Saturday Extra

A disaster for already struggling farmers – or a win for our dwindling biodiversity? Both have been said about the brand new Native Vegetation Act, which the NSW government announced this week will finally come into force in December. The new laws are intended to slow down the clearing of native vegetation. They provide for compensation for farmers, who can also win clearing rights by planting in other parts of their property.

But farmers groups complain that the laws are too bureaucratic and prescriptive, and will prevent them cutting down even one tree or clearing away invasive weeds.

Guests

Felicity Wade
NSW Campaign Manager, The Wilderness Society

John Williams
NSW Department of Natural Resources, NSW Chief Scientist

Louise Burge
Chair, Conservation and Resource management committee, NSW Farmers Association

Further Information

Native Vegetation Reforms
http://www.dipnr.nsw.gov.au/mediarelnr/md20051114_3231.html