This Paper focuses on over-clearing and subsequent degradation of the land as the major threats to biodiversity and agricultural productivity. The example of a major wave of bird extinctions, which is now occurring in Australia's temperate agricultural zone, is used to illustrate the problem. Declines are still occurring where clearing ceased decades ago, and the effects of current clearing activity, particularly in Queensland and NSW, have yet to be felt.

The problems of the temperate agricultural zone are set to be repeated in tropical areas. Revegetation of cleared land is required to address biodiversity and agricultural decline at levels considerably greater than presently occurring under existing government programs. A new approach based on legislation is suggested to implement Farm Plans to ensure that native vegetation is retained and /or restored over a significant portion of the farm area.