AUSTRALIA: Liberal concerns over Forest Practices changes
© 2001 Australian Broadcasting Corporation
November 16, 2001
Concerns have been raised over proposed changes to the Forest Practices Act due to be debated in Parliament next week.
The Liberal spokesman for Forestry, Rene Hidding, says the changes would require a plan to be submitted and approved before any tree felling can begin.
Mr Hidding says the changes aim to satisfy vegetation management commitments in the Regional Forest Agreement.
But he says they could affect many farmers wanting to clear areas of low grade timber to use the land for cropping or pasture.
"The legislation doesn't allow you to sell any timber unless it was harvested under a plan," Mr Hidding said.
"But in areas where there is lower grade timber, of lesser value, then there are still farmers about who are contemplating clearing that land for farming purposes and feel that they ought to be able to do so as farmers," he said.