Farmers have warned new nature reforms rushed through Federal Parliament will fail to deliver productive outcomes for the environment.
Renewable developments may be fast-tracked, land use restricted and a new environmental watchdog established under the amendments to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act set to pass the Senate on Thursday.
While the reforms were intended to protect the environment, NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said the role of agriculture in conserving the landscape had been ignored in the Federal Government’s quest to rush through reforms before the year’s end.
“Senator Watt has declared that any deal will do, so long as the laws are in place before we put Christmas lunch on the table,” Mr Martin said.
“This rushed deal with the Greens does not achieve the long-term consensus we need for effective environmental law, and it won’t actually conserve our landscape either.
“The environment and how farmers protect it is simply too important to sacrifice to tick a box, and the impacts of this rush job will be felt by farmers and the landscape for generations to come.
“Once again, green tape slammed through by those far away from our farms will restrict our ability to care for and conserve the environment.
“They’re wrecking the environment in the name of saving the environment – and it’s not just farmers, but all people that rely on our productive landscape for their food and clothing, who will pay the price.”
Media Release: NSW Farmers
