• LNP’s Andrew Cripps takes fight against Labor’s draconian changes to vegetation laws to Roma and Augathella
• Palaszczuk Labor Governments rollback of vegetation laws demonises farmers and panders to greens
• Warrego MP Ann Leahy fights for her local farmers and landholders on changes to law

The Opposition has continued its campaign against proposed changes to Queensland’s vegetation management laws, with Shadow Minister for Natural Resources Andrew Cripps today visiting south-west Queensland.

Mr Cripps said the trip to Roma and Augathella was designed to discuss with local landowners and communities the damaging effects the Palaszczuk Government’s changes to vegetation management will have on rural and regional Queensland.

“I’ll be speaking to concerned farmers, landowners and key stakeholders about how Labor’s proposed amendments may impact on them and their communities at an AgForce Queensland regional forum in Roma on Monday and a public meeting in Augathella on Tuesday,” Mr Cripps said.

“I’m pleased to join with AgForce Queensland to oppose Labor’s bill and support their Fair Laws for Farmers campaign, which was launched to raise awareness of these issues.

“The LNP is committed to defending high value agriculture approvals, the right to manage regrowth vegetation on freehold property and maintaining the flexibility of the self-assessable codes.”

Warrego MP, Ann Leahy, said she had arranged for Mr Cripps to speak at the events so her local communities could learn more about the proposed changes and why the LNP was fighting against them.

“I invited Shadow Natural Resources Minister, Andrew Cripps, to come to the Warrego electorate to help farmers and landholders better understand how severe the proposed restrictions are and how they could reduce the value and productivity of their properties,” said Ms Leahy.

“We need the current vegetation management framework put in place by the LNP to remain to provide opportunities for the agriculture sector to grow.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s retrospective changes threaten landholders and seek to reinstate the reversal of the onus of proof, meaning they will be presumed guilty unless they can prove themselves innocent.”

“The Palaszczuk Government has failed to listen to the needs of rural and regional industries.”

Key facts:

• Monday 20 June: AgForce Southern Inland Forum. Cultural Centre, Roma between 9:30am – 5:30pm
• Tuesday 21 June: Vegetation Management forum. Augathella Hall, Augathella between 11am – 2pm