‘More regulation is not the answer’

A REPORT by a group of ecological scientists calling for more legislation to reduce land clearing won’t solve climate change according to AgForce, because it takes a “narrow view” of the science and fails to acknowledge the realities on the ground.

AgForce CEO Michael Guerin said farmers, as the “true environmentalists”, were intrinsically concerned about climate variability.

“Farmers work on the land day-in day-out,” he said.

“It’s their livelihood and it feeds millions of Australians every day, which is why agriculture is already working very hard in this area.

“Calls for governments at all levels to pass yet more restrictive vegetation management laws lacks perspective.

“Queensland farmers are crying out for workable solutions to sustainably manage the landscape, not more regulation and red tape that works against society, industry, and our land’s unique biodiversity.

“The statement by the Ecological Society of Australia on land clearing fails to acknowledge the reality or the broader scientific picture.

“Cattle producers are simply not clearing vast quantities of land to raise livestock but selectively manage their land, similar to the way indigenous Australians have been doing for thousands of years, encouraging healthy regrowth and a balance between the different types of vegetation that are more representative of pre-settlement times.”

The Royal Society of Queensland, along with AgForce and NRM Regions Queensland, will host a policy summit in May 2019 which will gather scientists and policy makers in Brisbane to look at the current gaps in regional planning and help preserve and build our natural capital.

Mr Guerin said this would be a great opportunity for all parties to work together towards finding real solutions.