Australian farmers seek clarity on overlapping environmental laws

Farmers in the Riverina region have called for greater clarity regarding environmental regulations, warning that overlapping state and federal systems could lead to significant penalties.

During a meeting at an Illabo property, National Environmental Protection Agency chief executive John Bradley met with producers and NSW Farmers president Rebecca Reardon to discuss the practical challenges of legislative compliance. The discussion focused on how the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act interacts with existing New South Wales legislation.

NSW Farmers president Rebecca Reardon stated that producers are struggling to navigate two separate regulatory systems, particularly concerning routine property management involving native vegetation. She noted that farmers may obtain approval through Local Land Services under state law, only to find they must also satisfy separate federal requirements. Uncertainty regarding legal definitions, such as “significant impact,” further complicates the ability of farmers to determine their obligations.