Farmers Congratulated For Standing Firm

20160505 Vegetation Management Forum — FLASHBACK: In May, at least 120 people crowded into the Kingaroy Town Common Hall to hear Deb Frecklington and Andrew Cripps speak against the proposed Vegetation Management laws

August 25, 2016

Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington has congratulated the thousands of primary producers who united to voice their concerns about the State Government’s proposed changes to Vegetation Management laws.

Mrs Frecklington said their combined voices helped achieve “a common sense win for primary producers”, with the changes being voted down in Parliament last week.

“I am so proud to have added my voice to the voices of thousands of farmers and ag sector businesses who stood up and said these extreme changes to the laws should not be passed,” Mrs Frecklington said.

“To all the people who attended my forums in Kingaroy and Toogoolawah, to those who marched in Brisbane and Bundaberg and the many who took time to write to State Parliament Members, these efforts made the difference and helped us secure this win.

“It is so disappointing though that Labor tried to pass these laws by demonising farmers. And even though we’ve had this win, we can’t be complacent as Labor simply won’t give up on their ongoing campaign to secure the green vote.

“All along Labor have claimed they had to make these changes to help protect the Great Barrier Reef. But facts show that UNESCO approved the Great Barrier Reef 2050 Plan at a time when the current laws (those introduced by the LNP) were in place.

“They did that because they recognised that the laws struck a sensible balance between protecting the Reef and allowing agriculture to thrive.

“I’d encourage all primary producers to remain united on this issue and to keep advocating strongly for the rights of farmers.

“The LNP Opposition recognises that farmers are responsible stewards of our land and we will continue to back them in their daily job of growing our food and fibre.”

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