COOKE CALLS FOR LAND MANAGEMENT CODE SUBMISSIONS TO BE MADE PUBLIC

Monday, 1 September 2025

Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke is calling for the publication of all non-confidential submissions relating to the Land Management Code amendments.

On 6 June, a four-week consultation period commenced, with NSW Local Land Services seeking feedback on significant changes to the Land Management (Native Vegetation) Code 2018.

According to the NSW Government website, “submissions will inform the final amendments to the code” and “submissions may be made public on the Local Land Services website unless clearly marked confidential.”

It remains at the sole discretion of the NSW Minister for Agriculture whether these submissions are made public. During a budget estimate hearing on Monday, the Minister committed to transparency but was vague in agreeing to publish the non-confidential submissions.

“In their current form, the proposed amendments demonstrate a complete disconnect from the realities of life on the land and would see more red tape added to an already heavily regulated industry,” Ms Cooke said.

“It is vital that the final amendments reflect the input of the community, landholders and other interested stakeholders.

"If the Minister is truly committed to transparency, she must make the submissions public.”

In July, the consultation period was extended by an additional four weeks following widespread criticism that the process was rushed and poorly advertised.

Ms Cooke has since released her own submission and called for changes to the Land Management Code to be halted until meaningful consultation with farmers has occurred, and the Draft Native Vegetation Regulatory Map is accurate.

“It beggars belief that the Minister would seek to implement significant rule changes that rely on accurate mapping, when the NSW Minns Government has on multiple occasions acknowledged that the maps aren’t correct,” Ms Cooke said.

“It is just as vital for the environment as it is for the agriculture industry that the Native Vegetation Map is accurate, and right now, the map has fence lines and metal sheds confused with critically endangered ecosystems.”