The New South Wales (NSW) Government’s response to the Henry Review of biodiversity laws has been hailed as a pivotal moment for nature conservation in the state. According to the Environmental Defenders Office (EDO), these reforms promise significant improvements in the management of NSW’s species and landscapes, marking a critical step towards halting biodiversity declines.
Rachel Walmsley, Head of Policy & Law Reform at EDO, expressed optimism about the proposed reforms, emphasizing their potential to strengthen environmental protections and address systemic issues such as the flawed offsets system and excessive land clearing. She urged swift implementation of these changes, citing the urgency in safeguarding species on the brink of extinction.
“While today’s response outlines promising reforms, their actual impact hinges on detailed implementation strategies in the months and years ahead,” noted Ms. Walmsley. EDO stands prepared to collaborate with the government and stakeholders to ensure these reforms translate into tangible benefits for communities and biodiversity.
Key elements of the NSW Government’s reform package include:
NSW Nature Strategy: Introducing a new strategy to set conservation and restoration goals.
Climate and Cumulative Impacts: Incorporating climate and cumulative impacts into development assessment processes.
First Nations Engagement: Mandating engagement with First Nations peoples on decisions affecting Country.
Private Land Conservation: Strengthening the Biodiversity Conservation Trust’s programs to protect high biodiversity value sites on private lands.
Monitoring and Reporting: Establishing Natural Capital accounts to monitor trends against conservation targets.
However, Ms. Walmsley highlighted remaining concerns, particularly regarding high rates of land clearing and the effectiveness of the biodiversity offsets system. She emphasized the need for robust measures to regulate land clearing and ensure accountability in reporting activities.
The NSW Government’s response to the Henry Review represents a significant shift towards comprehensive biodiversity management. While the reforms are a positive step, addressing unresolved issues and ensuring effective implementation will be crucial for their success in restoring and conserving NSW’s natural heritage.