Land Clearing

10 November 2003

Treeclearing moratorium a good step forward for the Daly

The Environment Centre of the Northern Territory has today welcomed the decision by Clare Martin - Chief Minister of the Northern Territory to place a moratorium on large scale treeclearing and agricultural subdivisions in the Daly Basin. However, to ensure the long term protection of the Daly Basin future land use planning should be based on advice from Australia's best environmental scientists.

"The declaration by Chief Minister Martin of a moratorium on large scale treeclearing and agricultural subdivisions in the Daly River Basin is a good step towards protecting the environmental and cultural values of the Daly River." Mr Henry Boer Northern Woodlands Campaigner said today.

"The Daly River is rich in native wildlife and is one of the Territory's premier Barramundi fishing rivers. The NT Government needs to protect the environmental and cultural values of the Daly to secure the long term viability of the region."

Mr Boer said "We need to ensure any future plans do not allow the same blunders as the Murray - Darling where large scale treeclearing and irrigated agriculture has led to soil erosion, dropping water levels and loss of abundant native wildlife."

"There are concerns, however, that the proposed expert advisory group set up to advise planning in the Daly Basin is dominated by NT Government officials. It is vital, if we are to avoid the mistakes of southern Australia that expertise is sought from the absolute best of Australia's independent scientists."

"Independent, expert advice from Australia's best environmental scientists is essential if we are to plan an environmentally sustainable future for the Daly River region."

"We need to make sure we secure the long term protection of the Daly River region's significant natural and cultural values for the benefit of all Territorians." Mr Boer concluded

For more information contact the ECNT:
08 8981 1984
Email: ecntdaly@iinet.net.au

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