Qld: Beattie should reopen tree clearing negotiations Oppn

AAP General News (Australia)
12-11-1999
Qld: Beattie should reopen tree clearing negotiations Oppn

Queensland opposition leader ROB BORBIDGE says Premier PETER BEATTIE should scrap his
new vegetation management laws and reopen negotiations with interest groups.

Mr BORBIDGE says Mr BEATTIE'S position is untenable after revelations the leglislation
would cost $500 million in property and production values in the primary production sector.

The tree clearing restrictions, rammed through parliament yesterday, are designed to
preserve one third of the vegetation that covered Queensland in 1788.

Mr BORBIDGE says in a statement a half a billion dollar price tag shows the laws are
totally unrealistic.

However Mr BEATTIE says the report, prepared by the Department of Primary Industries,
is fatally flawed and full of disclaimers.

The premier will take the report to cabinet on Monday.

AAP RTV ch/rat

KEYWORD: TREES (BRISBANE)

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