Coulton and NSW Farmers’ call for action on native vegetation laws
15-March-2010
There is an urgent need for farmers throughout NSW to make a submission to the Senate Inquiry into native vegetation legislation, according to Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton.
Mr Coulton said that at a recent meeting with local representatives of the NSW Farmers’ Association it was identified that the best chance to have the draconian legislation overturned was through farmers speaking out about the negative effects these clearing bans have had on them and their ability to manage their land.
“No pieces of legislation have had a more detrimental effect on the farmers of NSW than the Native Vegetation Acts and this is the best opportunity we have to have these laws overturned,” he said.
“The NSW Labor Government has long ignored the pleas of farmers who as a result of these laws have had their property rights diminished, lost substantial amounts of income and seen their land over-run with infestations of weeds and feral animals.
“The NSW Farmers’ Association has campaigned long and hard against these laws but they can’t overturn them on their own. It is vital that as many people as possible submit their concerns to the inquiry.
“There may never be a better opportunity to reverse these draconian laws and ensure that regional Australia is sustainable into the future.”
The closing date for submissions is March 17th 2010.