The government released its proposed Biodiversity and Conservation Act in May, replacing the Native Vegetation Act that came in for so much criticism from farmers, who said it interfered with efforts to improve the productivity of their land.

A round of community forums have been held around the state in the past eight weeks, including ones across the New England and North West, which attracted dozens of stakeholders keen to know more about the various aspects of the new legislation.

The government maintains the reforms will provide farmers with the flexibility to make decisions about their land, while at the same time helping to better protect the environment.

Financial incentives have been promised to farmers to encourage conservation efforts, with a record investment in private land conservation and the Saving Our Species funding program.

The government aims to introduce the legislation into parliament by October, and subject to the passing of the new laws.

It is hoped they will commence by mid-next year.

Further consultation will take place on more detailed components of the package, including the maps that will tell landholders just where they stand when it comes to clearing and maintenance plans for their properties.