The NSW Government has released its proposed Biodiversity Conservation Reform Package (Package) including drafts of the Biodiversity Conservation Bill (BC Bill), the Local Land Services Amendment Bill (LLS Bill) and other policies which will form the legislative framework for biodiversity conservation and native vegetation management in NSW. The Package is significant because of the proposed replacement of long-standing pieces of environmental legislation and substantial overhaul of biodiversity law in NSW.
In December 2014, the NSW Independent Biodiversity Legislation Review Panel released its final report on biodiversity and conservation legislation which made a number of recommendations which have largely been adopted in the Package.
The Package includes:
- the BC Bill which proposes to repeal the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and the animal and plant provisions of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974;
- a new framework under the LLS Bill for landholders to manage land with native vegetation which proposes to repeal the Native Vegetation Act 2003 and amend the Local Land Services Act 2013 in relation to native vegetation land management in rural areas.
The NSW Government have invited comments on the Package until the 28 June 2016. Further information can be found on the NSW Government's 'Have Your Say' website
We will also be preparing a more detailed explanation of the proposed changes and the effect of the Package.
This publication does not deal with every important topic or change in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you have found this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances please contact one of the named individuals listed.
