|
Safety And Sensible Development Keys To Changes
Allowing essential services such as the construction of a single airstrip for light aircraft to improve the safety of rural workers is an important feature of several changes to the Daly region land clearing arrangements Minister for Natural Resources and the Environment, Marion Scrymgour said today.
Ms Scrymgour said other changes also aimed to strike a balance between protecting the
“Put simply, these are sensible changes that will allow landholders to seek consent in applying to clear land for these essential infrastructure developments,” said Ms Scrymgour.
“I know from the days when I worked in remote health settings, remote airstrips are not just a tool of the pastoral trade, they are vital links in case people are injured out bush—this will allow them to be constructed.
“Likewise, allowing farmers to look to strategic and environmentally sensible siting of mustering runs, holding yards and watering points is vital to proper and safe management of livestock.
“These changes do not allow for broadscale land clearing or subdivisions, as these are broader regional issues that are currently being reviewed by the Daly River Management Advisory Committee.
“Any application will still be subject to a rigorous assessment process under the Planning Act that ensures the environment is protected and that any proposed clearing does not encroach on the Daly River.
“We recognise that farmers in the Daly region are working hard to ensure that the significant environmental values of the Daly region are protected while also improving agricultural productivity.
“The Northern Territory Government’s commitment to maintaining and protecting the environment of the Daly region remains unchanged.
“Today’s announcement will, however, provide farmers with an opportunity to improve their
management systems and productivity, and still play an important role in deciding future directions for the region.”
The land clearing changes would also allow for the possible construction of:
• a single airstrip for light aircraft;
• a mustering run for livestock not exceeding 100m in width;
• a single stock holding yard not exceeding five hectares in area; and
• a maximum of four stock watering points not exceeding a total of two hectares in combined areas.
Media Contact: Ryan Neve (08) 8901 4074 or 0401 119 609
