FLAG rally to take place at Parliament Lawns on Thursday

Hundreds of farmers and other members of the public are expected to descend on Parliament Lawns on Thursday for a rally against what primary producers say are overbearing regulations and red tape from the Forest Practices Authority.

The Farmers and Landowners Action Group (FLAG) formed after William Farlie Fergusson was fined $100,000 after pleading guilty to unauthorised tree clearing on his family’s Grindstone Bay farm near Triabunna.

This sparked a grassroots movement of farmers opposed to regulations imposed by the Forest Practices Authority and other government departments.

Since then, the state government has announced it would review forest practices regulations for farmers and landowners.

FLAG is holding a “right to farm” rally on Thursday morning to “stand up for Tasmania’s agricultural industry”.

Group founder Lindsay White said he was unsure exactly how many people would show up.

“Everyone I talk to seems to know about it and say they are coming,” Mr White said.

“But whether that translates to 500 or 1000 people, I don’t know.”

Mr White has been travelling around the state documenting farmers’ experiences with the FPA and other government organisations.

“People are ringing me every day with stories about what’s been happening on their farm.

“What we want to achieve is to have some people power to put pressure back on the government.”

Mr White said farmers had traditionally been hesitant to stand up to government and other organisations.

“These organisations need to rein in their regulation and the way they are treating farmers.

“I’ve seen the impact that the FPA has had on farmers mentally and financially.”

The rally at Parliament Lawns starts at 11am.