NSW is going backwards on environmental issues at a rate of knots, say green groups who have scored the state government an F for its mid-term performance.
On the eve of the O'Farrell government's second year anniversary, a coalition of nine green groups graded almost 100 policy issues in 10 key areas.
The NSW government notched an F, or 33 per cent, for its overall grade.
"This is a failing grade that recognises the fact that we are going backwards at a rate of knots," said Pepe Clarke, CEO of the Nature Conservation Council of NSW.
"The rate that they have been removing environmental protections is genuinely alarming."
The government's first damning act after taking office was to roll back marine sanctuaries.
"And for almost every month since that time there has been a backward step on environmental protection," Mr Clarke said at the report's launch at NSW parliament on Monday.
"We are hearing a message loud and clear ... (people) are alarmed about the performance of the current NSW government on environmental matters."
Mr Clarke said the government had also scored an F for its handling of national parks and wildlife, following its decision to allow amateur hunters into the reserves.
It's notched an E in the area of climate change after "comprehensively failing to present a credible plan".
"We need a vision on this issue and we need to see a plan," Mr Clarke said.
"We are sending a clear signal, we are not happy Barry."
Belinda Fairbrother, from the Wilderness Society of NSW, said another E was given over the government's handling of forests and wetlands on the back of the proposed weakening of land clearing laws, prompting fears of a return "to the bad old days where bulldozers ran rampant in the state".
Its handling of rivers and wetlands fell into the same category, with Ms Fairbrother accusing the government of undermining national efforts to save the Murray Darling Basin.
Conservationists say they are fearful more damaging changes are on the way, with the government set to review environmental protections in the planning systems, land clearing laws and forestry regulations.
"We probably could have gone lower than an F if that was possible," said Kevin Evans, executive director of Nationals Parks Association of NSW.
"Environmental challenges are the greatest they have ever been."
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