Operation suspended after Moree death

A highly-experienced environment officer shot dead while inspecting a contentious land clearing area in northern NSW had followed procedures, his boss says.

In light of the alleged murder of Glen Turner north of Moree on Tuesday, operations in the rural area have been suspended while the NSW Environment and Heritage Office grapples with the tragedy.

Mr Turner, a 51-year-old married father of two, was at Croppa Creek over a land clearing issue when farmer Ian Turnbull allegedly shot him dead.

Turnbull, 79, was arrested hours later at a nearby property.

The death comes on the back of simmering tensions in rural areas over land issues, including native vegetation clearing laws and coal seam gas concerns.

Mr Turner, a widely-respected compliance officer, leaves behind his two children Alexandra, 10, Jack, 9, and wife Alison.

"His passing comes at a time when his dreams of the farm and family, which he had planned and lovingly built together with Alison, were coming to fruition," his family said in a statement.

Environment Minister Rob Stokes and office head Terry Bailey met with Mr Turner's colleagues and grieving family in his hometown of Tamworth on Thursday.

"I have no doubt the policies and procedures in place were followed that evening," he told reporters.

But he confirmed procedures would be reviewed.

Visit link:
Operation suspended after Moree death