No reduction in fines for land clearing

Illegal land clearing will still attract a $1.1 million fine but farmers will be given more scope to clear land after coalition agreed to elements of Shooter and Fisher Party Bill. Picture Facebook Source: Facebook

THE state government has refused to support law changes that reduce fines for illegal land clearing following the shooting death of Environment officer Glen Turner.

After a cabinet meeting this morning, the coalition party room unanimously resolved to support elements of a Shooters and Fishers Party bill to amend the Native Vegetation Act, that would give farmers more power to clear trees on their properties.

Glen Turner, who was shot dead on a property at Cropper Creek (Moree) during a dispute over land clearing. Glen is believed to have been shot by a local man, Ian Turnbull Source: Supplied

But the reduction of fines will not be supported by the government, with no-one in the coalition party room speaking against this decision.

The bill was pulled from the Upper House schedule last week by roads minister Duncan Gay, after concerns were expressed within the government about the sensitivity of the potential fine decrease after Mr Turners death.

Ian Turnbull has been charged with the murder in Moree of Glen Turner. Source: News Corp Australia

Mr Turner was allegedly murdered by farmer Ian Turnbull, after he visited the property due to reports of illegal land clearing.

The changes supported by the government include changes to the control of broadscale clearing of single paddock trees- allowing one single-paddock tree to be cleared each year, and farmers will be allowed to clear native vegetation where it poses a risk to people or property.

The government will not support the reduction of penalties for illegal clearing from $1.1 million to $1100.

See more here:
No reduction in fines for land clearing