On 1 August 2014 a new set of rules (called the 10/50 Rule) to do with vegetation removal came into force in NSW.  Although intended for the public to "fire proof" their homes, its implementation goes far wider than that with very worrying consequences for the environment.

Essentially, the rules permit homeowners in areas declared suitable for clearing to cut down any trees within 10 metres of any building with habitable rooms or remove understory vegetation within 50 metres.  This applies in rural or urban areas.  Owners do not have to seek any approval if they comply with a Code of Conduct.  Areas declared suitable do not take into account any threatened species or endangered ecological communities.

One of the major problems is that there are no publicly available maps of the areas suitable for the Rule.  The only way to find out is to use an online tool, one address at a time.  In a random search of Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens I found that the whole of both towns appear to be "suitable"!  Great Lakes Council and the local RFS brigades were not consulted on suitable areas before the rules were activated.

The online tool can be found at: http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/1050-vegetation-clearing/tool

This rule could have a devastating effect on wildlife all over NSW and our Hawks  Nest/Tea Gardens "endangered"  koala population in particular.  Homeowners in our urban area with a small (no more than 22) koala population could devastate koala habitat by removing virtually all trees without even having to consult the local Council.  The Myall Koala and Environment Group is seeking to have the new rules suspended until proper consultation is initiated with local authorities with a view to correctly identifying the severity of bush fire threat and taking threatened species into account.