Megan Evans writes in The Conversation (10.5.16) about the extent of native vegetation land clearing in Queensland in recent decades, and how different regulations under different state governments have contributed to policy and stakeholder uncertainty as tighter laws are again mooted.
‘Queensland’s land clearing has yet again become a national issue. After laws were relaxed under the then Liberal-National state government in 2013, land-clearing rates tripled, undermining efforts to conserve wildlife and reduce carbon emissions.
‘Now the Labor state government wants to re-tighten the laws. The revised legislation is expected to be debated after June 30.
‘Land clearing is a highly contentious and polarising issue in Queensland. Scientists and environmental groups have voiced concerns about the dramatic increase in land clearing. But some rural landholders are reportedly worried about the prospect of re-tightened regulations and their possible impact on property values and business certainty.
‘So, what does the big picture suggest?’