Self- assessable Draft Codes for native vegetation

Native vegetation clearing rules have changed, placing more trust in the hands of landholders to sustainably manage their land.

Following a review of native ­vegetation legislation in NSW, the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage has released three self-assessable draft codes for public comment.

Landholders wishing to thin native vegetation, clear paddock trees in cultivated areas or manage invasive native species will be able to assess their own activities using the draft codes rather than having to go through formal clearing approvals processes.

North Coast Local Land Services recently trialled the self-assessable codes in the field with local landholders.

The trials were held at two sites on the North Coast and attended by representatives of the dairy, grazing, horticulture, forestry and sugar industries, Landcare, Soilcare and Local Government.

Team Leader for North Coast Local Land Services Peter Boyd, said: “The trials looked at different scenarios facing landholders using the draft thinning or clearing of paddock trees codes.

“All participants stepped through the new guidelines together and identified opportunities for improvement.”

North Coast Local Land Services will forward feedback from the day to the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage for consideration.

All landholders and interested members of the community are encouraged to review the draft codes and have their say.

Copies of the codes and further information can be found at www.environment.nsw.gov.au/vegetation/ or your local North Coast Local Land Services office.

The codes are open for comment until May 26, 2014.