The NSW Government has published the latest annual data on land clearing in NSW, showing a 16 per cent annual increase in vegetation clearing across the state between 2023 and 2024.
These statistics come from the Statewide Landcover and Tree Study (SLATS), which is the NSW Government’s annual vegetation monitoring program and has now been running for 20 years.
There are different categories of land clearing in NSW. This year’s data shows that most authorised clearing under the Local Land Services Act was for invasive native species management, accounting for 45 per cent of authorisations.
However, unallocated land clearing remains significantly high and in 2024 accounted for 60 per cent of all clearing.
The clearing of native woody vegetation in 2024 was 19 per cent below the 2018-2024 average, however non woody clearing was 13 per cent above the 2018-2024 average.
Woody vegetation includes mostly native trees, shrubs, woody vines, forests, woodlands and paddock trees. Non-woody vegetation is a mixture of native and non-native species and includes understorey plants, groundcover plants, grasses and herbs.
The SLATS dashboard allows users to explore vegetation clearing trends over time across administrative boundaries, bioregions, land management categories and other data filters.
For the first time, it includes a pilot analysis of woody vegetation regrowth in three areas, Brewarrina, Bathurst and Dubbo.
This early pilot is a step towards building a more complete picture of vegetation change in NSW.
The results highlight the ongoing need to conserve and restore native vegetation. To address this, the NSW Government is progressing reforms under the NSW Plan for Nature, including strengthening biodiversity laws, expanding conservation programs and supporting private land conservation.
The NSW Government has commissioned the Natural Resources Commission to provide advice on options to better protect and manage native vegetation in rural areas. This advice will help shape reforms.
The NSW Government is continuing to work closely with environment, industry, community and First Nations stakeholders to design and implement these reforms to deliver enduring benefits for nature and people across NSW.
