May 16, 2013
Federal LNP Member for Maranoa Bruce Scott has condemned Federal Government “inaction”, saying the Labor Government prefers to watch thousands of cattle starve to death rather than opening the gates to national parks and reserves.
“Graziers in my electorate are facing the worst conditions seen in decades and this Labor Government has sat by and done nothing,” Mr Scott said.
“Tens of thousands of cattle in my electorate are starving and the Federal Environment Minister has locked the gates to national parks and national reserves which can be used as a temporary measure to stop this crisis.
“Many of these national parks were previously rural properties and parts of the parks that are high-conservation zones will be fenced to ensure it remains protected.
“The RSPCA has come out in support of temporarily allowing these starving cattle into nominated national parks to feed but the Labor Government has baulked at the notion.
“The Federal Agricultural Minister has urged the Queensland Government to sign its new farm finance package for concessional loans but the last thing these farmers need is to be cornered into a debt deal.
“This is a catastrophic animal welfare event which can be diverted by temporarily opening-up national parks to these cattle which would otherwise die of starvation.
“It is unthinkable that these Federal Ministers would be so out of touch and irresponsible to let thousands of cattle die when this option is available to help drought-stricken graziers in my electorate.”
[Photo: Maranoa electorate office]
