SOE-161 topic testing
Testing page
Map embed
Test: 31 July 2025 link with manual iframe coding added
Notes:
Access the interactive version of this map.
Modelling is based on the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation.
Infographics
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Native vegetation has been extensively cleared in some parts of NSW for housing, infrastructure and agriculture.
Clearing of native vegetation is listed as a key threatening process under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.
Environmental impacts include:
- irreversible disturbance or destruction of habitat
- fragmentation of populations of native and threatened species
- degradation of river banks
- loss or disruption of ecological function
- increased greenhouse gas emissions
- limited ability for species and ecosystems to adapt to climate change
- amplified effects of climate change
- loss of leaf litter which provides habitat and adds nutrients to soil
- loss or disruption of ecological function
- erosion, and changes to the lifeforms in soil ().
Go to page.
The clearing of native vegetation and associated land use changes has had significant impacts on Aboriginal peoples . Impacts include:
- the loss of traditional ecological knowledge
- desecrated sacred sites
- diminished access to essential resources, such as bush foods and medicinal plants.
These losses affect both the physical and cultural wellbeing of Aboriginal peoples, causing disconnection from their ancestral lands and knowledge systems.
Testing h3
More text
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Bullets
- new bullets
Numbered lists
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Hidden headings
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Figure A1.1: Number of days exceeding AAQ NEPM 24-hour standard for particles (PM10) in NSW, 2013–23
Notes:
To ensure consistency in presenting trends, all exceedances, including those due to exceptional events, are presented.
Section 2
Table A1.5: Sources of air pollution of concern in local area, March 2021 to March 2024
| Legislation or policy | Description |
|---|---|
| Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 | Sets the statutory framework for managing air quality in NSW. It contains provisions for the operation of industrial plant to prevent air pollution that exceeds regulatory standards; the prohibition of burning to reduce smoke pollution during certain weather conditions; and the management of smoke from domestic premises. |
| Protection of the Environment Operations (Clean Air) Regulation 2022 | Aims to reduce emissions of harmful air pollutants through requirements such as standards for domestic wood heaters; provisions for controls on open burning of vegetation and domestic waste; obligations to prevent or minimise emissions; anti-pollution devices for certain motor vehicles; standards on the supply of petrol; requirements for petrol vapour recovery at service stations in the greater metropolitan area; standards for industry air impurity emissions; and controls on the storage and transport of volatile organic liquids. |
| Protection of the Environment Operations (General) Regulation 2022 | Establishes the licensing fee scheme for major industrial premises and provides economic incentives for licensed businesses and industry to reduce pollution, including emissions to air. It also established the Upper Hunter and Newcastle Local air quality monitoring networks and gives effect to the requirements of the National Pollutant Inventory in NSW (see below). |
| NSW Clean Air Strategy 2021–2030 () | Sets out a whole-of-government approach to achieve ongoing reductions in the adverse effects of air pollution, including five areas to mitigate community exposure to poor air quality: better preparedness for pollution events; cleaner industry; cleaner transport, engines, and fuels; healthier households; and better places. |
| National Clean Air Agreement | Sets a framework for national collaboration on air quality issues to deliver health, environmental and economic outcomes, allowing the Commonwealth, the states and territories to coordinate cooperative actions at national, state and local levels. |
| National Environment Protection (Air Toxics) Measure 2004 | Specifies national-level standards for ambient air toxics and associated monitoring and reporting procedures to protect human health and wellbeing. |
| National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure 1998 (AAQ NEPM) | Specifies standards for ambient air quality and associated monitoring and reporting procedures for listed air pollutants to minimise the risk of adverse health impacts from exposure to air pollution. The NEPM’s environment protection goals aim to meet standards for carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, photochemical oxidants (as ozone), lead, particles (as PM10 and PM2.5) and sulfur dioxide. The NEPM was updated in 2021 with a further review scheduled to commence in 2025. |
| National Environment Protection (National Pollutant Inventory) Measure 1998 | Requires reporting of emissions from industrial facilities. The national environmental protection goals for this measure include maintenance and improvement in ambient air quality and marine, estuarine and freshwater quality, as well as minimising environmental impacts associated with hazardous wastes and improving the sustainable use of resources. |
Span check - no clean up
Page of SOE report | Description of Refinement |
72 | Soils topic: Indicators table was incorrect, has been updated to ‘stable’ and is consistent with report card. |
108 | Protected Areas: Typo corrected. |
187 | Groundwater notes. First note under table re-worded to make clearer for readers. |
247 | Air quality intro: Typos corrected |
289 | Animals theme description: Typos corrected |
296–7 | Plants: Following consultation with FCNSW text inserted to clarify that the clearing of native vegetation indicator refers to clearing for agriculture and infrastructure. |
300 | Plants: Following consultation with FCNSW text in first par under ‘Native forest harvesting’ heading updated as follows:
Native forestry operations are subject to a distinct regulatory framework compared to urban, agricultural, or infrastructure-related clearing. Because these operations include a requirement to regenerate harvested areas with native vegetation, they are not classified as permanent clearing. |
439 | Extreme climate & weather: Typo corrected |
488 | Energy indicators table: Per capita residential consumption trend was incorrect, corrected to ‘Stable’ and is consistent with report card. |
Span check - clean up
Page of SOE report | Description of Refinement |
72 | Soils topic: Indicators table was incorrect, has been updated to ‘stable’ and is consistent with report card. |
108 | Protected Areas: Typo corrected. |
187 | Groundwater notes. First note under table re-worded to make clearer for readers. |
247 | Air quality intro: Typos corrected |
289 | Animals theme description: Typos corrected |
296–7 | Plants: Following consultation with FCNSW text inserted to clarify that the clearing of native vegetation indicator refers to clearing for agriculture and infrastructure. |
300 | Plants: Following consultation with FCNSW text in first par under ‘Native forest harvesting’ heading updated as follows:
Native forestry operations are subject to a distinct regulatory framework compared to urban, agricultural, or infrastructure-related clearing. Because these operations include a requirement to regenerate harvested areas with native vegetation, they are not classified as permanent clearing. |
439 | Extreme climate & weather: Typo corrected |
488 | Energy indicators table: Per capita residential consumption trend was incorrect, corrected to ‘Stable’ and is consistent with report card. |