[Greens-Media] Protesting farmers saw off branch they’re sitting on

[Nic Clyde]

Media Release from Ian Cohen						
                  
July 3 2007

Protesting farmers saw off branch they’re sitting on

A civil disobedience campaign from farmers cutting trees on their own
land to force the land clearing agenda is harming the climate, the
environment and the farmers’ own standing in the community. 

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that today is day three of a planned
campaign of escalating illegal land clearing and environmental
destruction that may already have resulted in more than 4000 trees being
cut down in NSW, Queensland and Victoria.

“Whilst I support the right of anyone in the community to take
non-violent direct action these farmers have gone too far”, said Upper
House Greens MP Ian Cohen.

“Their plans have gone well beyond symbolic public protest, they’re
actually serious about committing acts of vandalism against the
environment. 

“They’re doing more than just making a point, they’re causing
real destruction and in the process they’re sawing off the branch
they’re sitting on.

“Questions need to be asked about the involvement of groups such as
the Australian Beef Association and the Commonwealth Property Protection
Association. Are they inciting farmers to break the law?

“What about the NSW Farmers Association, will they publicly condemn
this protest land clearing?

“Funds are available to land owners wanting to do the right thing,
but uptake of these has been low in some parts of the state*. State and
Federal Governments together committed $406.3 million dollars as part of
the native vegetation reforms announced in 2003, to support
environmental management by landholders in NSW. 

“It sends mixed messages to the community if farmers are not making
use of the money that is available to protect bush, whilst chopping
trees down and demanding compensation”, said Mr Cohen.

Further Information: 	Ian Cohen: 0409 989 466

*Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs) administer these funds
including incentive payments to landholders who choose to manage parts
of their land for conservation. In several CMAs (particularly in the
Central West) we understand there has been very low take-up of incentive
funds.



Nic Clyde
Adviser, Greens MLC Ian Cohen
Macquarie Street, Sydney, 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3305, Fax: +61-2-9230 2267
Mobile: 0417 742 754
Web: www.iancohen.org.au