3rd July: Environmentalists call for swift action against land clearing vandals

Environment groups today described the actions by farmers with so-called National Tree Chop Day as self destructive and urged the NSW Government not to give into environmental vandalism and blackmail. The groups will also support community demands for even stronger tree protection laws as a result of these actions.

In response to media reports that irresponsible landholders have chopped down 4,000 trees and will double efforts every day, Minister for the Environment, Phil Koperberg said on ABC Radio this morning that he would prefer to talk with the organisers in preference to taking strong legal action. The NSW Farmers Association has failed to condemn the vandalism and industry lobby groups like the Australian Beef Association are actively supporting it.

“This minority of farmers are destroying their own properties and are a perfect example of why we need the tree protection laws. They are also destroying the reputation of the majority of farmers and their associations who claim farmers are environmentally responsible.”

“The NSW and Queensland Governments promised to enforce and retain the tree clearing laws at recent state elections and we expect them to do just that.”

“Environment groups have vowed to investigate all legal options to protect the environment and make the general community aware and active on this issue. If these farmers think this stunt is a free ride to exert political pressure, then they should think again. We expect the community will be demanding even more stringent laws as a consequence of this episode,” said Jeff Angel, Director of Total Environment Centre.”

“Land clearing remains the number one cause of wildlife extinctions, the number one cause of dryland salinity, and a significant cause of global warming,” said Wilderness Society spokesperson, Reece Turner.

“The good name of farmers is being tarnished here by a fringe element. We call upon leading farming bodies including the National Farmers Federation, Agforce and the NSW Farmers Association to pull these guys into line and sideline them”, said Turner.

“The public supports farmers who care for the land in the interests of the whole community. Nobody supports wanton destruction of vulnerable habitats and ecosystems in the name of petty revenge,” said Georgina Woods of the Hunter Community Environment Centre.

Environment groups are calling for a criminal investigation into the activities of all individuals and groups who have publicly incited illegal landclearing, and for action to be taken against the ringleaders.