Private land clearing in NSW destroyed nearly 678,000 hectares from 2010–2023, harming biodiversity and threatening species.

Private land clearing in New South Wales has accelerated biodiversity loss, with nearly 678,000 hectares cleared between 2010 and 2023—equivalent to four Sydney Harbours—primarily for agriculture. A study by the Wentworth Group found that 13,880 hectares of high-biodiversity land were cleared after 2016, impacting 12 threatened species and 26 ecological communities, while 33,682 hectares of riverbank corridors were lost. Clearing increased 40% by 2023, and up to 80% of incidents were unallocated, undermining accountability. Experts and former Treasury secretary Ken Henry warn that weak laws and lack of transparency threaten conservation efforts. The Minns government is reviewing key legislation to address the crisis.