NSW native vegetation reforms on track
09 Nov 2004
WWF-Australia was encouraged today by NSW Minister for Natural Resources Craig Knowles' continued commitment to end broadscale land clearing in NSW.
The NSW government has launched the final public consultation process before the implementation of radical native vegetation reforms initially proposed by the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists.
The Wentworth Group highlighted the urgent need to end the clearing of native bush in NSW if we are to take significant steps to sustainably manage our landscapes.
The Government's continued commitment to implementing the Wentworth Group reforms will lead to healthy landscapes across the state, WWF-Australia's Director of Conservation - Advocacy, Glen Klatovsky said.
"The exhibition period for the new native vegetation plans provides excellent opportunities for the government to promote the benefits of the new system.
"Also, the people of NSW have the opportunity to put forward constructive input as the new system enters its final implementation phase.
"Putting an end to broadscale land clearing is the most crucial single action a government can take to fix our river systems, protect wildlife and manage salinity.
"More than 240 threatened species, some of Australia's 50,000 kilometres of damaged riverways* and 180,000 hectares of productive but currently salt affected farmland will benefit from the NSW Government's historic decision," Mr Klatovsky said.
