Progress on vegetation management controls
Published Tuesday, 31 October, 2006 at 12:24 PM
Others
The Honourable Kerry Shine
The Queensland Government will provide additional support and advice to landholders to comply with controls on vegetation management and introduce a new protocol for investigating alleged breaches.
Natural Resources and Water Minister Kerry Shine told State Parliament today the Government’s commitment to end broadscale clearing of remnant vegetation will be honoured two months from today on 31 December.
“This commitment is critical for protecting land from the risk of degradation in the future and for reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” Mr Shine said.
“In delivering its commitment, the Government has offered financial assistance and advice for affected landholders.”
Mr Shine said in the last month, an additional $6.4 Million has been paid to approximately another 70 landholders in enterprise assistance grants. Total paid in enterprise assistance grants is more than $37.6 Million to more than 430 applicants.
“The grants of up to $100,000 are available to affected landholders to improve the viability of their properties,” Mr Shine said.
“The appointment of five client liaison officers in the Department to work with landholders has encouraged an increased up-take in assistance.”
“The Department is looking to build upon the work of these officers to ensure the emphasis for landholders is on what they can do, rather than what they can’t.”
“The Department will also be providing additional across-the-counter information and advice to landholders, particularly when they are applying to clear for on-going purposes such as fodder harvesting.”
“In terms of fodder harvesting, the Department recognises the importance of this work during severe drought.”
“The Department offers expedited permits to fast-track approvals for landholders to undertake this work to sustain their livestock.”
In addition, the proposal to reduce the number of codes from 24 to four and make them easier to understand and easier to use is being finalised.
Mr Shine said the majority of landholders were complying with the vegetation management laws.
“Nevertheless, enforcement is needed to ensure the laws are effective protecting large tracts of Queensland from degradation, such as salinity and erosion,” Mr Shine said.
“This has led to claims of heavy-handedness by Departmental officers. Such claims have been of concern to me and of concern to the Department.”
“The Department is developing a protocol for its officers to follow in the case of vegetation management inquiries.
“Departmental officers will endeavour to contact landholders at least two days prior to any planned visit to the property of interest. The aim is to ensure no inspections are conducted unannounced.”
“Vegetation management is important to Queensland’s future and the Government is determined to secure a future that is sustainable.”
31 October 2006
Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3896 3689 or 0418 197 350