January 21, 2015
The Queensland Farmers’ Federation has attacked an ALP election promise to strengthen tree-clearing laws should they be elected at the January 31 State poll.
“The Labor Party is proposing change for the sake of change but the real concern is that in the process it would remove legislation that has undergone rigorous scrutiny and consultation and is delivering benefits for the agricultural sector,” QFF CEO Dan Galligan said.
“The changes to the Vegetation Management Act in recent years have simply allowed for sensible and sustainable clearing of vegetation for example along fence-lines, or where a single tree blocks irrigation equipment from operating efficiently, saving time and water,” he said.
“It also allows for limited clearing for high-value agriculture.
“The old laws that prevent broadscale clearing are still in place.
“This is a knee-jerk reaction that seems geared toward urban green votes and preference deals.”
