Landholders across the state will have greater certainty about how native vegetation rules in NSW apply to their properties, with the NSW Government publishing the Native Vegetation Regulatory (NVR) map today, Monday 31 August.
The map, published under the Local Land Services Act 2013, marks the end of the transitional mapping period and provides a single, authoritative view of where native vegetation rules apply across rural NSW.
The publication of the map allows the NSW Government to replace temporary arrangements that have been in place since 2017 with a clearer and more transparent system.
Importantly, the NVR map does not create new restrictions on landholders' ability to manage their land. Instead, it provides a clear, up-to-date map showing where existing native vegetation management rules apply and what management pathways are available.
Many landholders currently undertake self-assessable clearing activities on Category 2 Regulated Land using a transitional arrangement that does not require Local Land Services (LLS) to be notified.
Under the new arrangements, landholders will still be able to undertake eligible self-assessable clearing activities. The only notable change is that they will be required to notify LLS at least 14 days before clearing begins, improving reporting of where clearing activities are occurring across NSW.
Now that the map has been published, these notification requirements can take effect, providing greater transparency and making it easier to distinguish lawful clearing from potentially unlawful clearing.
Landholders can view the land categories online or through the Check My Land NSW app to better understand management options available on their property.
The NVR map will apply across rural NSW, except in the Bland Shire Council and Temora Shire Council areas, where existing mapping arrangements will remain in place while the NSW Threatened Species Scientific Committee completes a specific independent review.
This approach honours commitments made to local landholders while the review is undertaken.
