The Premier, at the request of the Minister for Agriculture has asked the Natural Resources Commission to advise on policy options to improve outcomes for areas containing exclusively or predominantly non-woody vegetation (i.e. grasslands and ground cover).
The review identified options to:
- reduce unallocated clearing rates for non-woody vegetation
- ensure the protection of high-value native grasslands
- minimise overregulation of non-native non-woody vegetation and unrecoverable native non-woody vegetation.
In November 2025, we delivered our final report to the Premier, Minister for Agriculture and Minister for the Environment.
Resource
- Terms of Reference (Identification and assessment of native grasslands and non-woody vegetation)
What is a native non-woody vegetation?
The term non-woody refers to herbaceous types of vegetation including groundcovers. Native groundcover is most often dominated by native grasses. In some areas such as native grasslands, the native groundcover grows on its own with no associated woody vegetation. In other areas, such as grassy woodlands, it grows as the ground layer under native trees and shrubs.
Native groundcover can be found throughout much of NSW. The species making up this groundcover vegetation varies from one region to another, but most are dominated by native grasses. Native groundcover is found in the open with no trees, or in lightly or heavily timbered country, in areas that were originally open grassland, woodland or forest.
Native groundcover can vary widely in condition, largely as a result of the way it has been grazed, fertilised or cleared since European settlement. Its condition reflects how modified it is from its original natural state. The NSW Land Management Framework recognises three condition states – Low, Moderate and High Conservation Value.
Progress update
For this review, we have:
- sought written submissions from key stakeholders and met to discuss issues associated with native non-woody vegetation
- engaged relevant agencies including data and information requests
- undertaken field visits to discuss issues with landholders and agencies
- engaged the advisory panel established for the protect and enhance review on specific issues associated with native non-woody vegetation
- considered agency feedback on a draft report
- delivered a final report to the NSW Government.
Contact the Natural Resources Commission
Our team welcomes your feedback and enquiries.
Online: contact form
Phone: (02) 9228 4844
Email: nrc@nrc.nsw.gov.au