12th January 2007The Queensland Nationals are demanding the State Government extend its native vegetation compensation scheme.
With only six weeks left before applications close, The Nationals say more than half of the State Government’s $130 million vegetation management assistance package has not been spent.
Opposition natural resources spokesman, Ray Hopper, says the assistance package eligibility criteria should be relaxed and the application cut-off date extended to ensure landholders can access the assistance they have been promised.
“Premier Beattie is quick to beat his chest about the broadscale clearing ban which has virtually shut down development in rural Queensland, but he doesn’t give two hoots about the landholders whose livelihoods have been affected,” Mr Hopper said.
“A report prepared by agricultural economic experts ABARE recently found the cost of the Beattie Labor Government’s vegetation management laws was more than $500m just in the Brigalow and mulga regions of western Queensland.
“Queensland landholders have taken a massive financial hit because of these laws and are being forced to forego development opportunities on their own land for the wider community benefit.
“The Premier promised a financial helping hand to landholders affected by vegetation laws but it’s now clear thousands will miss out and the promised funding won’t get out to those most in need.”
Mr Hopper says the Beattie Government went to the 2004 State Election promising to pay $130m to landholders affected by vegetation management laws but had paid out less than $55m.
SOURCE: Queensland Country Life, weekly rural newspaper, posting news updates daily on FarmOnline.
