Qld: New tree clearing laws introduced today

AAP General News (Australia)
08-24-2000
Qld: New tree clearing laws introduced today

The Queensland government will today introduce new vegetation management legislation
in a fresh bid to resolve the on-going row over compensation for farmers affected by tree
clearing restrictions.

Premier PETER BEATTIE says Queensland's controversial tree clearing laws, passed by
parliament last December, will be proclaimed in three weeks.

But he says the regulations, announced after a meeting with interested parties yesterday,
would be amended to include the establishment of a local authority to protect so-called
areas of concern through a permit system.

Mr BEATTIE says he hopes the actions of his government would act as a catalyst to resolve
the impasse with the federal government over compensation for farmers.

But green groups have expressed disgust with the outcome, claiming the government has
gutted the original legislation and farmers will stack local authorities for their own
gain.

AAP RTV dn/sc/jn/alt/et

KEYWORD: TREES (BRISBANE)

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