Labor hypocritical over Northern Australia Infrastructure Fund
Queensland Labor Treasurer Curtis Pitt recently demanded the Turnbull Liberal National Party government make legislation to establish the Northern Australia Infrastructure Fund (NAIF) a priority before the next federal election.
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Notwithstanding Curtis Pitt’s hyperventilation, what opportunities for the NAIF will the Turnbull Government find in North Queensland if it does get the bill through the Federal Parliament?
The answer is, too few, thanks to the Palaszczuk Labor government.
At present, Labor has bills in the Queensland Parliament to roll back legislation by the former LNP Government to encourage eco-tourism, provide water for new irrigation precincts and help landholders manage vegetation to expand the agriculture sector.
Curtis Pitt’s hypocrisy is rank.
The contrast could not be starker.
While he LNP has made the development of Northern Australia a priority, the Palaszczuk Labor government is moving to deny North Queensland our best opportunities to grow.
Andrew Cripps MP
Shadow Minister for Northern Development
Member for Hinchinbrook
Tree clearing advice for landholders
The state has referred all tree-clearing permits to the Commonwealth for investigation under the EPBC Act, which is separate legislation to the approval process to the State.
They have done this to stop tree-clearing, under lawful permits approved under the previous state Government and those assessment processes.
This is a deliberate move, no doubt instructed by the State and Jackie Trad who is being influenced by WWF, the Wilderness Society and Australian Conservation Foundation. I have a letter attached from them to the Deputy Premier.
If you are contacted by Commonwealth DOE officers around the EPBC Act, by phone that you do not listen to them - request them to put all information or what they want to say by email and then hang-up.
Do not let DOE officers, or their consultants, on the property before seeking further advice. You are under no compulsion to refer your permit, and that soon as you do refer, it opens up comment from third parties. I believe that commonwealth DOE are in cahoots with the State.
If you have not commenced clearing, you have undertaken no action to suspect a 'breach' of the Act.
These obligations under the EPBC Act are self-assessable. You have a valid tree clearing permit.
All applications would have been assessed under the State's Nature Conservation Act 1992 for potential species. The NCA and 'essential habitat' and flora survey trigger maps are required under the State legislation, before a permit is issued. For my clients - I also assess risks under the EPBC Act for likelihood of listed species being present.
It is clear that this Department is continuing to intrude on lawful activities and cause you distress and burden you with red and green tape.
Has the department specifically identified to you what 'matters' may be of concern to the Department under the EPBC Act?
I would advise that you speak with a solicitor/lawyer before speaking with the Department. You could also contact the President of Property Rights Australia that DOE are continuing to harass and coerce landholders into referral.
Senator Ian MacDonald is happy to take complaints. The other suggestion is to contact National Party Senator for Queensland, Barry O'Sullivan's office or your local MP.
I believe many in these Departments are green people, who obviously got into these jobs as they are environmentalists.
Peter Spies
