1.11 Environment

The 2025-26 Budget delivers on the NSW Government’s commitment to protect and restore our natural environments.

Biodiversity

• $472.9 million for long-lasting biodiversity protections and environmental management through improving the Biodiversity Offset Scheme, nature protection, visitor infrastructure in national parks, biodiversity conservation and environmental water management.

Caring for nature

We are investing an additional $91.3 million to renew and upgrade visitor infrastructure in national parks to provide unforgettable nature-based experiences with new and improved walkways, camping grounds, picnic facilities and amenities. The Government is also funding:

• $21.5 million to deliver on the Government’s election commitment for the Stockton Beach Repair Project
• $18.7 million to deliver the Pindari Dam Cold-Water Pollution and Fish Friendly Water Extraction projects as part of the Northern Basin Toolkit, fully funded by the Australian Government
• $17.6 million for Local Land Services for asset maintenance and facility upgrades to address safety risks to workers and the community
• $12.4 million to maintain and upgrade fire trails on Crown land and adjoining land to provide safe access for firefighters to battle bushfires and protect local communities.

Access to nature

• $5.3 million to allow free entry for veterans into national parks and reserves.

Heritage

• $2.2 million for the Blue Plaques program to deliver the Freedom Ride plaque trail and to construct a pavilion in the Freedom Ride Memorial Park, Walgett.
• $1.6 million for local initiatives that will drive improved environmental and Indigenous heritage outcomes in regional areas.

Animal protection

• $16.7 million in 2025-26 to support the establishment of an Office of Animal Welfare and the animal welfare compliance and enforcement functions of approved charitable organisations.
• $6.0 million to support improved animal welfare outcomes for companion animals by approved non-government organisations.

Water

• $319.1 million for the Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism Program to improve river health and increase the amount of water returned to the environment.
• $75.1 million is being invested to protect the health of our rivers so communities can enjoy them.
• $3.0 million to improve water quality at Coogee Beach by upgrading pumps and diverting stormwater flows.
• $2.7 million to provide critical local water utilities reforms.
• $1.5 million for coastal waterway improvements on the South Coast.
• $948,000 for Dams Safety NSW to continue the monitoring and regulation of dams.