Urgent action needed to halt land clearing crisis
22 Jan 2003
Conservation groups are calling for a joint funding package from the State and Federal Governments to end land clearing in Queensland.
New figures released today show there is an environmental crisis occurring in Queensland.
The State Government has revealed that over 1 million hectares of bushland was destroyed in the State between 1999 and 2001 - an increase on the previous two year period.
"The Premier is focussing on the amount of illegal land clearing that has occurred, but that issue is peripheral when you look at the excessive rates of legal land clearing being endorsed by his Government" said QCC Coordinator Felicity Wishart.
"These figures are excessive by any standard - land clearing is out of control in Queensland" said WWF spokesperson Peter Cosier.
"Token measures to address illegal clearing are open to evasion and will not solve the problem" added TWS spokesperson Louise Matthiesson.
"Scientific experts have repeatedly demonstrated that land clearing is the prime cause of salinity and the number one threat to native wildlife."
"On top of that it is uneconomic, poor farm management" she said.
"The upcoming COAG meeting is the time for Governments to agree to solve this crisis. We cannot let this wholesale destruction of Australia's landscape continue" concluded Mr Cosier.
