Protesting farmers saw off branch they’re sitting on - 3 July 2007

A civil disobedience campaign from farmers cutting trees on their own land to force the land clearing agenda is harming the climate, the environment and the farmers’ own standing in the community.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that today is day three of a planned campaign of escalating illegal land clearing and environmental destruction that may already have resulted in more than 4000 trees being cut down in NSW, Queensland and Victoria.

“Whilst I support the right of anyone in the community to take non-violent direct action these farmers have gone too far”, said Upper House Greens MP Ian Cohen.

“Their plans have gone well beyond symbolic public protest, they’re actually serious about committing acts of vandalism against the environment.

“They’re doing more than just making a point, they’re causing real destruction and in the process they’re sawing off the branch they’re sitting on.

“Questions need to be asked about the involvement of groups such as the Australian Beef Association and the Commonwealth Property Protection Association. Are they inciting farmers to break the law?

“What about the NSW Farmers Association, will they publicly condemn this protest land clearing?

“Funds are available to land owners wanting to do the right thing, but uptake of these has been low in some parts of the state*. State and Federal Governments together committed $406.3 million dollars as part of the native vegetation reforms announced in 2003, to support environmental management by landholders in NSW.

“It sends mixed messages to the community if farmers are not making use of the money that is available to protect bush, whilst chopping trees down and demanding compensation”, said Mr Cohen.

Further Information: Ian Cohen: 0409 989 466

*Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs) administer these funds including incentive payments to landholders who choose to manage parts of their land for conservation. In several CMAs (particularly in the Central West) we understand there has been very low take-up of incentive funds.