Land clearing up more than 50% in NSW even before new laws introduced

Environment groups demand up to date figures to show 'the full impact' of the weaker laws

Land clearing in New South Wales rose by more than 50% in 2016-17, the year before the introduction of native vegetation laws that make deforestation easier.

Environment groups are now demanding the government publish up to date figures on the extent of habitat clearing in the state "so the public understands the full impact" of the weakening of land clearing laws in 2017.