The 2016 Biodiversity Conservation Bill is the NSW Government's response to an independent expert panel's report that made 43 recommendations on how to improve the legislative and policy framework for biodiversity conservation and native vegetation management in NSW.

The Bill reform package includes an investment of $240 million over five years for private land conservation, and $100 million over five years in the "Saving Our Species" program to support flora and fauna.

It adopts a long term approach to biodiversity management by putting more trust in farmers where the risk of impacting biodiversity is low and utilising codes for more farm management activities and the planning system for activities with a higher risk of impacts.

It also focuses on conserving biodiversity at a regional level - rather than at the site level, and ensures assessments are done using one set of consistent rules.

An eight-week public consultation period for the Bill is now underway with submissions closing on 28 June.

For further information, go to www.landmanagement.nsw.gov.au