LABOR SENATORS SNUB RURAL QUEENSLAND

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The second hearing of the Senate Inquiry into Native Vegetation Laws will be held in Rockhampton tomorrow.

The inquiry is investigating the impact of native vegetation laws on landholders, and how any drop in land value or productivity should be calculated or compensated.

Senator Ian Macdonald, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Northern and Remote Australia, said that while the importance of the inquiries to Queensland’s rural industries is clear to the Coalition, this importance seems to have been lost on his Labor colleagues.

“The surge of native vegetation management laws and regulations being introduced by all levels of Government, usually to pander to an urban green agenda, could seriously impact the value and productivity of Queensland’s agricultural lands,” Senator Macdonald said.

“I am shocked that my Queensland Senate colleagues from the Labor party have shown such little interest in this important inquiry.

“With so many Queensland farmers and graziers affected by government action on vegetation laws, it is unforgivable that no Queensland Labor Senator is attending any of the hearings.

“Once more we are reminded that Labor doesn’t care about the viability of our rural industries or the communities that rely on them.

“The Coalition aims to balance the protection of native ecosystems and vegetation with agricultural production. A better approach is needed,” Senator Macdonald said.

END

8 April 2010

Media contact Gordon Terry      (07) 4771 3066   or   0427 960 255                                           

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