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Ingram seeks tighter plantation controlsIndependent Member for Gippsland East, Craig Ingram is seeking tighter controls on the development of large scale pine plantations in far East Gippsland. By Craig Ingram - 2nd October 2003 - Back to News "The continued development of these broadscale pine plantations is having a considerable impact on the environment, and small rural districts," Mr Ingram said.
"It is threatening the very viability of some rural communities by way of displacing agriculture and rural families, and undermining social structure and community cohesion.
"The pine plantation industry is acquiring rural properties for softwood plantations at prices that are considerably higher than values that can be supported by the traditional rural market
"Taxation laws are giving plantation developers an unfair advantage over traditional agricultural industries promoting an uneven playing field.
"I understand the New South Wales Government is investigating the establishment of a Landscape Planning approach to address the proliferation of pine plantations in South Eastern NSW, which could see further pressure to establish plantations in the Delegate and Deddick areas in North-East Gippsland.
"I plan to visit the area in the near future to inspect the issues first hand and to discuss the
concerns with local residents.
"I have written to the Premier, Mr Steve Bracks, requesting that he works with the New South Wales Government, to establish a more consistent, joint landscape planning approach to these management issues," Mr Ingram concluded.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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