There is an interesting short article in Rural Press WA publication, Farm Weekly called, Property rights a nightmare for farmers. Written by Tyson Cattle & published online on the 2nd January, this article looks back on the nightmare year of 2011 and the controversies generated by the Department of Environment & Conservation (DEC). The article then looks at the push for legislative change in WA and a change in how the DEC treats farmers. The examples of abuse against individual farmers given in this article are the same as discussed many times on the Just Grounds site.

THE Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) was at the centre of controversy regarding property rights in 2011.

Munglinup farmer Maxwell Szulc was in the thick of the action again this year this time being jailed for 15 months for failing to comply with a land clearing injunction

 

This year also saw relations between farmers and the DEC tested with Kukerin farmer Matthew King found guilty of unlawfully clearing five hectares of land on his farm for a firebreak and was ordered to pay over $23,000 in fines and court costs.

Mr King claimed it was good farm management but was still found guilty.

He is now seeking legislative changes.

 

But the issues throughout the year, add to 2010 charges of Mullewa farmer Ian Broad (fined $85,000) and Narrogin beef producers Matt and Janet Thompson's issues in getting a license for their feedlot.

 

Many farmers believe unless the legislation is changed the relationship between your average farmer and the DEC may be beyond repair.

2012 shapes as an interesting year for property rights.

The old Chinese proverb reminds us that interesting doesn't always mean good.

Do you believe that 2012 will be the year that the corner will be turned on the path towards securing property rights in WA?

Has the light yet appeared at the end of thast very dark tunnel for the vision of landowners again allowed to be productive good land managers?