Premier prepared to seek advice on land clearing laws following Fergusson case

Premier Jeremy Rockliff has said he is prepared to seek advice about land clearing regulations following outrage from farmers about a primary producer being slapped with a $100k fine.

William Farlie Fergusson was fined $100,000 after pleading guilty to unauthorised tree clearing on his family’s Grindstone Bay farm near Triabunna.

He was charged with the unauthorised clearance and conversion of 7.1 hectares of a threatened native vegetation community, specifically Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian blue gum) dry forest and woodland, and the unauthorised clearing of 11.5 hectares of trees.

Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Lyons MP Carlo Di Falco asked Mr Rockliff about the issue during question time in state parliament on Wednesday.

“The farming community is saying to us that these forestry regulations are out of control,” Mr Di Falco said.

“When will you act to support our farmers against this bureaucratic red tape and allow them to do what they do best?”

Mr Rockliff said he is hearing frustration from farmers around the state about the issue.

“I am more than willing and open to take advice to see what can be done to ensure a common-sense position is taken where farmers are unfairly targeted.

“I believe there is a balance needed here.

“We need to back in our productive sectors, our farmers, to ensure that they have a fair legal regime, but an opportunity to ensure their land is as productive as possible.”

Mr Rockliff said he was aware of farmers across the state who were “utterly devastated about what they are hearing”.

“These are people who go about their jobs wanting to get the best use of their land in a sustainable way.

“It only makes good sense for them to support and protect the natural resources in which they have invested in and been given.”

The Premier told parliament he was not across the intricacies of the Fergussons' case.

“But I am across the feeling.” Mr Rockliff said.

“And the feeling from farmers is that they’ve had enough and they’re frustrated.”