The NSW Government’s failure to address illegal clearing continues to undermine the majority of farmers in NSW who manage their land responsibly, said Greens MLC Ian Cohen today.
Answers received to questions put on notice by Mr Cohen in Parliament show that illegal clearing is going unchallenged.
“It is completely unfair that while most farmers play by the rules, others are getting away with clearing native vegetation and destroying habitats without any repercussions. The failure of the Government to prosecute cases of illegal clearing sends out the message that it is okay to destroy our natural resources” Mr Cohen said.
In response to Mr Cohen’s questions, the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources revealed that of the 866 alleged breach notifications between July 2003 and July 2005, 310 were finalised, requiring no further action, while 461 were investigated and resolved. However, information received since the answers became available begs the question “Is it true that there has only been one prosecution of the 461 breaches?” said Mr Cohen.
With the portfolios of Planning, Infrastructure and Natural Resources now being split up, Mr Cohen urged the successors of DIPNR to be tough on those who breach native vegetation laws.
“Land clearing is not just responsible for the destruction of habitat of wildlife, including threatened species. It also generates as much as 35 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year in NSW.
“The Government needs to stand firm and let perpetrators know that illegal clearing of native vegetation will not be tolerated, and that it will not simply be met with a letter or a slap on the wrist” said Mr Cohen.
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