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New vegetation laws are a real pest: VFF
28 Oct 2003
Victorian farmers now need to ask the Department of Sustainability and Environment for permission to get rid of rabbit burrows or fox holes on their farms if they've got native vegetation growing over them, VFF president Paul Weller says. After 30 successful years of Landcare, developed by Victorian farmers, the State Government still refuses to believe farmers can be trusted as environmental stewards, it seems.
The Government did not consult with the Victorian Farmers' Federation on the proposed planning scheme changes - because it doesn't have to, as these amendments don't have to go through parliament. The changes are a clear breach of the agreement the VFF had obtained to work together with farmers on native vegetation management. Instead, farmers are now in a situation where they are required to prevent the spread of, and if possible eradicate, pest animals on their farms and adjoining roadsides or face prosecution. Farmers can be punished for failing to get prior written permission from the department to undertake pest control obligations.
The VFF is very concerned about the design of the draft document, which is likely to impose unreasonable costs on farmers and achieve dubious environmental benefits.
Stock & Land, 25/10/03.
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