree (or a group of three paddock trees) in a cropped area that is smaller than 80 centimetres in diameter and further than 50 metres away from another tree to be removed without any approval being required.
o Thinning of native vegetation - this code allows for the removal of trees and shrubs of thick native vegetation. A number of trees and shrubs are protected as part of the process. Thinning may also encourage native pasture and allow for stock to be grazed.
"Online tools are available to help landholders determine if, and how, they can use the codes on their properties,'' Mr Humphries said.
If landholders are in any doubt about the codes' operation and native vegetation management then LLS staff will be there to help," Mr Humphries said.
All landholders will need to provide 14 days' notification to the department before clearing is carried out.
The codes, report on submissions and submissions are available on the OEH website at http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/vegetation/.
