It is hoped that a coronial inquest into the death of Environmental Officer Glen Turner will expose supposed “flaws” in the government’s previous, and now proposed land management reforms.
Local conservationist Phil Spark is spearheading the charge against the new Native Vegetation Act, which will come into effect on August 25, hoping to officially lodge a request for the coronial inquest early this week.
In 2014, Croppa Creek property owner Ian Turnbull shot and killed Mr Turner as he and a colleague were carrying out compliance work, following up on reports of illegal clearing on the Turnbull property.
The new legislation will give farmers and landholders greater powers to manage and maintain their own land, including the deregulation of clearing laws.
While the implementation of a $240 million Biodiversity Conservation Trust will be used for stewardship, conservation and wildlife refuge agreements.
“The government have never really been committed to the Native Vegetation Act, and now they have given into the farmers’ wishlist – giving them what they want,” Mr Spark said.
“Glen Turner had been working on the Turnbull case for two and a half years, but the government didn’t back up their field staff with appropriate action – he should have never been there.
“The government were negligent in their duty of care – a coronial inquest will expose that.”
Following 7100 submissions, 5500 against, being submitted in the first round of submissions against the proposed act late last year, another 5500 were submitted in the second round, which closed on Wednesday.
“The regulations go way above that necessary for farmers to maintain their land, to control regrowth and invasive species,” Mr Spark said.
Meanwhile, Deputy premier John Barilaro has championed the new laws during a visit to Tamworth on Friday, saying that “they will lead to greater productivity, while rewarding acts of conservation”.
