NSW land-clearing up 16% in 2024 as conservation groups say Minns government failing to rein in habitat loss
Land clearing in New South Wales increased by 16% in 2024, with over 81,000 hectares of vegetation removed. Conservation groups are criticizing the Minns government for failing to meet its commitments to reduce habitat loss.
Why it matters
Increased land clearing has direct implications for biodiversity, habitat preservation, and climate change mitigation efforts.
Land clearing at Yarrowitch in the NSW northern tablelands in 2024. More than 80% of the land cleared in 2024 was for agriculture, while the remainder was for infrastructure and native forestry. Photograph: Australian Conservation Foundation Land clearing at Yarrowitch in the NSW northern tablelands in 2024. More than 80% of the land cleared in 2024 was for agriculture, while the remainder was for infrastructure and native forestry. Photograph: Australian Conservation Foundation New South Wales NSW land-clearing up 16% in 2024 as conservation groups say Minns government failing to rein in habitat loss Decline in clearing of trees and shrubs offset by sharp jump in clearing of non-woody vegetation
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