[Greens-Media] Banjo Patterson rolls in his grave over amendments to Travelling Stock Routes

[Scott Hickie]

Ian Cohen MLC
Media Release                                                          
                       
2nd  December 2008
 
Banjo Patterson rolls in his grave over amendments to Travelling Stock
Routes
 
With the support of the Shooters Party the New South Wales Government
has initiated a process of dismantling the Travelling Stock Route (TSR)
system.  
 
“TSRs are not only an iconic part of the Australian bush landscape,
they are vital, uninterrupted corridors for the passage of livestock and
the movement of native fauna, including many that are vulnerable or
endangered,” said NSW Greens MP Ian Cohen. 
 
”These amendments in no way make any commitments for the protection
of TSRs. They do not capitalise on the unique biodiversity management
opportunities for regional NSW which may in the future be linked to
income generating conservation measures”. 
 
“We need legislation that ensures these 600,000 hectares are not
handed over to the Department of Lands, who is notorious for hacking up
Crown Land and leasing or selling it off. Instead, the Government should
be committing further funding to ensure the continuation of this great
Australian tradition.”
 
In 1975, NSW had over 2.1 million hectares of stock routes, which are
publicly owned and available for the use of farmers and the community.
By 2001, there were only 600,000 hectares of stock routes left in NSW. 
 
“This government has a proven track record of conquering and dividing
the stock routes. It’s time they put their commitment in writing to
ensure the survival of TSRs for future generations,” said Mr Cohen. 
 
Drovers and graziers, slugged by both increases in fuel prices and
heavy drought conditions in recent years, have relied on TSRs to both
transport and feed livestock. Conservationists and scientists maintain
that the stock routes are not only vital corridors for native wildlife,
but will also be increasingly important in staving off the effects of
climate change, as native animals and plants that are sensitive to
climate will need to migrate in the coming years. 
 Both conservationists and farmers insist that TSRs should stay as one
protected unit of land, and should not be divided up for short-term
gain. 



Scott Hickie
Adviser to Ian Cohen MLC
Macquarie Street, Sydney, 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 2204, 
Fax: +61-2-9230 2267
Mobile: 0404 490 566
Web: www.iancohen.org.au