Pictures: https://dams.wwf.org.au/resourcespace/?c=6245&k=7967f891a8
New figures reveal 66,498 hectares were cleared in New South Wales in 2023, a disturbing increase of nearly 50% on the previous year.
The NSW Government's just-released Statewide Landcover and Trees Study (SLATS) shows 478,750 hectares were cleared from 2018 to 2023.
That's an area more than twice the size of the ACT. It equates to 132 SCG playing fields cleared every day over the past six years.
Of the 66,498 hectares cleared in 2023, 32,847 hectares was woody vegetation (trees and shrubs) and 33,651 hectares was non-woody vegetation (grasslands, ferns, and ground cover).
"The NSW government committed to ending excessive land clearing at the last state election and needs to turn that promise into action," said Dr Stuart Blanch, WWF-Australia's forest policy manager.
"Koalas, greater gliders and many other species face the threat of extinction largely because land clearing destroys their homes and food. Such a huge jump in clearing is the worst news possible for our precious native wildlife.
"Our nature crisis calls for state and federal collaboration. It's time for the Federal Government to finally deliver EPBC reform.
"The NSW Government needs to strengthen native vegetation laws to reduce clearing rates. Separately they must create more national parks, starting with the Great Koala National Park.
"Improved state laws would also support producers in accessing the growing market for deforestation-free commodities.
"Most clearing of woody vegetation was 'un-allocated', meaning it was likely exempt from any requirement for an assessment by an ecologist to see if the clearing would kill threatened species.
"Current rules allow landholders to clear vegetation they self-assess to be Invasive Native Species. A more scientific approach is required to ensure areas of ecological value are retained," he said.
