The NSW Nationals have raised concerns over the Minns Labor Government’s plan to address the state of biodiversity, saying it lacks decisive action and balance.
The former Nationals Government tasked Ken Henry AC to conduct a comprehensive review to improve the Biodiversity Conservation Act, but Labor’s response is little more than a shopping list of new reviews.
NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said it will reduce the ability of landowners to manage their own land in the best possible way.
“No-one wants to see the environment destroyed, which is why there are currently restrictions in place for landowners to consult properly with Local Land Services before any large-scale changes are made on their properties,” Mr Saunders said.
“Under the changes we brought forward in 2016, we saw a triple bottom line where economic, social and environmental outcomes were all achieved, and that balance is crucial.
“Labor talks about working with farming communities on biodiversity, but last year it axed $200 million nature positive farming program which supported landholders to introduce sustainable farming practices.”
NSW Farmers Board Member Oscar Pearse said locking up land and restricting the land management practices of farmers was unlikely to deliver positive biodiversity outcomes.
“What we can see so far is more government-mandated land clearing in the regions for non-agricultural developments, while those growing food and managing biodiversity in the landscape face major restrictions,” Mr Pearse said.
“Farmers spend their lives in the landscape and love where they live. They work hard to produce healthy plants and healthy animals with world-leading sustainability credentials.
“The drastic changes proposed for limiting the use of the Land Management Code will drive farmers away from cooperation with conservation and natural capital markets while they try to survive on their land, which is precisely the wrong signal to send.”
