Land management plan will make NSW a global conservation leader
18 Feb 2003
SYDNEY: A radical new land management plan that will effectively end broadscale land clearing throughout New South Wales has the potential to establish the state as a world leader in sustainable agriculture, says WWF-Australia.
The plan, which was devised by the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists in co-operation with NSW Farmers and environment groups, was commissioned by Premier Carr almost three months ago and released for public comment today by the Premier.
"If the government adopts and champions the model proposed by the Wentworth Group, then New South Wales is on track to become a global leader in sustainable natural resource management," said Dr David Butcher, WWF-Australia CEO.
"There is an urgent need to resolve the on-going conflict over land clearing and its impact on our rivers, landscapes and species.?
"I believe the Wentworth Group has provided an innovative, common sense solution based on the best available science."
Dr Butcher said the reforms proposed by the Wentworth Group would enable farmers to achieve conservation results that would benefit rural and urban communities throughout the state.
"As well as introducing tougher laws on land clearing, the Wentworth model is clarifying responsibilities for land management and providing significant support through public funds and ready access to first class science," he said.
"The results will be healthier rivers and catchments, improved soil conservation and revegetation of over-cleared landscapes - all achieved in conjunction with management flexibility and financial support for farmers.
"It is essential that this land management blueprint is adopted."
The Wentworth Group report advocates:
- strengthening and simplifying native vegetation laws and ending broadscale clearing of remnant vegetation and protected regrowth
- setting environmental standards and clarifying responsibilities for native vegetation management
- using property management plans to provide investment security, management flexibility and financial support for farmers
- providing significant levels of public funding for farmers to help meet new environmental standards and support conservation results
- restructuring institutions by improving scientific input into policy setting, improving information systems and regionalising administration
