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The laws designed to protect biodiversity in NSW are failing and are actively contributing to a worsening crisis, an independent report tabled to parliament has found.
The damning report, part of a five-year statutory review of the Biodiversity Conservation Act, found the Act was failing in its purpose and contributing to the continuing deterioration of the environment.
The review, tabled in parliament on Thursday, was conducted by an independent expert advisory panel led by former federal treasury secretary Dr Ken Henry.
It found the Act was "not meeting its primary purpose of maintaining a healthy, productive and resilient environment, and is never likely to do so".
"The failure of the Act to achieve its principal purpose is contributing to the continuing deterioration of the environment," the report said.
The report made 58 recommendations, including changes to the Biodiversity Offset Scheme.
It recommended biodiversity conservation laws take primacy over competing pieces of legislation such as development laws.
It also proposed a move towards a "nature-positive model", under which the environment is repaired and regenerated.
The lack of data and monitoring on the effectiveness of the laws also posed a significant problem, it said.
Greens MP and environment spokesperson Sue Higginson said the report provided a damning insight into systemic failures pushing the state deeper into a biodiversity crisis.
"The report is scathing and it is a clear clarion call for our precious environment," Ms Higginson said in a statement on Thursday.
"It is now or never for nature.
"We must prioritise protecting what is left and work to restore and regenerate nature before it is too late.
"The very laws that are meant to stop this are more than failing - they are facilitating biodiversity loss at unprecedented rates."
Environment Minister Penny Sharpe said the government would consider the review before responding.
“The Minns government will closely consider the report’s recommendations, as we deliver on our election commitments to fix the Biodiversity Offset Scheme, strengthen environmental protections and stop runaway land clearing," she said.