LCC Draft Biodiversity Strategy attacks farmers: Cr Bennett

LISMORE City Council’s Draft Biodiversity Management Strategy is now on public exhibition, but Cr Greg Bennett says it’s a “disgraceful attack” on farmers.

LISMORE City Council's Draft Biodiversity Management Strategy is on public exhibition, but Councillor Greg Bennett says it's a "disgraceful attack" on farmers.

Slipping through the council with a vote of six to five on November 11, the strategy has been pitched as protecting and conserving biodiversity, while coexisting with agriculture.

But following the meeting, Cr Bennett has taken to social media to vent his frustration with the draft's proposed costs and supposed impact on farmers.

"The staff preferred option will add a further 1.9% to your rate bill via a special rate increase," he wrote.

"This is on top of the usual rate pegging increase and increases in garbage, water, wastewater (which are not restricted), plus the special rate increase that council has adopted in its 10-year plan (due in a couple of years' time).

"Already more than 1 in 10 ratepayers are behind in their rates, yet this doesn't seem to warrant consideration. How many more will join this list once all these rate increases occur?"

Cr Bennett said the strategy would act as a harsh blow against local farmers.

"The situation is particularly dire for our farmers; firstly, the prices they receive for their produce are simply not increasing as such their ability to pay is declining," he said.

"In relation to the Biodiversity Strategy, farmers are being slugged 100% more than town ratepayers (on the average bill) and remember farmers have already given up much in the name of the environment.

"Given the facts, which are known to Lismore City Council, I think it is fair to ask why this council is treating those who feed our society with such disdain."

The special rate increase would fund close to $1 million on additional staff and a Southern Cross University landholder study as part of the strategy, if it proceeds, Cr Bennett said.

He asked concerned residents to send the council submissions regarding its Biodiversity and Growth Management strategies.

The draft is on exhibition until February 24 and can be viewed at http://www.lismore.nsw.gov.au, or at the council's offices.

Submissions on the draft and proposed rate increase can be made at the council's website or emailed to [e-mail].

Draft Biodiversity Management Strategy

Lismore City Council's goals

• Improving council processes, procedures and associated staff training to ensure best-practice environmental management.
• Achieving ecologically sustainable development by creating a Biodiversity Development Assessment Framework for the assessment of development applications.
• Implementing the Rural Landholder Initiative in partnership with Southern Cross University and Lismore's agricultural community.
• Implementing the Urban Green Corridors Plan to enhance Lismore's urban environment by linking existing bushland and riparian areas.
• Education programs tailored to the community, schools and industry groups.