The Palaszczuk government this week passed new tree-clearing laws in Queensland banning broadscale clearing of remnant vegetation by expanding the definition of high-value regrowth vegetation under the Vegetation Management Act 1999. The laws also now require approval to thin vegetation.
The new laws are an attempt to curb deforestation by reinstating restrictions previously eased by the Newman government in 2013. However, the laws have been met with opposition from Farmers and Indigenous Australians who fear they will have a negative impact on existing sustainable land management practises as well as the economy of food production. Rural group AgForce argue the laws will restrict new agricultural development opportunities and force the cost of producing food and fibre higher, costs that will likely be passed onto the consumer.
To minimise the potential for pre-emptive clearing some provisions will apply from 8 March 2018, however, an official commencement date for the new laws is yet to be confirmed. To discuss whether your property is impacted and how the new laws may change your obligations around tree clearing call Emerge today on 0448 446 362.