Lindy Smith, Tweed Heads
Most devastating and disturbing the NSW government on Friday night signed off the requirements with the concurrence of the environment minister following the ruling of the court just hours prior they were invalid, so the Land Clearing Laws are in effect again,.
Rather than go back to the drawing board and heed the scientific advice, the concerns of many farmers and the communities across NSW the government has instead treated our unique environmental heritage and the functions of our ecosystems with contempt – all to serve the big agri-business corps, such as the big corps who have thieved the water from the Murray Darling Basin.
The government’s own assessment revealed the new code will lead to a spike in clearing of up to 45 per cent and expose threatened wildlife habitat to destruction, including 99 per cent of identified Koala habitat on private land.
Many good farmers objected to the new Land Clearing Laws understanding the importance of vegetation to sustain their farms in the management of erosion, salinity, water resources, insect control, shade etc. They embrace their obligations for the protection of our unique wildlife and ecosystems for future generations.
Very sadly the government has signed off on the fast tracking of the extinction of our very treasured and endangered National icon – the Koala, along with a number of other threatened species and ecosystems.
These laws are simply a reward to the big agri-business corps and the very few farmers who unlawfully operate their business with no regard for this or future generations. And what a devastating slap in the face for the family and friends of the departmental officer who was shot dead while simply doing his job re unlawful clearing.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
