Qld: Most farmers fail to stick around for cabinet meeting

AAP General News (Australia)
02-14-2000
Qld: Most farmers fail to stick around for cabinet meeting

Most farmers who gathered in northern Queensland to protest against the government's
new tree clearing guidelines left overnight, despite a state cabinet meeting in the outback
town today.

Premier PETER BEATTIE and his ministers faced around 500 angry landholders in protest
meetings in Winton until late last night.

Farmers throughout the state are claiming their basic rights as freehold property owners
have been eroded by the new laws.

The laws demand at least 30 per cent of existing vegetation on rural land be retained.

Meanwhile, state cabinet is considering a submission to introduce four year parliamentary
terms in Queensland.

Cabinet's also expected to approve new assistance measures for isolated communities
connected to the Queensland power grid.

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KEYWORD: TREES (WINTON)

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