Qld: Land clearing reforms disappointing, say Qld Greens

AAP General News (Australia)
12-08-1999
Qld: Land clearing reforms disappointing, say Qld Greens

The Greens say land clearing reforms announced by Queensland Premier PETER BEATTIE
today are disappointing and won't help the environment.

Queensland Greens spokesman DREW HUTTON says Mr BEATTIE had the chance to take three
steps forward in terms of protecting biodiversity and reducing greenhouse emissions and
he took one.

Mr HUTTON says that, under the proposed legislation, there is no moratorium on clearing
on freehold land and no revocation of permits on leasehold land.

He says more than 1.5 million land clearing permits have already been approved, and
this means there is enormous potential for clearing.

Meanwhile, peak sugar industry body Canegrowers has cautiously welcomed the reforms,
saying sugar producers knew controls were going to be introduced on clearing of freehold
land.

AAP RTV rad/sd/wz/jn

KEYWORD: TREES GREENS (BRISBANE)

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