Review of the 10/50
Vegetation Clearing Rule
People do have a right to protect their homes - but this sledge-hammer approach has appalling consequences.
The Society considers that there are major problems associated with the implementation and operation of the present Code that need to be addressed.
These include:
- Lack of a demonstrated need for the Code and the absence of consideration of alternative property protection measures.
- Lack of proper process and transparency in the implementation of the Code.
- Complete disregard of World Heritage Listed Properties.
- The over-riding of existing Local Government Planning instruments and of State Legislation particularly the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, and the lack of compliance with Commonwealth Legislation.
- Ecological and environmental consequences resulting from the operation of the Code as applicable in the Blue Mountains.
- Misuse of the Code by property owners and commercial tree and land clearance contractors.
- Compliance and enforcement issues.
The Society's full submission can be found here.
Greg Smith (Epping, Liberal) made this speech in parliament on Tuesday 5th November calling for a moratorium on the legislation. He was the NSW Attorney General until April this year.
The NSW Rural Fire Service
regarding the
Review of the 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Rule
Just put your name and address at the end and send it.
Feel free to change the email any way you like.
There are limitations with the prepared email facility.
For example, it may not work with web-based email programs - such as Yahoo, Hotmail and Gmail.
If the prepared email facility doesn't function, please use the email text below to prepare your own email, and send it to the NSW Rural Fire Service:
10.50@rfs.nsw.gov.au
Subject:
Review of the 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Rule
The prepared email reads -
NSW Rural Fire Service
Review of the 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Rule
I object to the 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Code of Practice for NSW that was implemented without adequate public consultation.
I request an immediate moratorium on all 10/50 approved clearing while the policy is reviewed.
I'd prefer the Government to rescind the Code and return to the system of Bushfire Risk Assessments and issuing of Hazard Reduction Certificates by the Rural Fire Service.
My main objections to the 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Code are that:
1. It over-rides existing State environmental laws including the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and so permits clearing of threatened ecological communities, populations and species.
2. Clearing encouraged by the Code will have detrimental ecological and environmental impacts including loss of habitats and biodiversity, soil erosion and weed invasion.
3. It promotes the ecologically irresponsible use of the herbicides.
4. It ignores potential impacts on the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area.
5. It has been misused by property owners to unnecessarily remove unwanted trees and by contractors for commercial gain.
6. There is no process of compliance with the Code and no provisions for its enforcement.
Name:
Address: