True there was a victory for regional Queensland and for good governance when the Vegetation Management Reinstatement Bill was voted down. But this was a skirmish in a much larger struggle.
The tempo never eased from the Deputy Premier, Jackie Trad, after losing the vote.
Politically, to gain green preferences and a government majority next election, this loss can still be made to work for them.
To achieve this Ms Trad has to publicly show absolute conviction for the excessive environmental ideal.
There is desperation in the hyperbole; statements left unqualified implying to the well-intended but uninformed that farmers are environmental vandals.
While we should enjoy this win, need to learn from it and need to keep going.
We have demonstrated that together we can win.
Overall there was a strength and clarity of message in the absence of the conflict of government funding.
It was heartening to watch on social media up against The Wilderness Society (TWS), WWF and Greenpeace, people from the land armed with the straight forward truth, more than held their own.
The behaviour of these green organisations should never be forgotten: the prior vigilante activates of publically naming landowners legally clearing and demanding government prosecution.
The refusal of consultation – the-my way or highway approach, the vindictiveness towards landowners and the blatant lies while campaigning for the Bill to pass.
Read what is in their submissions and what was said at the hearings; they were positively baying for blood.
With an absolute hide WWF will claim to be the friend of farmers, they are without credibility and should not even be regarded as a necessary evil to be associated with. Rural organisations must take the initiative to run the agenda and no longer leave it to these green imposters, unhindered to unleash fury on agricultural producers.
Our message to urban voters should be that this is land set aside to produce their food.
For economic, social and environmental sustainability farmers need a living area to provide food for society, income for the family and with economic security in place they have the ability to be the land custodian.
- Dale Stiller, Property Rights Australia Chair