NSW environment protection laws unlikely to succeed without major overhaul, damning review finds

Review warns half of species under threat in state are on course to become extinct in next 100 years

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

Laws meant to protect the environment in New South Wales are failing and unlikely to ever succeed unless substantially changed, according to a scathing review that warns half of the species under threat in the state are on course to become extinct within the next 100 years.

The independent review of the Biodiversity Conservation Act, released on Thursday, makes 58 recommendations to overhaul nature protections in the state and commit the government to preserving the environment for future generations.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup