Letter to the Editor: When is a structure not a structure?

DEAR News Of The Area,

THE recent refusal of the Land and Environment Court to acknowledge agricultural polytunnel structures as ‘structures’ requiring development approval, highlights once again the need for urgent State-based planning reforms encompassing all zoned land, including rural lands.

While we all recognise the value of the Industry, the current established laws have long failed to recognise the very real impacts of large scale intensive agricultural activities on the health, wealth and rights of the environment, impacted neighboring landowners and local communities. It is not the first time our elected Council has ‘kicked the can’ down the road on this issue, and while it is disappointing that our current Councilors have declined an opportunity to challenge the decision through legal appeal, it is also a ridiculous state of affairs that places the onus on a lone Council and its ratepayers to pursue and instigate what would be significant reforms with State wide implications.

Isn’t it well past time our elected National members showed us that they are prepared to push for the reforms needed to make a better, safer and fairer environment for everyone in their constituencies on the North Coast?

Why is it that once again our vocal elected Greens representatives have to do the ‘heavy lifting’, both locally and in State Parliament in challenging the vested interests and inertia that are maintaining this archaic and grossly unfair system?

Regards,

Dave WOOD,
Boambee East.