Don’t let consultation process be “white-washed by inner-city greenies”

5th January 2022

Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Deputy Leader and Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto is urging rural and regional Queenslanders to have their say on the future of environmental regulation in Queensland.

Consultation is under way about the possible establishment of an independent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for Queensland. The consultation seeks to understand the views and needs of the community and stakeholders about the future of environmental regulation in Queensland. [1]

“Voices of regional Queenslanders need to be heard on the matter to ensure the process is balanced and not white-washed by inner-city greenies,” Mr Dametto said.

“Land in the Hinchinbrook shire is predominately used for sugar cane, cattle grazing and fruit and crop growing.

“With agriculture being the main industry and source of livelihood for many, fair and balanced environmental regulation is crucial for our farmers.

“Environmental Protection (Great Barrier Reef Protection Measures) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 and Queensland’s Waste Levy are both examples of current environmental legislation that have negative impact on rural and regional Queenslanders.

“We are seeing more and more farmers getting bogged down by red and green tape, resulting in them spending more time in their offices rather than the paddocks.

“I would like to see the current Labor Government empower the community to be more sustainable rather than legislating their way to a better environment.

Mr Dametto is encouraging all rural and regional Queenslanders to get involved by completing a short survey which takes about five minutes to complete and is open to the public until Sunday 6 February 2022.

The survey is available on the Department of Environment and Science website, Management and regulation page via https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/management/epa-consultation

—ENDS—

Photo: Nick Dametto MP.

Media Enquiries: Caitlin Schofield 0402 352 343 or Nick Dametto MP 0410 036 258.

[1] https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/management/epa-consultation