AGFORCE has welcomed Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham's announcement that it was 'business as usual' for landholders under the current vegetation management regulatory framework.
Within his announcement Dr Lynham said he wanted to assure landholders there would be no rushed changes to the Vegetation Management Act 1999 and that he intended to consult broadly with industry before presenting options to Cabinet for consideration.
AgForce general president Grant Maudsley said he welcomed the clarity offered by Dr Lynham to landholders concerned by announcements made during the state election campaign in January.
"What this shows us is the existing framework continues to be administered and we know what it is we are working with," Mr Maudsley said.
"We have met with the Minister and outlined our concerns in relation to statements made in the lead up to the state election and have been assured there will be no surprises and that government will listen to landholders."
Mr Maudsley said these assurances had been echoed by Agriculture Minister Bill Byrne who over the last week had accompanied AgForce on a tour of regional Queensland.
"I have spent the last few days on the road with Minister Byrne who has also said there will be wide consultation with industry on vegetation management," Mr Maudsley said.
"This tour has provided Minister Byrne with the opportunity to see first hand that under the current framework, including Self Assessable Codes and existing mapping functions, landholders have the tools required to deliver positive, on the ground results for all stakeholders.
"The Minister has also seen and heard the importance of retaining Property Maps of Assessable Vegetation (PMAVS) to provide certainty and security to primary producers."
However, Mr Maudsley reiterated the importance of landholders operating within current regulation.
"The existing rules are there for a reason and it is important landholders operate within these boundaries and that there is a compliance program in place should an individual step beyond this," he said.
"We now look forward to working with Minister Lynham and Minister Byrne to continue to demonstrate the need to maintain the many balanced and positive aspects of the vegetation management framework."
