Clearing compliance actions supported

Friday, 14 April 2006 02:52

This week’s raids by the Department of Natural Resources on suspected illegal clearing in the Warren and Coonamble areas were absolutely necessary to get the message out that land clearing laws are to be taken seriously, Total Environment Centre said today. 

“The vast majority of farmers are law abiding and thousands are already working with Catchment Management Authorities to restore the natural landscape.  The very few who undertake illegal clearing, should be targeted for vegetation remediation orders and prosecution.  Their actions cast a slur on the rest of the farming community,” said Jeff Angel, Director of the Centre.

“Actions taken by the department will be the proof in the pudding of the new compliance policy released last week.  The government needs to commit sufficient resources and staff to its implementation so that there is a level playing field for everyone.”

“It took a long process of negotiation to get the new land clearing laws off the ground.  This work should not be wasted because of the actions of a few recalcitrant land owners.  If people from the farming or environmental side have problems with the new laws, there are sufficient inbuilt measures to review and improve,” Mr Angel said.