Natural resource management in NSW has undergone radical and historic change in recent times in an attempt to get the balance right. The reforms are underpinned by tougher laws on land clearing, but are focussed on providing farmers with investment security and the funding support they need. With such massive changes occurring, come the many challenges, including:

· Developing a mutual trust between farmers, environmentalists, governments and the wider community;

· Refining legislative anomalies; and,

· Ensuring technology, science, and reporting systems adequately support the new reforms.

This new approach to natural resource management may not be without its complications and the right balance may not yet have been found, however, it is exciting to be part of such an innovative and technologically advanced system. The new system attempts to take much of the guess work and subjectivity out of native vegetation management, and replace it with an objective but flexible system that provides greater certainty and clarity for all stakeholders.