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 has surged by 16% in 2024, with vegetation removal across the state reaching 81,293 hectares. This marks an area more than 275 times the size of Sydney's central business district. The increase is largely driven by a significant 70% rise in the clearing of non-woody vegetation compared to the previous year.

Government data reveals that an area equivalent to almost 90 rugby league fields of woody habitat was bulldozed daily in New South Wales during 2024. Conservation groups argue that the Minns government is not adequately addressing the issue, stating that the state has failed to curb high rates of land clearing. They express concern that the decline in clearing of trees and shrubs has been offset by the sharp jump in clearing of other vegetation types, indicating a persistent problem with habitat loss.

The figures highlight ongoing environmental challenges in the region, with critics suggesting that current policies are insufficient to protect natural habitats. The data underscores the scale of vegetation removal and raises questions about the effectiveness of government measures to control land clearing.