The State Government is giving landholders a say on the development of “self-assessable” codes for land-clearing.
Natural Resources Minister Andrew Cripps said the new vegetation management codes would recognise the role farmers played in managing weeds and provided flexibility to clear vegetation for fence lines and to provide fodder for livestock.
“Officers from my Department will visit several regional communities across Queensland to engage landholders, Landcare groups and industry bodies during a series of local forums,” Mr Cripps said.
“These codes will provide opportunities for landholders to manage vegetation without the need for government involvement or assessment, provided they comply with the code’s requirements.
“If the proposed activities comply with the relevant code, landholders only need to notify the Department of Natural Resources and Mines and will not need to apply for a permit.”
Mr Cripps said the forums would enable landholders and industry groups on the ground to work directly with DNRM officers developing the self-assessable codes.
The codes are expected to be completed by the end of 2013.
Forums will be held in a number of regional communities during July and August.
