Government releases native veg codes

The three codes, which cover managing invasive native species, thinning of native vegetation and clearing of isolated paddock trees, are now on public display.

However, NSW Farmers has rejected the NSW government’s claim the new codes would deliver anything substantial and meaningful for the State’s farmers.

Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner and Environment Minister Robyn Parker's announcement follows the release of the State government's biodiversity offsets policy last week, which will provide revenue streams to farmers who wish to manage parts of their property for environmental outcomes.

NSW Farmers President Fiona Simson said although there may be some instances where the codes will help, most farmers will find them frustrating, unworkable and difficult to understand.

“These codes just simply cannot work given the Native Vegetation Act is a completely broken piece of legislation,” she said.

“It is clear to us that the Coalition Government came to power without a plan on native vegetation reform despite all its promises to sort the issue out.

“Despite being involved in the consultation on the codes, we are bitterly disappointed that our feedback has been ignored.”

NSW Farmers’ native vegetation spokesman and farmer from Walgett, Cameron Rowntree, is equally unimpressed.

“Thinning out native vegetation to reduce dominant species and remove invasive species should simply be allowed and not regulated in a code. Once again - the government has overcomplicated it,” he said.

“Farmers are being treated like mugs in their management of native vegetation. This needs to stop. Our productivity is being absolutely crushed as a result of these impractical rules.”

Both Mr Rowntree and Ms Simson agree that urgent action needs to be taken to address the failings of the Native Vegetation Act.

The codes on exhibition are:

- Managing invasive native species (INS) - this code relates to native plants that have regenerated thickly or invaded vegetation communities where they did not previously occur.

They can reduce habitat for native animals, cause soil erosion and reduce native pastures for stock.

The draft code allows for management of these species by clearing of dense infestations of INS.

The goal is to create a ‘mosaic’ of native vegetation and allow the regeneration of a range of native plants.

- Thinning of native vegetation - this code allows for the removal of some smaller trees and shrubs to maintain the structure of thickened native vegetation.

A number of smaller trees and shrubs are protected as part of the process.

Bigger trees are always protected. Thinning may also encourage native pasture and allow for stock to be

grazed.

- Clearing of isolated paddock trees in cultivated areas allows the removal of some paddock trees to allow for more efficient agricultural production.

Rare species of trees and those containing homes for important threatened animals cannot be cleared.

The draft code requires the loss of paddock trees to be balanced by ‘setting aside’ some existing areas of native vegetation or allowing natural regeneration to occur.

Mr Stoner said the codes were the next step in the NSW government’s reform of native vegetation management.

“The introduction of these three codes will help ensure we strike the balance between conservation and efficient agricultural management,” Mr Stoner said.

Ms Parker said the NSW Government had already made major changes to lift the regulatory burden on farmers while maintaining environmental protection.

“Last year the new Native Vegetation Regulation allowed for more clearing exemptions and rationalised the rules around clearing for dwellings, fences and sheds and the clearing of planted native vegetation," she said.

“In addition, we’ve made the common sense decision to declare yellow mimosa a feral native species so it can be cleared without onerous approvals and we’ve improved landholder’s ability to protect their properties from bushfire.

“The codes have already been subject to testing and consultation but we are seeking input from everyone to ensure they are workable and deliver real change on the ground.

“The codes will be supported by an ongoing education and support by the Office of Environment and Heritage, while Local Land Services will continue to provide advice and assistance with native vegetation management.”

Minister for Western NSW Kevin Humphries and former soil conservationist and Nationals MLC Rick Colless welcomed the release of the codes.

Mr Humphries said the codes are on exhibition until May 26 and he encourages everyone to read the material and make a submission.

“The NSW Government’s native vegetation reform agenda is continuing with additional self-assessable codes to be exhibited later this year,” Mr Humphries said.

“Each code provides practical instructions on what vegetation can and cannot be cleared, how much clearing is permitted and under what circumstances.

“If the proposed clearing is consistent with the relevant code, it removes the need to apply for approval in the form of a Property Vegetation Plan.”

Mr Colless said the codes remove unnecessary regulatory burden for landholders.

“If a proposed clearing activity is consistent with conditions outlined in an order, then no approval will be required,” Mr Colless said.

“This represents real savings in processing time, allowing landholders to get on with managing their farms sustainably without the need to wait for government assessment and approval.”

The codes are on exhibition until May 26 at www.environment.nsw.gov.au/vegetation/.