Minister for Illegal Clearing

Friday, 24 March 2006 10:00

A Minister without a compliance and enforcement policy for land clearing laws is a ‘Minister for Illegal Clearing’, in waiting, Total Environment Centre said today.

“This is the fate that awaits NSW Primary Industry, Ian MacDonald who has been sitting on his hands since his appointment last year.  We have made numerous attempts to get the compliance policy resolved but to no avail.  His inaction gives encouragement to those who wish to breach the law,” said Jeff Angel Director of the Centre.

Recent satellite data showed thousands of hectares suspected to have been cleared illegally and the department responsible for the Native Vegetation Acts has failed to act on hundreds of complaints.  The central and north-west of the state are particular problem areas.  Handling of compliance has previously been found to be inadequate by a NSW Audit Office report (2002). 

“The lack of a compliance policy undermines the positive actions of thousands of farmers who are working with Catchment Management Authorities to restore the landscape and comply with land clearing requirements.  Why should people work with the system if they see their neighbour getting away with illegal clearing?”

“A compliance policy needs to be:

• focussed on repairing environmental damage; 
• avoid loopholes for lazy departmental officials to excuse inaction;  
• allow some high focus prosecutions in the courts; and 
• ensure the removal of inappropriate regional influences on compliance action,”

Mr Angel said.