THE LNP has joined calls for landholders to lock-in property maps ahead of State Parliament’s resumption and Labor’s promise to scrap common-sense vegetation management laws.
Shadow natural resources spokesman Dale Last said the Palaszczuk government was hell-bent on scrapping the LNP’s vegetation management framework, a move likely to severely restrict management options for farmers.
Parliament resumes on February 13-15. However, the first sitting is usually taken up with ceremonial and procedural activities meaning the controversial new laws are more likely to be introduced during the March 6-8 or March 20-22 sittings.
The new laws are likely see the development of high value agriculture projects scrapped, self assessable codes removed and new mapping showing so-called high value regrowth introduced.
Properties with a PMAV have been excluded from the new mapping for high value regrowth, which would further restrict landholders’ ability to manage the landscape.
However, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has already promised that draconian reverse onus-of-proof forcing farmers to prove they hadn't been illegally clearing will not be introduced. The need for these laws had been overtaken by more advanced mapping techniques, she said.
“Any landholder with the slightest concerns should immediately apply to the Natural Resources Department for a Property Map of Assessable Vegetation or PMAV,” Mr Last said.
"PMAVs allow landholders to lock in vegetation types and boundaries, particularly areas that can be developed for pasture and high-value agriculture.
“This is a vital step for all landholders so they know what the government currently has listed for their property.
“Lots of mistakes have been found with the boundaries and types in the overlays and these need to be challenged, checked and rectified where necessary.
“This is about acting prudently in the best interests of farm businesses ahead of the changes to legislation Labor has promised to make.”
Mr Last said the LNP was committed to maintaining the existing Vegetation Management Framework to enable farmers to effectively manage and develop their properties, while protecting high-value conservation areas.