The order prohibits cutting trees along the Hawkesbury River, noting the surrounding acres had been subject to clearing and soil erosion was occurring.

'General orders' Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (9 October 1803)

As soon as the First Fleet arrived, the British began clearing the land. There was limited regulation of this clearing which caused environmental degradation and damaged cultural and spiritual connections to Country. From the 1920s laws were made to protect some vegetation however it was not until 1997 that laws...

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'General orders' Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (9 October 1803)

Land Clearing