Press Release

Western Australian farmers are applauding State Environment Minister Bill Marmion’s undertaking to amend the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) in order to address numerous shortcomings in the clearing of native vegetation.

“The existing native vegetation clearing laws continue to oppress and vilify farmers for attempting to increase the productivity of their land,” Pastoralists and Graziers Association (PGA) President Rob Gillam said today.

”These oppressive laws have led to many farmers facing financial ruin and criminal prosecution for clearing regrowth on their own private property.”

“This is not in the best interests of farmers, agriculture, or the environment.”

“Since their introduction by the Labor Government in 2004, the PGA has been the lone voice in calling for the existing native vegetation clearing laws to be reviewed, and for the Environmental Protection Act to be amended to allow for the clearing of regrowth and an end to criminal penalties for minor infringements.”

“We applaud Minister Marmion’s commitment that he will undertake a review of the State’s native vegetation laws and that he will allow farmers to finally have a chance to have their concerns addressed.”