Native veg responses speak loudly

As the deadline loomed, only 12 submissions had been received,

but this number rose to just above 400 by the closing date last Friday, said review panel chairman Neil Byron.

Dr Byron said the responses were very diverse, reflecting the wide scope of the review, which includes the Native Vegetation Act, the Threatened Species Conservation Act, the Nature Conservation Trust Act, and parts of the National Parks and Wildlife Act.

“I am delighted with the number and quality (of responses),” he said.

Dr Byron said 10 people were given an extension to submit their responses for special reasons.

The panel has until October 18 to work through the submissions and prepare an interim report to Environment Minister Rob Stokes.

A final report is due on December 18.

Mr Stokes would not comment on the review process.

Dr Byron said the panel would tour NSW to conduct public meetings to discuss the review with the community, in conjunction with Local Land Services.

The review panel might also commission and fund key stakeholder groups to undertake relevant research or policy option development.

The federal government’s environmental legislation is also facing changes, with National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) president Brent Finlay calling for a reduction in red tape during the past week.