Tree-clearing rates in Queensland have increased by one-third and are now at their highest level since 2003-04.

Satellite imagery documenting change in vegetation shows 45 per cent of bushland was cleared in Great Barrier Reef river catchments, allowing more sediment to flow out onto the Great Barrier Reef.

Queensland government principal scientist David Harris shows Deputy Premier Jackie Trad and Environment Minister Steven Miles the latest satellite imagery of tree clearing. Credit:Tony Moore

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad said the rate of tree clearing was "unsustainable" and Labor would again take proposals for tougher tree-clearing legislation to the looming state election.

The laws would include changes to the existing "self-assessment" regime used by landowners to decide whether to clear land, Ms Trad confirmed.