Tasmania's forest regulator to review land-clearing enforcement
Hundreds of farmers protested at Parliament House in Tasmania. The Forest Practices Authority will now review its land-clearing investigations.
Farmers gathered with tractors outside Parliament House in Hobart. They raised concerns about how the Forest Practices Authority investigates land-clearing breaches.
One farmer, William Fergusson, received a $100,000 court fine. He had cleared 18.6 hectares without approval.
The cleared land included threatened native vegetation. This fine triggered the protest.
The regulator will independently review its investigation methods. It will work with TasFarmers to improve communication about land-clearing rules.
A petition with 2,803 signatures called for penalties to be fairer and more balanced.
- $100,000
- Fine amount
- 7.1 hectares
- Threatened vegetation cleared
- 11.5 hectares
- Forest cleared
- 2,803
- Petition signatures
Why it mattersFarmers face heavy enforcement costs. The regulator is willing to review its practices. This suggests it may change how it investigates cases and sets fines.
AustraliaTasmania's agricultural sector may see shifts in how land-clearing rules are applied and enforced on farms.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 d ago
