Veg laws hot topic for PRA
THE new vegetation management laws were under the spotlight at the 15th annual Property Rights Australia conference in Charleville last weekend.
There were between 50 and 60 people in attendance at this year’s conference from all across Queensland.
“They were certainly very upset about the vegetation laws and that was the hot topic of the conference,” Joanne Rea, the chairwoman of Property Rights Australia, said.
“But I think the vibe was one of determination and people enjoyed catching up with like-minded people.”
The keynote speaker at the event was Peter Spencer, Australia’s longest serving property rights warrior.
He came to national attention in 2009 when he undertook a hunger strike up a wind pole that lasted 52 days. He spent more than a decade in court and on the day of the conference found out his appeal wasn’t going to be granted.
“He was absolutely professionally and delivered a wonderful address,” Ms Rea said.
“He’s a very passionate speaker. The conclusion he came to is that property rights are not secure in this country.”
The group was also addressed by Lestar Manning from T&E Law on the topic Lessons from the Trenches.
“He told us about a case he had actually lost, it’s currently on appeal, with one of the gas pipeline companies who it was claimed had not rehabilitated in accordance to the agreement with the landowner,” Ms Rea said.
“They lost that case because the court decided they had made an effort and it didn’t need to be perfect, but the landowners are appealing that.”
Local Charleville graziers Scott Sargood and Dan McDonald spoke about the new vegetation laws and how they were affected.