Gilbert + Sutherland

Gilbert & Sutherland Principal Agricultural & Environmental Scientist Neil Sutherland has told a Queensland Environmental Law Association (QLEA) seminar that more consultation over a new Temporary State Planning Policy (TSPP) is warranted.

Neil told the seminar that the assumptions underpinning TSPP No.1/2010, ‘Protecting Wetlands of High Ecological Significance in Great Barrier Reef Catchments’ needed further scrutiny and greater stakeholder consultation. He said in some instances, conflict could arise due to the ‘wetland’ definitions used and the default buffer requirements specified. TSPP 1/10 will restrict or ban major agricultural earthworks adjacent to or upstream of wetlands, effectively limiting cropping choices for the first time.