Land Clearing Rules Tighten Up Across NSW

If you’re doing any clearing, such as on a farm, fence line, or civil site, there are a few changes worth knowing. The NSW Government has proposed tougher fines and extra powers for councils to stop or reverse illegal vegetation clearing. That follows reports showing land clearing jumped 40% in 2023, mostly due to agricultural expansion.

What it means day-to-day:

• keep your approvals and property maps up to date.

• double-check zones before clearing.

• hang onto your before-and-after photos.

It’s not about red tape - it’s about proof if someone queries your work later.

Clearing scrub, pushing out stumps, and tidying up debris - these jobs call for care and the right approach under the new rules. Jobs like pushing scrub or using stick rakes to clear debris now require extra attention to ensure you’re working within the guidelines and leaving the ground in good shape. It’s about doing the job properly, not just quickly, and having the right plan before you fire up the machine can save headaches later.

Contractors say the paperwork has slowed some jobs, but it has also improved overall professionalism. Farmers are focusing on maintenance and clearing, keeping tracks, fence lines, and access clean, rather than making broad new breaks.

It’s also sparking a wave of better gear and training. Many operators are investing in attachments that provide more control, less ground disturbance, and faster cleanup, making the process safer for both soil and machinery.

It’s all about doing things right the first time – keeping your paperwork sorted, your gear in check, and your jobs running smooth.