LABOR'S VEGETATION MANAGEMENT LAWS PREVENT LANDOWNERS CLEARING PROPERTIES TO PROTECT FROM BUSHFIRES Restrictive State Government Vegetation Legislation contributed to excess fuel loads and lack of hazard reduction, on both publicly and privately owned land, significantly contributing to the 2019/20 bushfires. Time consuming and complicated applications for hazard reduction clearing, resulted in delayed permission and restrictions on landowners seeking to clear fire breaks along boundary lines to protect their properties. In addition, excessive vegetation in State Forests and National Parks, and a lack of sufficient buffer zones between them and privately owned land exacerbated the fire risk to people and communities. Applications from landowners for vegetation clearing, in some cases took over 2 years to process. Many landowners have lost their crops, homes, businesses and livelihoods in the interim as a result of this exhaustive and restrictive (green tape) legislative process. Landowners are reluctant to ‘break the law’ and clear vegetation for firebreaks without a permit. Under the Vegetation Management Act 1999, inspectors can enter private property (without a warrant) to view suspected vegetation clearing. Fines for infringements are large. Labor’s failed Vegetation Management Laws are a disgrace. Labor cannot claim to protect Queensland’s environment while enforcing failed environmental policies. https://www.riteon.org.au/submission-for-bushfire-inquiry/