Dear all,
For forwarding to other email lists or individuals that may be interested.
Apologies for any cross listings.
DECISION ON QLD CLEARING CONTROLS COMING TO A HEAD
- YOUR HELP NEEDED
Within the next week or so a decision one way or the other is likely on
clearing controls in Queensland. Whether controls are put in that protect
both endangered and vulnerable regional ecosystems depends on the combined
decisions of both the Federal and Qld State Governments. Qld Premier Peter
Beattie has said that unless the Federal Government can assist with funding
for landowner incentives he will proclaim only part of the legislation by
the 20th August, to protect only 'endangered' ecosystems- and then move to
amend legislation so that vulnerable ('of concern') ecosystems were not
protected. This would be disastrous for biodiversity protection (and
salinity and greenhouse problems) in Queensland and nationally.
Meanwhile the Federal Government is considering the situation, but has
delayed a decision twice in Cabinet over whether to provide funding
assistance to Qld, and to what level. And in the bush clearing levels
have greatly increased as some landowners attempt to knock down their
woodlands and forests before any clearing controls are bought in.
Due to the political differences between the Coalition Federal Government,
and State Labor Government, there remains a considerable risk that both
Governments will grandstand on the issue, and then trade blame if
vulnerable ecosystems aren't protected.
It is vital that both governments understand that they will be held equally
responsible if they fail to protect as a minimum the vulnerable regional
ecosystems (known as 'of concern regional ecosystems'). If only the
endangered ecosystems on freehold land are protected then we will have the
farcical situation of ecosystems being protected- once they have been
cleared to the extent that they become endangered.
Currently agricultural industry groups are split on the issue, with some
agricultural groups supporting the proclamation of the full legislation.
However, a small, vocal graziers group, Agforce, is pushing strongly for
vulnerable ecosystems not to be protected in the legislation.
It is vital that such lobbying is countered. Land clearing in Queensland,
and nationally, is the biggest current threat to biodiversity nationally.
It is very important that reasonable clearing controls are introduced.
If you can write a short message to both the Premier and the Prime Minister
this would be extremely helpful. Possible drafts are given below which
can be sent or altered as you see fit.
I am happy to answer any queries on the current situation or how else
people can help.
Many thanks,
Dr. Barry Traill
National Woodlands Campaigner
The Wilderness Society
RMB 1207 Chiltern 3683
ph/fax 0357 261885
Hon. John Howard
Prime Minister
Parliament House
Canberra 2601
(fax 0262 734100; or send an email through the PM's website:
http://www.pm.gov.au/your_feedback/feedback.htm)
Dear Prime Minister,
I am writing to urge you to act immediately to assist Queensland in
introducing strong and enforced clearing controls in Queensland. The
current increasing rates of clearing in Queensland are not ecologically or
economically sustainable and directly affect other states through loss of
biodiversity, salinity and by increasing Australia's greenhouse
contributions. As a minimum both 'endangered' and 'of concern' regional
ecosystems need to be protected in Queensland. Previous experience in
Australia has shown that voluntary measures to attempt to slow widespread
land clearing do not work, only regulatory controls backed with appropriate
incentive measures can assist.
Given the national implications of the issue it is vital that the Federal
Government assist by providing to Queensland funds for landholder
incentives. Given the current scale of panic clearing it is vital that the
Federal Government act quickly. Please act now.
Yours sincerely,
xxxx
Hon. Peter Beattie MLA
Premier
PO Box 185
Albert St.
Brisbane Qld 4002
(fax 07 3221 3631 Email:
Dear Premier,
I am writing to urge you to act immediately move to introduce strong and
enforced clearing controls in Queensland. The current increasing rates of
clearing are not ecologically or economically sustainable. Previous
experience in Australia has shown that voluntary measures to attempt to
slow widespread land clearing do not work, only regulatory controls backed
with appropriate incentive measures can assist.
As a minimum it is vital that both 'endangered' and 'of concern' regional
ecosystems are protected- regardless of whatever assistance the Federal
Government may offer on the matter.
Your sincerely,
xxxxx
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