Proposed land clearing solution welcomed by environment groups
22 May 2003
Environmentalists have supported the proposal outlined today by Federal Environment Minister David Kemp and Premier Peter Beattie to rapidly end broadscale clearing of remnant bushland in Queensland.
"We congratulate the two Governments for working together to develop this solution. It is vital that they follow through and implement this package for the sake of all Queenslanders" said Wilderness Society Land Clearing Campaigner Dr Barry Traill.
"The Premier and the Prime Minister are balancing the long term interests of Queensland with farmer's livelihoods. We support a financial assistance package that is fair to farmers affected by these proposed controls" said WWF-Australia spokesperson Peter Cosier.
"Everyone knows that land clearing causes long term economic and environmental damage to Queensland. This kind of solution is urgently needed to protect our rivers, our farmland and our wildlife" said ACF Executive Director Don Henry.
"However, we are concerned about the apparent lack of any plan to protect important areas of regrowth bushland or urban and coastal bushland" said QCC coordinator Felicity Wishart.
"We look forward to working with the two Governments and farming groups to finalise a long term solution that protects Queensland's environment and provides fairness and certainty for landholders" she concluded.
For comment contact:
Felicity Wishart, Queensland Conservation Council 0419 664 503
Barry Traill The Wilderness Society 0427 261 885
Peter Cosier, WWF-Australia 0419 693 811
Don Henry Australian Conservation Foundation 0418 501 395
