Ian Macdonald’s much vaunted satellite imagery on land clearing in NSW uses flawed technology that is unable to account for more than half the land clearing in the state, according to NSW Greens MP Ian Cohen.
“The government has been using this outdated technology as a defence against a damning WWF report that outlines the disastrous consequences that land clearing is having for native animals in NSW,” said Mr Cohen.
“The government’s mapping does not pick up land clearing where canopy cover is less than 20%. As a result it does not recognise clearing of open woodlands or grasslands. These areas are responsible for around 60% of all legal land clearing in NSW
“I challenged Mr Macdonald about this technology in a meeting we had late last year. He promised to provide evidence that would support its effectiveness. None has been forthcoming.
“Land clearing is reduced by proper monitoring and compliance, not by producing evidence that fudges the figures by ignoring the bulk of it.
“The problems don’t stop there. Land clearing produces around 12% of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions, which is the equivalent of the entire transport sector. It also massively increases salinity, soil degradation and water loss.
“The NSW Government must reverse its wind back of invasive native species regulations and crack down on the unregulated free for all that occurs in forestry on private land.
“The Government must also get tough on those that are clearly engaging in large-scale illegal clearing. The prevailing culture within the Department of Natural Resources is to turn a blind eye to this irresponsible and illegal behaviour. This is unfair to the majority of landowners that attempt to use the land responsibly.
“Minister Macdonald would be well advised to take action on land clearing itself, rather than trumpeting misinformation about how much is occurring,” said Mr Cohen.
Further Information: Michael Hidden 0431 320085 or Ian Cohen 0409 989 466
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