ARTICLE · 17 JUNE 2014

Industry to benefit from changes to native vegetation clearing rules

Sparke Helmore Lawyers

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Proposed changes to the Native Vegetation Act 2003 (NSW) will generally soften penalties and liberalise restrictions.

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Proposed changes to the Native Vegetation Act 2003 (NSW) (the Act) will generally soften penalties and liberalise restrictions on broadscale clearing. If passed, the Native Vegetation Amendment Bill 2014 (NSW) (Amendment Bill) will also bring economic and social considerations onto equal footing with environmental considerations, in the assessment of whether broadscale clearing is allowed.

This softening of restrictions will make it easier for developers to carry out their operations. The mining industry will also benefit from the Act's increased emphasis on the economic betterment of the State.

Some of the key proposed changes are highlighted below.

Changes to the objects of the Act

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