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Changes to the Australian Government’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) commenced on 1 December 2025. The changes mean you should check if you need Australian Government approval before clearing vegetation in NSW.
You should check if approval is needed if:
- You are clearing native vegetation in NSW and it could have a significant impact on a ‘protected matter’ (also known as a Matter of National Environmental Significance).
- You are clearing vegetation that is 15 years or older (as the previous “continuation of use” exemption no longer applies unless continuing lawful land use from before 16 July 2000 as defined by the Australian Government
More information at: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/epbc/advice/self-assessments
