Some of the most far reaching reforms to agricultural production and reef protection in Queensland's history will be decided from a Brisbane desktop, with the State Government failing to schedule any confirmed regional hearings on the proposed new laws.
LNP Environment spokesman David Crisafulli said the move would ensure new regions and new industries previously not covered by the legislation, wouldn't get the chance to put forward a reasoned case for the type of reform needed.
"The LNP wants to ensure a plan that protects the Great Barrier Reef, while protecting the rights of land owners," Mr Crisafulli said.
"Sadly, the government doesn't have the decency to front up in the coming week when hearings are supposed to be held and listen to the very communities these laws will impact.
"Wide-reaching laws are proposed to be enforced from Cape York to the Sunshine Coast but after promising a consultative road show the State Government haven’t even confirmed a single hearing outside of Brisbane.
"There is no reason to rush these changes and I’m calling on the Government to allow regional communities a say.
“We've got to get these changes right and that involves talking to the communities which are impacted.
"It's a rushed hatchet job because they don't want to face the justified scrutiny from regional Queensland."
